Mirari – The Hills Have a New Table

A new culinary bungalow in the hills where Lonavala’s stories, flavours and timeless hospitality come alive.

For generations, the drive to Lonavala has been more than just a weekend escape.

It has been a ritual.

The winding roads through the Sahyadris, monsoon waterfalls cascading over mountain cliffs, steaming cups of chai, roadside corn, long conversations with family and friends, and, inevitably, a memorable meal at one of the region’s beloved dhabas have made Lonavala an emotion that generations have grown up with.

Among the names that have become synonymous with this journey is Sunny Da Dhaba, an institution known for its legendary Butter Chicken, iconic khatiya seating and warm hospitality that has welcomed travellers for decades.

Today, that legacy enters an exciting new chapter.

Introducing Mirari, a thoughtfully imagined culinary bungalow nestled in the hills that brings together the nostalgia of Lonavala with contemporary dining, creating a destination designed to be discovered, revisited and remembered.

More than a restaurant, Mirari is a place where people don’t simply stop to eat, they arrive to pause, reconnect and celebrate everything that makes Lonavala special.

Eat. Sip. Unwind.

That philosophy lies at the heart of Mirari.

Derived from the word meaning to wonder, Mirari captures the feeling every traveller experiences on arriving in Lonavala, the mist rolling over the mountains, the fresh air after the rain and the quiet beauty of the hills. That sense of wonder has inspired every corner of the bungalow.

Within Mirari are two distinct dining experiences, each inspired by the destination itself.

Leni is an ode to Lonavala’s heritage and evolving café culture. Named after the ancient Buddhist cave sanctuaries - or lenis - that have shaped the region’s history, the café celebrates slow mornings, artisanal coffees, comforting bakes and leisurely conversations. Its menu brings together comforting classics and thoughtful local nods, from the Burrata Margherita Flatbread, Corn Bhaji with Poached Egg and the Pulled Lamb Leg Sandwich to the indulgent Lonavala's Famous Walnut Fudge Crêpes and Sticky Toffee Ginger Pudding. These are best enjoyed alongside refreshing signature beverages such as the Morning After Cold Brew, the fragrant Mogra Cooler, each thoughtfully crafted to complement Leni's menu and encourage guests to slow down, savour the moment, and linger long after the last sip. 

Avaali, inspired by the rolling hills and valleys that embrace Lonavala, presents contemporary Indian cuisine rooted in tradition and elevated through thoughtful craftsmanship. The menu showcases signature Sunny Da Dhaba favourites alongside modern Indian creations, from the 100 Layer Sindhi Aloo Tukk, Kerala Prawn Pepper Fry Cigars and Truffle & Herb Kothambir Wadi to the iconic OG Butter Chicken and the indulgent Mirari Falooda. Complementing the menu is an inventive cocktail programme featuring signatures such as the Aamlet, a refreshing twist on the classic aam panna cocktail, and Fudge, a decadent blend of Baileys coffee liqueur inspired by Lonavala's iconic fudge. Together, they create a vibrant dining experience where India's culinary heritage is reimagined for the modern table  

Together, Leni and Avaali celebrate the many ways people experience Lonavala—from relaxed café mornings to memorable family feasts and long evenings over exceptional food and drinks.

For founder Sharad Wadhwani, Mirari is a heartfelt tribute to the destination that has shaped generations of memories. “Lonavala has always been more than a getaway, it is where memories are made. With Mirari, we wanted to create a grand bungalow in the hills that honours the warmth and legacy of Sunny Da Dhaba while offering a fresh dining experience for today’s traveller. This is our way of giving back to a place that has given us so much.”

Whether it’s a leisurely lunch with family, a sunset coffee overlooking the hills, cocktails with friends or an unplanned stop on a road trip, Mirari is designed to become part of every Lonavala journey.

Because some places are destinations.

And some become traditions.

Welcome to Mirari

Little Italy Opens in Lonavala, Bringing Its 35+ Year Legacy to a New Destination

Lonavala,  September 2026: Little Italy, India’s pioneering vegetarian Italian restaurant brands, has opened its new restaurant in Lonavala. The launch marks a new chapter for the brand, which began its journey in 1989 and today has over 45 outlets across 20+ cities in India and Dubai.

Located between Pune and Mumbai, Lonavala was a natural choice for Little Italy as the brand looks to create more than just a dining experience. The new restaurant has been designed as a relaxed destination where guests can enjoy good food, spend time with family and friends, and take part in experiences beyond the meal.

Spread across more than 11,000 sq. ft., Little Italy Lonavala has a seating capacity of 110 guests with an additional Banquet space for Parties, including indoor and outdoor seating. The space combines the warmth of Little Italy with a contemporary and relaxed setting, making it suitable for families, couples, groups of friends, young professionals and weekend travellers.

Italian food remains at the heart of the menu, with Little Italy’s popular pizzas, pastas and other Italian favourites. The menu also features authentic Neapolitan pizzas and signature dishes such as the Barberesca, Roman Pizza, and desserts like Tiramisu. To cater to larger groups and different preferences, the Lonavala menu also includes a selection of Asian, Mexican and Indian dishes.

Speaking about the launch, Raj Mehta, Chairman, Little Italy, said, “Little Italy has always grown with the people who have grown with us. What began in 1989 has today become a brand that has been experienced by generations of guests. Lonavala is an exciting new chapter for us. We want to create a place where food, time and experiences come together. While our roots remain the same, we are also looking at new ways to connect with the next generation.”

Amrut Mehta, MD, Little Italy, said, “With Little Italy Lonavala, we wanted to create more than just a restaurant. We wanted to create a place where people can come together, spend time and enjoy different experiences. Little Italy Escapes is an important part of this, with experiences around food, music, leisure and activities, and eventually stays as well. When people come to a destination like Lonavala, they often come with family, friends or for celebrations and events, so having a variety of cuisines and experiences in one place makes it more convenient and enjoyable. Whether it is a weekend outing, a family gathering, a corporate event or a wedding, we want people to be able to make the most of their time here. The idea is simple; we want Little Italy Lonavala to be a place where the experience goes well beyond the dining table.”

One of the key highlights of Little Italy Lonavala is its focus on experiences. The restaurant will introduce The Brundowner – Brunch to Sundown, a weekend experience that encourages guests to spend more time at the property.

The experience begins with a leisurely brunch and continues through the afternoon with activities such as monsoon walks, photography walks, painting, pottery, pizza-making, pasta experiences, board games, Books & Brews and Chai & Stories. Guests can choose the activities they would like to participate in and enjoy the day at their own pace.

The afternoon then moves into a Sundowner with music, sharing bites and beverages, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy the Lonavala setting.

Little Italy is also developing Little Italy Escapes – Stay, which will bring together dining and curated stay experiences through hospitality partnerships.

The aim is simple: to create a place that people visit not only for a meal, but to spend a memorable part of their day.

The Lonavala launch also comes as Little Italy looks at how the brand can evolve for a new generation of diners. The brand is working on Little Italy reserve, a younger and more contemporary expression of Little Italy that will retain the food, warmth and legacy the brand is known for along with some exciting new additions.

More details about Little Italy reserve will be announced at a later stage.

The Lonavala restaurant was introduced through The Founder’s Table, an intimate dining experience hosted by Chairman Raj Mehta and MD Amrut. The format allowed guests to experience the story of Little Italy through food, from its beginnings and Italian roots to its expansion into Lonavala and its plans for the future.

With its new Lonavala property, Little Italy is taking a familiar brand into a new setting  bringing together its much-loved food with a relaxed atmosphere and experiences designed for today's weekend traveller.

Brand | "Monsoon Magic Getaways” at The Fern Hotels & Resorts across the country

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has introduced attractively priced “Monsoon Magic Getaways” at select Fern hotels & resorts across the country.  The package which is currently on will continue till July 31.

It provides the guests a stay for three nights and bills them for two nights only. The company has announced the participation of 24 of its properties covering beaches, hills & mountains, jungle safaris & forests, temple towns and historical monuments across eight states and the Union Territory of Daman.

Noshir A Marfatia, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing said, “Located at some of the most picturesque places of the country, these monsoon packages are pleasingly priced at Rs 8,999 AI and Rs 10,999 AI and come with a whole bunch of goodies.”

Some of the package features include:  

2 nights/3 days stay inclusive of accommodation, buffet/TDH breakfast, and all currently applicable taxes

· Stay for 2 nights and get the 3rd night complimentary on a room-only basis (breakfast and meals chargeable extra)

· Early check-in from 9 am, late check-out up to 6 pm, subject to availability

· Up to two children under 6 years complementary in parent's room with no extra bed/mattress

· Child (6-12 yrs): INR 800 per night, inclusive of extra bed/mattress, breakfast, and taxes

Package Inclusions:

· Complimentary non-alcoholic welcome drink on the day of arrival

· Complimentary 2 bottles of packaged drinking water in-room daily

· Complimentary tea/coffee making facility in-room with daily sachet replacements

· Buffet/TDH breakfast

· 20% discount on all F&B

· Complimentary sanitization of guest's vehicle at the time of check-out

· All currently applicable taxes are included in the rates