Lonavala comes alive in the monsoon. The landscape turns green, fog descends, temperatures drop and people flock to its hills, where rain (unlike the city) is a celebration rather than an inconvenience. This year, we got a chance to welcome the monsoon with a short trip to Lonavala. Any such rain-blessed outing would be incomplete without the warmth of delicious food and drinks. This time, it was provided by Fiori, a newly opened restaurant in Regenta SGS Greenotel, located right off the old Mumbai-Pune highway.
Photo credit: Fiori
The region’s first glasshouse restaurant, Fiori promises an aesthetic concentration of some of the most loved aspects of a typical Lonavala experience. Guests can enjoy the relaxed splendor of the season thanks to the polycarbonate sliding roofs. An innovative brother-sister duo forms the force behind Fiori. Suraj Gupta and Sanskriti Gupta are second-generation entrepreneurs from the family-owned Greenotel in Regenta SG. Sanskriti, an architecture graduate, played a major role in the thematic concept of the restaurant – from the glasshouse ambiance to the plant motifs of the menu design. The entirely vegetarian kitchen is headed by head chef Gracian de Souza. The menu features an array of elegantly served dishes that highlight beloved European and Mediterranean flavours. While selecting the recipes for Fiori, the focus was on picking familiar flavours and giving them a distinctive twist, Suraj told us. The goal is to allow guests to enjoy delicious comfort foods — because they’re on vacation — and Fiori provides a unique setting for that, he said.
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
We started our meal with this Beetroot and Goat Cheese SaladOrange slices and apples added fruity goodness, while toasted almond flakes provided some much-needed crunch. Bruschetta with Roasted Bell Peppers There was another burst of freshness on the plate. But the appetizer that won our hearts was Nachos with black beansThese soft-shell tacos had a wonderful balance of flavors, and we loved the trio of cheese sauce, pico de gallo, and chipotle chili salsa. Like some of the other dishes to come, this one had a touch of the indulgence we associate with the holidays.
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
If we talk about indulgence, then we have to talk about the Italian cuisine on Fiori’s menu. Garlic Pizza With rosemary and herb oil, this was a fuss-free treat that we will be back for. As Lonavala regulars know well, there is nothing like the taste of a warm cheesy pizza when the weather is cold and rainy. Among the pasta options, we recommend mushroom risotto with truffle butter to make it equally edible. The menu also has relatively light main dishes. Those who don’t want to eat cheese can try delicious dishes such as Vegetable Tagine Paired with herb-rich couscous. It was very nutritious and a welcome change from the usual dishes.
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
True to its name, any cheesy feast needs a delicious dessert for a sweet ending. At Fiori, we fell in love with this dessert Dutch Truffle Chocolate Cake Slice Orange with Crème Anglaise. The rich layers of dark chocolate melted in our mouths and the little pops of orange added a wonderful contrast. Deconstructed Tiramisu This dessert with the coffee sauce was delicious, but it did not have the creamy coffee aroma that is usually expected from this Italian dessert.
Photo credit: Fiori
Fiori’s cocktail menu features botanical notes and nature-inspired elements that fit the overall theme. We love itLavender Love‘ (gin, lavender, apple and lemon) as well as ‘Sunset of Fiori‘ (Aperol, grapefruit juice, vodka, tequila and tonic water). For a stronger option, ‘Bee stings‘, a tequila-based cocktail with jalapeños and honey. The restaurant also serves a good selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
Photo credit: Fiori
The next day, we had the opportunity to enjoy a satisfying breakfast at Fiori. Overnight, fog started covering the nearby roads and rain turned the hotel lawns green. The interiors, flooded with muted natural light, provided a pleasant setting to start the day. Given the suitable weather conditions, we found Fiori even more appealing during the day. Although the restaurant is currently open to the public only for dinner, it plans to extend its timings to serve breakfast and lunch soon. (The dishes mentioned below are part of the all-day breakfast section, so you can enjoy them anytime.)
Photo credit: Fiori
we enjoyed it Apple and Cinnamon French Toast Served with maple syrup. The classic flavor kept the dish grounded and paired well with us Miel Latte. Another reliable command is Pancake Stack with maple syrup and lemon cream. There was one “healthy” treat that was totally worth forgoing from our ongoing feast: Guacamole on Sourdough Toast Topped with red pepper jam and crumbled goat cheese. This crisp toast with creamy, refreshing guac is something we could easily imagine eating every day.
Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
Fiori offers a pleasant and relaxing getaway in the heart of Lonavala. The extensive menu promises to appeal to diners with varied tastes and preferences. Whether you are planning a festive dinner or looking for a beautiful place for your next vacation, visit Fiori for a special experience.
Where: Fiori, Regenta SGS Greenotel, Gwalwadi, Old Mumbai – Pune Highway, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401.
Photo credit: Fiori
