Fiori Review: What You Must Try at Lonavala’s Aesthetic New Glasshouse Restaurant

Lonavala comes alive during monsoon. The landscape turns green, the fog clears, the temperature drops 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-soaked outing would be incomplete without the warmth of delicious food and drinks. This time, it was provided by Fiori, a newly opened restaurant at the 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 beloved aspects of a typical Lonavala experience. Thanks to polycarbonate sliding roofs, guests can enjoy the pleasant weather without its drawbacks. An innovative brother-sister duo is the driving force behind Fiori. Suraj Gupta and Sanskriti Gupta are second generation entrepreneurs of family-owned Greenotel of Regenta SG. Culture, an architecture graduate, played a major role in the thematic concept of the restaurant – from the glasshouse ambience to the plant motifs of the menu design. The entirely vegetarian kitchen is led by head chef Gracian de Souza. The menu features a range of elegantly served dishes that highlight beloved European and Mediterranean flavours. Suraj told us that when selecting the recipes for Fiori, the focus was on taking familiar flavors and giving them a distinctive twist. The aim, he added, is to allow guests to enjoy delicious comfort food – because they are on holiday – and Fiori provides a unique setting for this.

_{Photo Courtesy: Toshita Sahni}

We started our meal with Beetroot and Goat Cheese SaladOrange slices and apples provided 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 that followed, it had the hint of joy we associate with the holidays.

_{Photo Courtesy: Toshita Sahni}

If we mention indulgence, we have to talk about the Italian dishes on Fiori’s menu. Garlic Pizza Was a hassle-free treatment with henna and herb oils that we will come back for. As regular residents of Lonavala know well, as the weather turns cold and rainy, there is nothing better than the feeling of savoring a hot cheesy pizza. Of the pasta options, we recommend mushroom risotto With truffle butter for the same binge. There are also relatively light mains on the menu. Those who want to give up cheese can consider savory dishes like Vegetable Tagine With herb couscous. It was full of warmth and made for a welcome change from the usual dishes.

_{Photo Courtesy: Toshita Sahni}

True to the name any gastronomic feast needs a luscious dessert for a sweet ending. In Fiori, we fell in love with her Dutch Truffle Chocolate Cake Slice With orange creme anglaise. Thin layers of dark chocolate melted in our mouths with tiny bits of orange, which made for a wonderful contrast. Deconstructed Tiramisu The coffee was delicious with the sauce, but did not yield the coffee-infused creamy flavor that one typically expects from this Italian dessert.

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Fiori’s cocktail menu highlights botanical notes and nature-inspired elements that are in keeping with the overall theme. ,lavender love‘ (gin, lavender, apple and lemon) as well as ‘sunset of fiori‘ (Aperol, grapefruit juice, vodka, tequila and tonic water) was enjoyed by many. For a stronger option, try ‘bee sting‘, a tequila-based cocktail with jalapeno and honey. The restaurant also offers 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 began to cover the surrounding streets and rain had turned the hotel lawn green. The interiors filled with dim natural light provided a pleasant atmosphere to start the day. Given suitable weather conditions, we found Fiori even more attractive during the day. Although the restaurant is currently open to the public for dinner only, there are plans to expand its hours to serve breakfast and lunch soon. (The recipes below are part of the all-day breakfast section, so you can enjoy them anytime.)

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we enjoyed Apple and Cinnamon French Toast Served with maple syrup. The classic flavors kept the dish grounded and paired well with us Mi LatteAnother reliable command is pancake stack With maple syrup and lemon cream. There was one “healthy” treat that was worth a complete break from our ongoing feast: the Guacamole on Sourdough Toast With red pepper jam and crumbled goat cheese. This crispy toast with creamy, refreshing guac is something we can easily imagine eating every day.

_{Photo Courtesy: Toshita Sahni}

Fiori offers a pleasant and relaxing holiday in the heart of Lonavala. The extensive menu promises to attract diners with diverse tastes and preferences. Whether you’re planning a celebratory meal or simply looking for an aesthetic venue for your next vacation, come to Fiori for a special experience.

Where: Fiori, Regenta SGS Greenotel, Gwalwadi, Old Mumbai – Pune Highway, Lonavala, Maharashtra 410401.

_{Photo Credit: Fiori}