Fiori, a one-of-a-kind glasshouse restaurant, debuts in Lonavala

Lonavala, the picturesque hill station renowned for its quaint monsoons and cosy winters, adds a new gem in its culinary crown. Nestled in the heart of this serene town, Fiori, a stunning glasshouse restaurant, opened its doors to the public, promising an unforgettable dining experience that perfectly complements the natural beauty of its surroundings.

The story of Fiori begins with the vision of Suraj and Sanskriti Gupta, a sibling duo with a dream to create a space that celebrates both the weather and the flavours of Lonavala. Suraj, the business mind behind the venture, and Sanskriti, an architecture graduate from Sheffield University, UK, combined their talents to bring Fiori to life. Their goal was simple: to build a glasshouse restaurant that pays homage to the enchanting weather of Lonavala and pairs it with exquisite food.

Ambience
As you step into the restaurant a vertical garden welcomes you, leading into a dining room beautifully adorned with tall lampshades and classic chequered flooring. The floor-to-ceiling glass walls flood the area with natural light, creating a bright and inviting ambience. The interior of Fiori beautifully showcases Sanskriti's exceptional aptitude in design. At the far end of the dining room, an open kitchen buzzes with culinary activity, adding a dynamic element to the otherwise quiet space. Décor items crafted by local artisans, such as the striking lamps that were once vases crafted by Lonavala's own ceramists add character to the area. And despite being located in the heart of the city, Fiori still manages to offer a sense of comfort and tranquility.

What we tried
The entirely vegetarian menu at Fiori is curated by Goa-based chef Gracian de Souza, a seasoned culinary expert who previously worked in some of Mumbai's most renowned restaurants, cafes and properties through his 25-year career. Chef de Souza explained that his focus for the menu was on delivering simple yet clean flavours, avoiding unnecessary complexity, with a rustic approach to presentation, in a way allowing the inherent appeal of the delectable dishes to speak for themselves.

The Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad, adorned with honey mustard dressing and sprinkled with toasted almond flakes, makes for an enticing starter. And while the bruschetta may lack intensity in terms of flavour, the tacos offer a satisfying experience. Despite a tempting array of starters however, it's the Neapolitan pizzas that steal the show.

Don't forget to sip on the tantalising Bee Sting cocktail, a tequila-based creation with a kick of jalapeños and honey, or opt for a whisky-infused drink elevated with house-made caramel popcorn. Fiori also presents an array of botanically infused G&Ts, ensuring a refreshing beverage experience for every palate.

What worked
At Fiori, several dishes shone brightly, contributing to its culinary acclaim. I cannot stress this enough that the Neapolitan Pizzas emerged as the undisputed stars of the menu, while the luscious Tiramisu proved to be a decadent finale for dessert, leaving diners craving more for its indulgent goodness.

Verdict
Fiori stands as a symbol of elegance and cosiness amidst the pleasant charm of Lonavala, where the elements of weather, design and culinary art converge seamlessly. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Fiori transcends being just a restaurant; it's a destination—a haven to convene, rejoice and create memories that will last for a lifetime.