Lonavala has forever been a favourite road trip destination from Mumbai, especially as the monsoons roll in. It is a land of cascading waterfalls at every turn, lush green hills shrouded with misty clouds, and crisp air that makes it the perfect escape for a staycation. But what is a true staycation without exceptional food to keep you full and happy through your getaway? Now, you don’t have to search beyond just one. Mirari, a multi-level dining bungalow, is redefining the hill station’s food essence. Moreover, it houses two distinct culinary spaces under one roof, Leni and Avaali, each with its dedicated bar experiences. At Mirari, a true taste seeker is covered from morning to night.
Lonavala’s dining bungalow – Mirari
Upon entering Lonavala, the rain-glistened main road takes one by a grand orange bungalow surrounded by striking stone walls, with a glowing sign that reads, Mirari. While it carries the charm of a luxury hotel, the villa is entirely dedicated to the art of dining. Mirari was crafted by the founders of Lonavala’s iconic 30+ years old spot, Sunny Da Dhaba, the Wadhwani family. Moreover, Mirari was born out of a desire to give diners a place where brunch, dinner, world-class cocktails, and coffee conversations seamlessly coexist. The ground floor houses Leni, a Greek-inspired café and bar tailored for slow brunches and high-end sundowners. Walk up a floor, and you enter Avaali, a modern Indian dining with its own vibrant Irish bar that transforms your night with desi flavours and post-dinner parties.
Leni café and bar
Named after the ancient caves of Lonavala, Leni is a heritage European-Mediterranean cafe. With crisp white interiors, warm bamboo woven lighting, and contrasting blue decor, the space is reminiscent of Santorini. However, the absolute highlight of the space is the floor-to-ceiling glass window that dominates the view of the green street and pouring rain. Accompanied by the calm and cosy playlist, Leni gently wakes you up for a perfect cup of speciality coffee and lazy vacation brunch.
Mediterranean morning bites
The food at Leni is light, fresh, and wonderfully ingredient-forward. Start your table with a generous portion of Mezze Platter, loaded with fresh lavash, crisp crackers, pickled beetroot, stir-fried mushrooms, and a parade of earthy dips including hummus, garlic aioli, and smoky muhammara. Additionally, for an eggcelent breakfast, the Deep-fried Corn Bhaji topped with a poached egg is a pure satisfaction machine, especially when paired with a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. Nevertheless, vegetarian or not, the Baked Jackfruit & Aubergine Polpette steals the show. These giant vegan meatball bites melt in your mouth alongside a hearty marinara sauce.
If you prefer to kick off your brunch on a heavier note, you can’t go wrong with the classic Cherry Tomato Aglio e Olio with juicy prawns. This pairs perfectly with a spiced kokum cooler for a refreshingly zingy contrast. Mind you, you will be delightfully full, but save room for dessert. No continental breakfast is complete without pancakes, and Leni’s Frosted American Pancakes come piled high with banana whipped cream and seasonal fresh fruit.
Sundowners at Leni Bar
Once you have finished brunch, digest the view or take a short walk across the hallway to Leni Bar. As the day transitions into twilight, the space transforms into an inviting, moody escape. High glass windows frame the lush view outside, while ambient creative lighting and plush blue couches exude an effortless quiet luxury. The glimmering bar offers a curated wine selection to pair with small bites alongside a cocktail menu highlighting local botanicals. For the sweet tooth, don’t miss the Fudge cocktail, a playful nod to Lonavala’s famous sweet treat, mixing vodka, Nutella, and espresso. Nevertheless, for something tropical, the Pineapple Tribe delivers a refreshing blend of rum, pineapple, and brine. They additionally feature hyper-local innovations like a signature Chikki Cocktail, creatively playing on Lonavala’s beloved peanut brittle.
Avaali
As night falls and day’s adventures wind down, head up the twisting staircase running along Mirari’s glass facade to reach Avaali, located directly above Leni. It is named after the sweeping valleys of Lonavala and operates on the philosophy, Indian by origin, contemporary by design. Moreover, Avaali is a warm, family-friendly dining destination that boasts subtle lamp fixtures, elegant floral details, rich reds and orange fabrics, and an arched window looking out over the streets below. Rather than trending fusions, Avaali focuses on soulfully Indian and regional authentic flavours, elevated by artful presentation. Furthermore, it reimagines beloved dhaba-comfort food into an upscale, experiential dinner.
Desi bites and nifty eats
No Indian feasts begin without rich appetisers and lively conversations. Kick off the meal with the Chef’s special, Chicken Rosali Tikka, a Mughlai dish that comes with a stunning mix of spicy minced chicken, cheese, and herbs, charred over charcoal in a tandoori marinade. For a unique vegetarian starter, the Ghee Roast Nadru Sheekh Kebab offers a textured bite from minced lotus step and roasted besan. However, the showstopper is the Kolhapuri Misal Bao, a bold twist on the Maharashtrian classic where soft baos meet a flavour-packed tarri.
For the mains, stick to the comfort of their OG Butter Chicken, featuring a velvety, creamy gravy and tender chicken. Whereas, if you crave mutton, the Twin Flame Mutton Curry is an unmissable dish, serving fall-off-the-bone meat in a finger-licking gravy. Pair these with the good ol’ butter naan or tandoori roti. Finally, finish the meal on a sweet end with the Pistachio Baklava with ice cream, a buttery, crunchy, and delightfully sweet ending.
Avaali Bar
Across the hall, the Avaali Bar offers a completely different mood: dark, seasoned, and a reminder of a cosy Irish pub. The bar menu leans into regional specialities and curated wines. A standout highlight is the Velvet Jamun, a seasonal cocktail that captures the exact sweet-and-sour essence of fresh monsoon jamun (black plum)
With remarkably caring staff and top-notch service, including valet, the warmest welcome is felt the moment you step inside. You shall truly get the best of both worlds at Mirair. Pack your bags because your next Lonavala foodie trip awaits.
Key Information
📅Monday to Sunday
⏰12 PM to 12 AM
💵Leni: ₹1200/- for two, Avaali: ₹ 2000/- for two (without alcohol)
📍PLOT No. 1 OF R.S. No. 105, C.T.S. No. 23A TUNGARLI, TAL, MAVAL, Lonavala
