Nestled amidst the Sahyadri ranges, Lonavala is a gorgeous hill station that offers stunning mountain views along with a tempting array of North Indian fare. From rich curries bursting with aromatic spices to fluffy naans straight out of the tandoor, the restaurants here satiate cravings for authentic Indian flavours. Here are detailed reviews of 7 can’t-miss North Indian restaurants in Lonavala:
1. Sunny’s World
Decorated with quirky Bollywood posters and neon lights, Sunny’s World is a fun North Indian restaurants in Lonavala on the Mumbai-Pune Highway. Start your meal with crispy Vegetable Pakoras or Tangdi Kebab while sipping cooling jaljeera. For the main course, the Butter Chicken is a crowd pleaser thanks to its velvety tomato-butter gravy and succulent chicken pieces. Rich and intensely flavoured, the Dal Makhani with a hint of fenugreek is the perfect accompaniment to their puffy garlic naan or lachcha paratha. Finish on a sweet note with the molten chocolate lava cake or classic Gulab Jamun soaked in rose-scented syrup.
2. Tawa Cubano
Blending the culinary influences of India and Mexico, Tawa Cubano is located right in Lonavala’s market area. Their fusion rolls, stuffed with spicy Indian curries, are legendary among locals and tourists alike. Sink your teeth into their hot-selling Paneer Achari Tikka Roll bursting with tangy pickled cottage cheese or the Keema Roll with intensely savoury minced lamb. The Malai Chicken Roll with its cream-laden gravy also makes for finger-licking good fare. Wash it all down with a refreshing basil mojito.
3. Food Arena
Adjacent to Lonavala station, Food Arena serves comfort North Indian food at wallet-friendly rates. Savour the smoky temptations of the Tandoor like Paneer Tikka and Murg Malai Kabab from their rooftop section that offers breathtaking valley views. The aromatic Mutton Rogan Josh is a perennial favourite with the gravy permeating every fibre of the fork-tender meat. Dal fry with the crackle of tadka and Pilau rice infused with caramelised onions make for soul-satisfying side dishes. Their Gulab Jamun drenched in sugar syrup makes for a sweet finish.
4. Le Rock Cafe
Encircled by lush jungles and looming hills, Le Rock Cafe opposite Tiger Point is tailor-made for scenic outdoor dining. As the sun dips over the horizon, flickering bonfires and Sufi music fill the air. Their Smoky Chicken Tikka pairs excellently with rumali rotis or garlic naan baked to order. Rich Mughlai staples like Mutton Korma and Kali Mirch Chicken boast an intricate blend of spices. For vegetarians, highlights include their Dal Bukhara simmered for hours and Shahi Paneer. End with a slice of their delicious chocolate lava cake.
5. Sunil’s Celebration
This homey restaurant decked out in wood and chequered prints serves comfort food straight from India’s Punjabi heartland. Dive into the creamy decadence of Palak Paneer and the rustic wholesomeness of Sarson Ka Saag with Makki di Roti. The melt-in-the-mouth keema kaleji curry is warming in the cool weather. But Sunil’s pièce de résistance is the Banjara Gosht with bone-in mutton braised in curried yoghurt and spices to melt off the bone tender. Finish off with hot jalebis dunked in rabdi.
6. Chikki Express
Snuggled next to the famous Narayani Temple, Chikki Express dishes out addictive North Indian chaats and snacks. Their pani puri comes with a sweet and spicy water filling alongside regular mint and tamarind versions. Other hits include the Dahi Bhalla swimming in creamy curd and the Raj Kachori, a mound of crispy bread filled with chaat. Heartier mains include dal makhani and lachcha paratha. Cool off with a tall glass of thandai or slurp worthy falooda with rose syrup.
7. German Bakery Hills
An offshoot of the iconic Pune landmark, German Bakery Hills bakes up wood-fired naan and kulchas to dip into their curries. Their rendition of the Butter Chicken is sublime, enriched by molten makhan and subtle spices. For vegetarians, highlights include Paneer Lasooni and Mutter Paneer. Their sandwiches and baked goods like Apple Strudel and Sachertorte pair excellently with masala tea or the cold Indian Coffee with ice cream. With outdoor seating surrounded by mist-cloaked hills, it makes for an idyllic lunch spot.
Lonavala’s North Indian food landscape has something to cater to every craving, be it fiery curries, crisp chaats or baked treats. The flavours may transport your taste buds to Punjab, Rajasthan, the bustling lanes of Old Delhi or even Latin America! So the next time wanderlust takes you to Lonavala’s emerald hills, let your appetite lead the way to these 7 North Indian restaurants in Lonavala.
Also Read- What Makes Butter Naan So Popular Across India?
