| p>What you see - Have you ever wondered why | | | | walls. A small water body in the interiors adds the |
| Little Italy serves only vegetarian food? Well, we | | | | element of panache. Dim lighting accentuates the |
| think we have the inside information. It is because | | | | ambiance, making it apt for a quiet dine-out. |
| the owners of the company are Gujaratis. | | | | Now this place is not for you if you are looking at |
| Now here's another piece of background. The | | | | having your regular fare. Lebanese, French and |
| brand was actually started by an Italian chef called | | | | Italian cuisine is what is primarily on offer. There is |
| Don Giovani, 17 years back, when he came to | | | | ample choice for both the vegetarians and the |
| visit Osho's Ashram in Pune. So he started | | | | non-vegetarians. |
| something called La Pizzeria that still runs in Pune | | | | We tried the Iced Tea (Rs. 80 each) and |
| with the same name. Little Italy was started later | | | | Vegetarian Caesar Salad (Rs. 200). The Iced Tea |
| in time. | | | | was just right in terms of flavor, temperature |
| The brand has now expanded to multiple cities like | | | | and portion size. Now to be honest, the reviewer |
| Mumbai, Goa and our very own Hyderabad. And | | | | is not one of those who would binge on salads. |
| while Giovani is no longer the owner of the | | | | However, the Caesar Salad changed the |
| company, he makes it a point to come to India to | | | | perception with its croutons, lettuce and bell |
| advice on the menu and the cooking style. After | | | | pepper with the perfect dash of salt, pepper and |
| all, Little Italy is known for its authentic Italian | | | | creamy dressing. |
| cuisine. | | | | We moved on to some Lebanese kebabs. This |
| Little Italy in Hyderabad reminds you of a small | | | | actually did not impress us much in terms of |
| cottage. Homely in appearance and minimal when | | | | authenticity because we found it more Indian in |
| it comes to decor, this Mediterranean cuisine | | | | taste. Then the pita came along with its dips. |
| restaurant does not really have a glass | | | | While the pita was average, the dips were worth |
| façade that let's you see what's in store | | | | stealing recipes for. |
| for you inside. So if no one from the restaurant's | | | | Zafraan Laguna also has domestic and imported |
| staff is standing outside, you could as well walk | | | | wines for you to sample. It even has a separate |
| by. | | | | soundproof corner for drinks and music where |
| The people behind Zafraan Laguna, however, | | | | you can hold a party for about 25 people. They |
| seem to have realized this. For they have | | | | even have a DJ coming in once a week. Apart |
| someone standing outside to usher you in. In fact, | | | | from that, the restaurant takes up outdoor |
| you step out of the elevator and the door of | | | | catering and home delivery orders. |
| Zafraan will be opened for you - even while you | | | | The verdict - The restaurant is ideal for quiet |
| are deciding among Zafraan, Malgudi and Basil, all | | | | personal or official meets. The food is different |
| of which are located on the same floor. | | | | and good to taste. While several of its dishes rate |
| What you get - As far as the ambiance is | | | | high on the authenticity front, some of them slip. |
| concerned, Zafraan gives you a pleasant | | | | Service is prompt and courteous. Prices are on |
| experience with earthy colors like dark brown and | | | | the higher side and so it is a little heavy on the |
| cream for furniture, walls and ceiling. A dash of | | | | pocket. Parking is not really an issue because it is |
| color is splashed around with flora paintings on the | | | | located in a mall. |