Asmita Mukherjee 
Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad
Little Italy, in Hyderabad’s Kokapet neighbourhood, is a haven for vegetarian Italian food lovers. Located conveniently on the main road in Kokapet, Little Italy is easily accessible and offers ample parking space, a rarity in the busy city.
The interiors are a harmonious blend of rustic Italian decor and modern design elements. Soft lighting enhances the warm atmosphere, making it perfect for both a romantic dinner and a casual family outing.
The restaurant boasts an extensive menu that caters to a variety of palates, all within the realm of vegetarian cuisine. From wood-fired pizzas to creamy pastas and decadent desserts, the menu is a testament to the rich flavors and diverse culinary traditions of Italy. The brand recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, with the launch of its celebration menu.
The dining experience begins with a selection of appetizers that are perfect for sharing. The Wild Truffle Mushroom Soup is a standout starter, a rich concoction swirled with creamy foam and infused with the earthy flavors of porcini mushrooms. Each spoonful is a luxurious treat, setting the stage for the courses to follow.
Another popular choice is the Cheese Nachos. This dish features crispy tortilla chips generously topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, and a zesty salsa. The combination of flavors is a great way to kick off the meal.
Amrut Mehta, Director, Little Italy attributes the brand’s growth and success over the past three decades to an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. “Our ability to adapt to changing market trends, such as the introduction of cloud kitchens and DIY kits, has kept us relevant and competitive,” he explains. The strong brand loyalty cultivated through strategic expansions and consistent delivery of authentic Italian flavors has solidified Little Italy’s position as a leading Italian cuisine brand in India.
Little Italy’s pizzas are the star of the show. Cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven, the pizzas boast a thin, crispy crust and are topped with the freshest ingredients. The Margherita Pizza is a classic, featuring a simple yet delicious combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
The new menu features Pinsas, a new pizza style from Rome. For those seeking something with a bit more zest, the Piccante Pinsa is a delightful choice. Topped with spicy jalapeños, olives, and a generous layer of mozzarella, this pizza packs a flavorful punch.
To complement the delicious food, Little Italy offers a range of refreshing mocktails. The Ibisco Sangria and the Sangria alla Rosa featuring a subtle flavour of litchi juice, provide unique twists on the classic sangria, offering a refreshing end to an Italian sojourn.
Mehta outlines the ambitious revenue targets for this fiscal year, aiming to capitalise on anniversary celebrations and new product launches. “We are targeting CAGR at 15% YOY and opening 6 additional outlets by the end of the year. Our aim is to explore new locations in Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bhopal, Kolkata, Chandigarh, and Odisha. Internationally, we are considering locations in London, the UAE, and Kenya. We are also leveraging our new delivery app to make our offerings more accessible, and increasing sales of Acasa products which is a gourmet grocery brand by Little Italy in both retail and HoReCa markets,” he added.
No meal at Little Italy is complete without indulging in their exquisite desserts. The Saffron Milk Cake is a vibrantly colored Indian dessert that brings a delightful fusion to the Italian menu. The Chocolate Bomb, however, is the showstopper. This decadent dessert, with its rich chocolate exterior and molten center, is guaranteed to satisfy any chocoholic.
Mehta also shares plans for strengthening Little Italy’s presence in Northern and Southern India by increasing outlet density, implementing region-specific marketing strategies, and partnering with local influencers and events to engage with the community.
The Green Card Club loyalty program plays a crucial role in customer retention. “We have a great number of loyal guests who have frequented Little Italy for three decades now, and our loyalty program active user base is more than 10 lakhs people. The Green Card Club loyalty program plays a crucial role in customer retention by rewarding our loyal customers with exclusive benefits, discounts and special offers. This program fosters a sense of community and belonging among our customers, encouraging repeat visits and enhancing customer loyalty,” Mehta notes.
