If you are someone who enjoys a mix of delicious food, rustic ambience, and peaceful surroundings, then Ranwada Dhaba (Patil Wada) in Valvan, Lonavala might be a place worth exploring. It’s a unique spot that blends antique charm with a comfortable dining experience, and though it comes with its own set of pros and cons, the overall experience is something you will remember.
The first thing that catches your attention here is the antique theme. The entire setup of the dhaba is done in a way that resembles an old-fashioned wada (mansion), giving you that traditional Maharashtrian countryside feel. From rustic wooden furniture to artifacts that reflect old-world charm, the dhaba maintains an aura that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a different era. It’s not a modern, flashy restaurant, but rather a place that connects you to simplicity, tradition, and heritage.
When it comes to food, taste is genuinely good. The dishes are well-prepared, and the flavors feel authentic. Be it the typical Maharashtrian thali, veg/non-veg curries, or tandoor items, the cooking style stays true to its roots, offering both homely taste and satisfying portions. You won’t find the food to be overly spicy or bland—it balances perfectly to cater to families and groups. If you’re someone who enjoys hearty meals, you will definitely like what’s served here.
The service is also good, with staff being polite and attentive. They don’t rush you and allow you to enjoy your meal peacefully. Food is usually served on time, and the staff seems well-trained to handle customer requests. This makes the overall dining experience smoother and more enjoyable.
One of the biggest advantages of this place is its huge parking lot. Unlike many restaurants in Lonavala where parking becomes a nightmare, Ranwara Dhaba offers ample space. Whether you come in a car, SUV, or even a tourist bus, you’ll find enough parking without any stress. This makes it a convenient option for large groups and families traveling together.
Surprisingly, the dhaba is not very crowded, which adds to its charm. You won’t have to deal with long waiting times or noisy environments. The calm surroundings give you space to enjoy your food in peace, making it a good choice for those who prefer less chaotic spots in tourist-heavy Lonavala.
Now, when it comes to pricing, the rates are slightly on the expensive side. The food tastes good, but you might feel that the bill doesn’t justify the simplicity of the setup. However, considering the antique theme, spacious layout, and peaceful experience, the pricing may feel reasonable to some customers. Still, if you are on a tight budget, this is something to keep in mind.
One downside here is that the location is a bit hard to find. It’s not situated on the main highway or a very prominent spot, so first-time visitors may struggle with directions. You might need to rely on maps or local guidance to reach there. Once you do, however, the effort feels worth it because the peaceful setting makes it special.
Ranwada Dhaba (Patil Wada) in Valvan, Lonavala is a place that stands out for its antique theme, peaceful environment, and good food. It’s not overcrowded like many tourist spots, making it perfect if you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal with family or friends. Yes, the prices are slightly on the higher side and finding the place can be tricky, but the taste, service, and ambiance make up for it. Add to that the biggest parking lot you’ll probably see in this category, and it surely becomes a convenient and...
Read moreMy recent visit at Ranwara Hotel left me with a bitter taste in my mouth, largely due to the rude behavior of one particular waiter. His name was Bhaskar Basad. While there were some positive aspects of the hotel, the poor treatment we received from the staff overshadowed them.
Upon entering the hotel's restaurant, my companions and I were greeted by a waiter who seemed disinterested and unwelcoming. As we approached the table, the waiter audaciously suggested that we should consider changing our dining location, presuming that we were wet. This assumption was completely baseless and offensive, as there was no indication of us being wet whatsoever.
To our disbelief, the waiter did not even bother to take our order. He left us sitting at the table for an extended period without any acknowledgment or assistance. This lack of basic courtesy was deeply disappointing, especially considering that we were paying guests at the hotel.
The incident with the waiter tainted our entire dining experience at Ranwara Hotel. It left us feeling undervalued and disrespected, as if our presence was an inconvenience to the staff. Such behavior is unacceptable in any establishment, let alone a hotel that prides itself on providing quality service to its guests.
While it is important to note that the hotel itself had some positive aspects, such as its convenient location and well-maintained facilities, the rude demeanor of the waiter significantly impacted our overall impression. A single staff member's behavior can leave a lasting impression on guests, and unfortunately, this encounter was a major flaw in an otherwise potentially pleasant experience.
As a customer, I believe that exceptional service and genuine hospitality should be at the core of any establishment's values. Regrettably, this waiter failed to uphold those standards, and it resulted in an unpleasant memory of my stay at Ranwara Hotel.
I sincerely hope that the management of Ranwara Hotel takes this feedback seriously and addresses the issue appropriately. No guest should be subjected to such disrespectful treatment, and steps should be taken to ensure that all staff members are trained in customer service etiquette.
In conclusion, due to the negative encounter with the rude waiter, I cannot recommend Ranwara Hotel to others. It is my hope that the hotel takes steps to rectify this situation and ensures that future guests are treated with the respect and courtesy...
Read moreIf you crave for rustic yet incredibly delicious and honest flavors, head over to Runwara Dhaba (Patil Wada). The place was quite a challenge for us to find. Once you head on the highway towards the expressway, you will come across boards / signs that point to the dhaba, follow those and take the left from the highway. And as soon as you do, there is a kaccha rasta on the right that you have to take. Just a few yards into this kaccha rasta you will see a huge “entrance” that says Runwara Dhaba (Patil Wada). As we approached this place, I have to be honest that I wasn’t quite convinced that I should be having my meal here but that would have been such a mistake. The exterior décor of this place is... well, a bit random. I believe it aims to create the feel of a Peshwari fort but to me it just seemed either incomplete or not thought through. But that could just be my (mis)interpretation of what they were going for. Once you enter, it has a typical dhaba feel and feels super welcoming. You have to take off your shoes at the entrance and inside there are “khatiya” seating which is fun and relaxing. The staff is humble, warm, and very kind. They just exuded honesty in how they answered our questions about the items on the menu. We did want to try the ghavran chicken but they had run out of it, so instead we settled for the chicken thali and egg thali along with solkadhis. The Solkadhi was undoubtedly among the best I have ever had! So refreshing and packed with flavor. The various dishes in both the thalis were simply outstanding and had a very homely taste and feel. The quantities are a total value for money! All in all, do try this place when you’re in Lonavla next. The menu is quite run-of-the-mill but the flavors will blow your mind away. I did take away a star for the atmosphere because the approach road and the entrance from the parking lot could be...
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