Olive Garden Makes India Debut with Flagship Restaurant at World St., Aerocity

Olive Garden Makes India Debut with Flagship Restaurant at World St., Aerocity

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 19, 2026

 Olive Garden, the globally recognised American Italian dining brand known for its comforting flavours and family-style dining experience, has officially entered India with the opening of its first restaurant at World St., Worldmark, Aerocity, New Delhi.

The launch marks Olive Garden’s entry into the Indian market through Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group (GIHG), a company known for introducing international dining brands to India. The group will lead the brand’s growth journey with a phased expansion plan beginning across Delhi-NCR before moving into other major cities in the country.

Located at World St., one of the Capital’s key lifestyle and hospitality destinations, the new restaurant aims to bring Olive Garden’s signature American Italian experience to Indian diners by combining classic flavours with a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.

Ramit Bharti Mittal, Executive Chairman & Director, Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group, said, "Launching Olive Garden in India is a natural progression of our vision to bring thoughtfully chosen, global dining icons to India to cater to the evolving consumer aspirations in the country. In deep collaboration with Darden International & Franchising, we have ensured that the brand's hallmark hospitality, comfort-driven menu, and celebratory, family-style experience are authentically reimagined for India. This milestone marks an important step in our long-term ambition to shape the country's premium, family-focused dining landscape."

Brad Smith, President - Darden International & Franchising, added, "We are thrilled to partner with our franchisee Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group to open our first Olive Garden in India here in Aero City, New Delhi. We know Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group deep restaurant experience will help us deliver Olive Garden's signature never-ending American-Italian generosity to our Indian guests."

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, S.K. Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, "We are delighted to welcome Olive Garden to World St. at Worldmark, marking its much-anticipated debut in India. Bringing globally loved brands to Indian consumers has always been central to our vision, and this launch is a significant milestone in that journey. World St. is a curated culinary and social destination at Worldmark, Aerocity."

Inspired by Olive Garden’s Tuscan roots, the restaurant design features warm interiors, rustic textures and inviting spaces that reflect the charm of the Italian countryside. Designed by Incubis consultants, the venue includes both indoor and alfresco seating areas, making it suitable for everyday dining, celebrations and family gatherings.

The India menu stays close to Olive Garden’s American Italian identity while also considering local preferences. Guests can choose from a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using quality ingredients.

Staying true to its global tradition, every entrée comes with Olive Garden’s signature never-ending soup or salad along with freshly baked breadsticks. Popular menu highlights include Chicken Alfredo, Lasagna Classico, Chicken Parmigiana and Tour of Italy, which combines three signature dishes on a single plate.

Known globally for its freshly grated Parmesan, hearty pasta bowls and shared dining culture, Olive Garden has remained a preferred destination for families and friends for over four decades.

Following the opening at World St., Gourmet Investments Hospitality Group plans to continue Olive Garden’s expansion journey across India, bringing the brand’s signature dining experience to more markets and communities.


Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

Vivanta Miramar Launches Verre Rooftop Bar, Blending Cocktails, Storytelling and Panoramic Sea Views

By Hariharan U

Published on June 10, 2026

Vivanta Miramar has introduced Verre, a new rooftop glasshouse concept that brings together handcrafted cocktails, global cuisine, curated music, and immersive storytelling, set against sweeping views of the Goan coastline.

Positioned as more than a rooftop bar, Verre is designed as a “parallel universe” experience where familiar archetypes are reimagined as playful characters, creating a layered and evolving social space. The venue transitions naturally from relaxed sundowners during sunset to high-energy nightlife as the evening progresses.

At the centre of the experience is a cocktail programme inspired by celestial themes, drawing from the sun and moon to create drinks that combine classic mixology techniques with global influences and experimental ingredients. The beverage offering is complemented by a contemporary menu featuring Asian, Mediterranean, and Indian flavours, along with curated shareable plates and a live sushi bar.

Music plays a key role in shaping the atmosphere at Verre, beginning with lounge and ambient sounds at sunset before shifting into upbeat and club-driven sets later in the night. This gradual transformation is designed to mirror the changing energy of the space as guests move from evening relaxation to late-night celebration.

A defining element of the concept is the introduction of “Verre Characters,” a storytelling feature that assigns playful personas inspired by everyday human traits. From dreamers to socialites and collectors, guests are invited to identify with these characters, adding an interactive narrative layer to the experience.

According to Ranjit Philipose, Senior Vice President – Operations, Goa, IHCL, Verre has been designed to go beyond traditional dining and drinking formats. He noted that the concept blends design, music, storytelling, and mixology to create a more immersive and memorable social experience in Goa’s evolving hospitality landscape.

With its combination of panoramic views, evolving atmosphere, and experiential storytelling, Verre positions itself as a distinctive addition to Goa’s rooftop and nightlife scene


Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

Novotel Hyderabad Airport Brings Coastal Italian Flavours to Food Exchange

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Novotel Hyderabad Airport is inviting guests to experience the flavours of coastal Italy with A Taste of the Italian Coast, a specially curated brunch designed to bring together authentic Italian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Hosted at Food Exchange, the brunch celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Italy’s coastline through a menu featuring classic favourites and fresh creations inspired by the region’s vibrant food culture.

Designed as a leisurely Sunday dining experience, the brunch offers families, friends, and food enthusiasts an opportunity to enjoy a carefully crafted selection of Italian dishes in a welcoming and elegant setting.

With its focus on comforting flavours, quality ingredients, and the laid-back charm associated with coastal Italy, the experience aims to transport guests on a culinary journey while offering a memorable afternoon of dining and hospitality.

The brunch will be available every Sunday in June 2026, except 21 June, at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

  • Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport
  • Dates: Every Sunday in June 2026 (except 21 June)
  • Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM


Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

Café Delhi Heights Opens New All-Day Dining Destination at Central 50, Noida

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

Café Delhi Heights (CDH) has announced the opening of its newest outlet at Central 50, Noida, further expanding its presence in one of the city's emerging lifestyle destinations. Designed as an all-day dining space, the new café offers a welcoming atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from casual daytime gatherings to relaxed evening experiences.

Spread across 1,680 sq. ft. and accommodating up to 69 guests, the outlet has been thoughtfully designed to create the feel of a modern neighbourhood café. The interiors feature a soothing mix of terracotta and lime tones, complemented by warm wooden finishes, brick-tiled details, and rattan accents. Carefully placed black highlights add contrast, while large windows allow natural light to create changing patterns throughout the day.

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Speaking about the new opening, Vikrant Batra said, “We wanted this space to feel calm, comfortable and effortlessly welcoming, a place that truly speaks of comfort, where you can drop in for a coffee during the day or unwind in the evening. Central 50 is an exciting new destination in Noida, and it gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with a diverse, evolving audience.”

Located within Central 50, the café is expected to attract a wide range of guests, including corporate professionals, families, and young urban diners. Its flexible layout and relaxed ambience make it suitable for everything from informal meetings and quick coffee breaks to leisurely meals and evening catch-ups.

Over the years, Café Delhi Heights has built a strong reputation for offering comfort-focused dining experiences across India. Since opening its first outlet in Gurgaon, the brand has expanded across multiple cities while maintaining its signature approach of creating spaces that feel both familiar and unique.

The launch at Central 50 marks another step in the brand’s growth journey. With a focus on combining thoughtfully designed spaces and enjoyable dining experiences, Café Delhi Heights continues to strengthen its presence in key urban markets across the country.

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