Stars That Matter: India’s Most Trusted Restaurant Ratings Returns Bigger and Bolder in 2025

Stars That Matter: India’s Most Trusted Restaurant Ratings Returns Bigger and Bolder in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 14, 2025

Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is back in 2025, bringing a bigger and bolder edition that expands across more cities. After its groundbreaking debut in 2024, this highly respected rating system continues to redefine India’s culinary landscape, setting new benchmarks for unbiased restaurant evaluations.

The Ultimate Star Revelation Ceremony will take place in Bengaluru on 15 March 2025, unveiling the finest dining destinations across the country. With rankings extending to four new cities—Hyderabad, Bhopal, Kochi, and Amritsar—this year’s ratings promise a truly pan-India perspective.

A Benchmark of Integrity in Restaurant Ratings

Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings stand apart as India’s only evaluation system based purely on merit, free from sponsorships or external influence. The process ensures transparency, with results remaining confidential until the official ceremony.

Last year, three restaurants earned the coveted 5 Ultimate Stars:

  • Farmlore, Bengaluru

  • Avartana, Chennai

  • Indian Accent, New Delhi

This elite distinction places them at the pinnacle of India’s dining scene, setting the standard for excellence.

Vir Sanghvi, Chairman of Culinary Culture, highlights the significance of this initiative: “At Culinary Culture, we have always led initiatives that shape India’s F&B industry. From celebrating street food to ranking chefs, our mission remains the same—to honor excellence with honesty and transparency. The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is another game-changing first for India.”

How the Ratings Work

The rating system follows a three-tier structure:

  • 3 Stars: Very Good

  • 4 Stars: Excellent

  • 5 Stars: The Ultimate

Unlike conventional awards influenced by sponsorships, Culinary Culture’s system maintains integrity through anonymous inspections conducted by full-time referees. Restaurants are evaluated through a meticulous process involving nominations, anonymous screenings, debates, and a final selection phase. The platform remains independent and does not accept fees from restaurants for inclusion.

What’s New in 2025?

  • More Cities, More Diversity: Hyderabad, Bhopal, Kochi, and Amritsar join the list, bringing regional culinary gems into the spotlight.

  • Special Awards: Categories include Iconic Restaurant, Restaurant Manager, Sustainability, Opening of the Year, and Mixologist of the Year.

  • A Grand Celebration in Bengaluru: Top restaurateurs, chefs, and industry leaders will gather for this prestigious event.

  • Increased Coverage: Nearly 100 restaurants will be recognized, doubling last year’s coverage and strengthening India’s global culinary presence.

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Raaj Sanghvi, CEO of Culinary Culture, shares: “The response to last year’s ratings was overwhelming. Diners now recognize our plaques as a symbol of trust. Our ratings remain dynamic—restaurants are re-evaluated regularly, ensuring credibility. We thank our partners, Lavazza and Diageo, for their unwavering support.”

Supporting Excellence in the F&B Industry

The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is backed by brands that share its commitment to advancing India’s culinary industry, including Lavazza, Johnnie Walker, Veeba, Bisleri Vedica, and Newby Tea.

About Culinary Culture

Co-founded by Vir Sanghvi and Sameer Sain, Culinary Culture is India’s leading authority in food evaluation. The platform is renowned for its restaurant ratings, chef awards, and street food rankings. Beyond ratings, it hosts global culinary exchanges, bringing celebrated international chefs to India while showcasing Indian talent on the global stage. Culinary Culture also leads several initiatives, including FoodSuperstars, Culinary Conversations, and StreetFoodSuperstars, shaping the future of India’s gastronomic landscape.

Join India’s Culinary Revolution! - For more destails 

Visit Culinary Culture’s website: www.CulinaryCulture.co


Skål International India Announces Dates for Skål India National Congress 2026 in Coimbatore

Skål International India Announces Dates for Skål India National Congress 2026 in Coimbatore

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 7, 2026

Skål International India has officially announced the dates for the Skål India National Congress 2026, which will be held from August 12 to 14, 2026, at Le Méridien Coimbatore. Branded as #SINC2026, the 3N4D Congress will see check-in on August 12 and check-out on August 15, 2026.

The event will be hosted by Skål International Coimbatore and is expected to bring together Skål members along with senior leaders from across India’s travel and tourism industry.

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Sharing his thoughts on the announcement, Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India said, “We congratulate Skål International Coimbatore and look forward to working closely with them. Together, we are confident of delivering a memorable Skål India National Congress in 2026.”

The National Congress will act as an important platform for networking, collaboration, and exchange of ideas, aligning with Skål International’s guiding philosophy of Connecting Tourism Globally. Coimbatore, known for its strong entrepreneurial spirit and rich cultural identity, offers a fitting setting for this national-level gathering.

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Ramesh Chandrakumar, President, Skål International Coimbatore stated, “We sincerely thank Skål International India for entrusting us with this prestigious responsibility. We will leave no stone unturned to host an outstanding Congress that reflects the true spirit of Skål.”

In addition to confirming the dates, Skål International India has also announced a range of sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. These are aimed at organisations looking to gain visibility and engage with a pan-India audience that includes decision-makers, trade partners, and industry influencers. The initiatives are designed to encourage wider participation while strengthening collaboration across the tourism ecosystem.

With the dates now officially confirmed, the Skål International India National Congress 2026 (#SINC2026) is set to be a landmark event, bringing together leadership, partnerships, and meaningful dialogue in Coimbatore this August.


Stefano Tardito Wins Rēgula 2025 Award for Borgo Monchiero Heritage Restoration

Stefano Tardito Wins Rēgula 2025 Award for Borgo Monchiero Heritage Restoration

By Hariharan U

Published on February 6, 2026

Renowned Italian architect Stefano Tardito has received the Rēgula 2025 Award in the Hospitality category for his masterful restoration of the historic Borgo di Monchiero complex, now reimagined as Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, marking Atmosphere Core’s debut property in Italy.

 Presented at the 8th edition of the Rēgula | 100 Italian Projects Award in Milan, the honour recognises Tardito’s nuanced transformation of the 18th-century monastic and religious complex in Piedmont’s Langhe region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, into a refined luxury hospitality destination.

 The jury cited the project as an exemplary balance of conservation and innovation, applauding its seamless integration of aesthetics, technology and historical authenticity while showcasing the depth of Italian architectural and cultural heritage. Reflecting on the recognition, Stefano Tardito said, "This is a truly ambitious project based on a delicate balance between conservation and enhancement, guided by authentic historical research and technological innovation. The result is a harmonious encounter between past and present that allows the monastery to preserve its historical authenticity while evolving into immersive and seductive spaces where guests can enjoy unique experiences. The Borgo will thus be reborn and become an exceptional narrator of its past".

The award has further heightened anticipation for the official opening of Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere, which represents the first step in Atmosphere Core’s European expansion. Set on a hill overlooking vineyards and rolling landscapes, the property features 19 rooms converted from former monastic cells, an ancient private chapel repurposed for intimate ceremonies, a restaurant with a wine room dedicated to local cuisine, an elegant lounge bar in frescoed halls overlooking a panoramic swimming pool, and a distinctive wellness area housed within vaulted brick spaces and an old terracotta cistern. Owners Franco Giampetruzzi and Gian Maria Debenedetti welcomed the recognition, stating, “This recognition celebrates skilful restoration and conversion by architect Stefano Tardito and enduring spirit of the property, and we are proud of his achievements. It reinforces our commitment to preserving its heritage while welcoming a new chapter”. With its tranquil cloisters, preserved architectural details and contemporary comforts, Borgo Monchiero Heritage by Atmosphere is poised to offer global travellers, wine enthusiasts and lovers of Piedmontese cuisine a deeply immersive and rejuvenating stay in one of northern Italy’s most evocative destinations.


The Park Navi Mumbai Receives IGBC Certification for Sustainable Hospitality Practices

The Park Navi Mumbai Receives IGBC Certification for Sustainable Hospitality Practices

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 6, 2026

The Park Navi Mumbai has been awarded the prestigious Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Certification, reaffirming the hotel’s strong commitment to sustainable hospitality practices. The recognition highlights the property’s consistent efforts towards responsible design, efficient operations, and environmentally conscious initiatives.

Strategically located near the operational Navi Mumbai International Airport (T1), The Park Navi Mumbai has seamlessly integrated sustainability into its core functioning. The hotel offers guests a refined luxury experience while aligning its operations with global environmental standards. The IGBC certification acknowledges the property’s focused approach to reducing its environmental footprint without compromising on comfort or service quality.

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Among the key initiatives recognised by IGBC is the hotel’s use of solar energy, which has significantly reduced its reliance on conventional power sources. In addition, the property has implemented advanced water-conservation systems, energy-efficient operational practices, and structured waste-management processes. These include effective waste segregation and responsible disposal methods that ensure optimal use of resources across the hotel.

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Sharing his thoughts on the achievement, Rahul Makhija, General Manager, The Park Navi Mumbai, said, “Achieving IGBC certification is a proud moment for our entire team and reinforces our long-standing commitment to sustainable hospitality. From water-saving innovations to robust waste-management systems, environmental responsibility is deeply embedded in our operations. Our approach to sustainability goes beyond compliance, it enhances the guest experience while contributing positively to the community and the environment. We remain focused on protecting the planet and setting higher benchmarks for responsible luxury.”

With this milestone, The Park Navi Mumbai joins a select group of hospitality leaders embracing environmentally responsible practices. The recognition further demonstrates that luxury and sustainability can work hand in hand in shaping the future of modern hospitality.

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