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


IHG Signs InterContinental Eros New Delhi Nehru Place

IHG Signs InterContinental Eros New Delhi Nehru Place

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 1, 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Eros Group (Nehru Place Hotels Pvt Ltd) to introduce InterContinental Eros New Delhi Nehru Place. The 216-key hotel is set to reopen under the InterContinental brand after a planned renovation, which is expected to be completed in 2029. This move aligns with IHG’s focus on expanding its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across key destinations in India.

Located in Nehru Place, one of Delhi’s busiest business districts, the hotel is positioned to cater to both corporate and leisure travellers. The area’s mix of offices, embassies, and well-known attractions makes it a strong location for a luxury hospitality offering.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, known as one of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, continues to grow its presence globally and in India. With a strong pipeline and recent signings in destinations like Kasauli and Kodaikanal, the brand is steadily building its footprint across both city and resort locations. This latest signing in the national capital marks another important step in its growth journey in India.

Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts said, “We are delighted to once again partner with Eros Group (Nehru Place Hotels Private Limited) to bring our global luxury brand, InterContinental to the national capital. South Delhi’s blend of corporate offices, embassies, and landmark attractions makes it an ideal location for a hotel of this caliber. Further strengthening our existing association with Eros Group, we look forward to creating a destination that supports both business and leisure demand while offering a luxury hospitality experience to our discerning guests.”

He further added, “Delhi is one of the most stable hospitality markets in the country and is characterized by a robust occupancy and ADR. With InterContinental Eros New Delhi Nehru Place, we will be positioned to strengthen our presence in one of India’s most vital economic hubs and deliver world-class hospitality.”

The hotel will feature 216 guest rooms and suites, along with multiple dining options including restaurants, a bar, and a lobby lounge. It will also offer extensive meeting and event spaces, including a grand ballroom, smaller meeting rooms, and landscaped outdoor areas suited for weddings and corporate events. Guests can also expect premium recreational facilities such as a spa, health club, and swimming pool designed for relaxation.

Mr Satish Sood, Managing Director, Eros Group (Nehru Place Hotels Pvt Ltd) added, “We are proud to further strengthen our existing relationship and again partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the InterContinental brand back to this iconic site. We are confident the hotel will be a great success - InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is a true industry leader in luxury hospitality that resonates with discerning travelers all over the world. Additionally, we are certain leveraging IHG's enterprise systems and loyalty program will maximize returns and strengthen our competitive advantage. This partnership aligns with our long-term vision of developing landmark hospitality assets in India’s most dynamic cities, and we look forward to welcoming our guests as we open doors as the “InterContinental Eros” hotel.”

Originally launched in 1996 and previously managed under the InterContinental brand, the property later operated as Eros Hotel New Delhi before this new agreement. Its location offers easy access to Nehru Place Metro Station and is within a 30–35 minute drive from Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is also close to popular landmarks such as the Lotus Temple and Kalkaji Mandir, making it a convenient stay option for travellers.

With this signing, IHG continues to strengthen its presence in India, where it currently operates 51 hotels across six brands and has a strong pipeline of upcoming properties. The company aims to significantly expand its portfolio in the coming years, targeting over 400 hotels across the country.


Essentia Group Opens Essentia Resort & Spa in Sirsi

Essentia Group Opens Essentia Resort & Spa in Sirsi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 1, 2026

Essentia Group of Hotels & Resorts has officially announced the grand opening of Essentia Resort & Spa, Sirsi, marking a new addition to the region’s hospitality landscape. Set along the Hubli - Sirsi main road, the property offers easy connectivity between Bangalore and Goa, making it a convenient getaway for travellers looking to unwind in nature.

Surrounded by the lush greenery of northern Karnataka, the resort is designed as a peaceful retreat where natural surroundings blend seamlessly with modern design. The property features 40 keys, including exclusive suites, each thoughtfully planned to offer comfort along with a clean and contemporary look. Every space reflects a balance of style and functionality, staying true to Essentia’s approach to creating meaningful guest experiences.

Dining at the resort brings together a variety of flavours. Guests can enjoy a mix of global and regional dishes at Citron, the all-day dining restaurant, or explore vegetarian specialties at The Indian Leaf, known for its signature thali. For a more relaxed setting, Nirvana Lounge Bar offers an indoor space ideal for drinks and quiet conversations.

The resort is also well-equipped to host celebrations and gatherings. From the spacious Omkar Lawn, noted as the largest in Sirsi, to an elegant ballroom and flexible convention hall, the venues cater to weddings, social events, and corporate functions. At the same time, the location allows guests to explore nearby attractions such as waterfalls, temples, and wildlife sanctuaries, adding to the overall experience.

The grand opening saw the presence of industry leaders, guests, and local dignitaries, marking an important milestone for the brand in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohammed Parvez, CEO, Essentia Group of Hotels & Resorts, shared, "The opening of Essentia Resort & Spa, Sirsi is a significant milestone in our journey to create immersive and meaningful hospitality experiences. Inspired by Sirsi’s natural beauty and cultural richness, we envisioned a destination that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings. This resort reflects our commitment to intuitive service, thoughtful design, and experiences that resonate with today’s discerning traveler.”

With this launch, Essentia Resort & Spa, Sirsi aims to offer a well-rounded stay experience, combining comfort, location, and thoughtful hospitality, while setting a new direction for experiential stays in Karnataka.


HOSPI Sigma™: A UK-Accredited Programme Making Hospitality Talent Perform

HOSPI Sigma™: A UK-Accredited Programme Making Hospitality Talent Perform

By Author

Published on March 31, 2026

India’s hospitality industry is entering a defining growth phase, with skill development taking centre stage under the national vision led by Nirmala Sitharaman. The direction is clear. The industry needs talent that is not just qualified, but ready to perform from day one.

Yet, a critical gap continues to hold hotels back.

Every year, thousands of graduates enter the workforce with a strong understanding of hospitality fundamentals. They know the processes, the standards, and the theory. But when real pressure hits, when guest complaints escalate, when operations peak, when coordination breaks down, many struggle to respond effectively.

The problem is not knowledge. It is performance readiness.

Across the industry, this gap shows up in tangible ways. Complaints take longer to resolve, peak-hour service becomes inconsistent, and teams spend valuable time reteaching basics during live operations. With rising attrition and constant rehiring, the cycle continues, impacting both service quality and operational efficiency.

HOSPI Sigma™ is built to change this reality.

A CPD UK accredited operational excellence programme, HOSPI Sigma™ is designed specifically for the hospitality industry to bridge the gap between learning and execution. It focuses on transforming how individuals think, respond, and perform in real operational environments where every moment matters.

The approach goes beyond traditional training. It develops judgment under pressure, strengthens understanding of how departments connect, and drives consistency in execution. Inspired by structured methodologies like Lean Six Sigma, it brings discipline, clarity, and measurable improvement into hospitality operations.

At the core of HOSPI Sigma™ is deep industry experience. Founded by Sanjeev Kumar, with over three decades across leading brands such as Taj, ITC, Starwood, and Premier Inn, the programme is shaped by real challenges faced on the floor, not classroom assumptions. It is practical, focused, and aligned with what hotels truly need today.

Its impact is felt across the ecosystem. Hotels benefit from faster onboarding, more reliable teams, and consistent service delivery. Institutes gain stronger placement outcomes and a clear industry-aligned edge. Students and professionals step into their careers with confidence, clarity, and the ability to perform under pressure.

The shift in hospitality is already underway. Success is no longer defined by what professionals know, but by how they perform when it matters most.

HOSPI Sigma™ delivers exactly that capability.

Where structured thinking meets real hospitality, HOSPI Sigma™ is building a new generation of professionals who are not just trained, but truly performance ready.

https://www.hospisigma.com/

 

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