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


Jumpin Heights Unveils Valley Rope Jump

Jumpin Heights Unveils Valley Rope Jump

By Hariharan U

Published on April 20, 2026

India’s adventure tourism landscape is taking a sharper, more ambitious turn as Jumpin Heights introduces what it calls the country’s only Valley Rope Jump. Launched in the scenic expanse of Rishikesh’s Mohanchatti valley, the experience signals a new phase in high-adrenaline, globally benchmarked activities within India.

Set against the Himalayan backdrop, the Valley Rope Jump is designed to push the limits of conventional adventure formats. Participants experience an intense freefall, nearly double that of a traditional bungy jump—before transitioning into a high-velocity swing across the valley. The combination of vertical drop and sweeping motion creates a layered thrill, enhanced by expansive panoramic views.

Safety and engineering remain central to the experience. Participants are secured with international-standard seat and chest harness systems, connected to specially designed wire ropes, before stepping off a cliff-edge platform. The setup is supported by multiple fail-safe mechanisms and is operated by certified experts, aligning with global safety benchmarks.

The offering introduces flexible formats to broaden its appeal. A tandem “Fearless Duo” option allows two participants to jump together, while solo jumpers can earn the “Valley Victor” recognition, adding a gamified dimension to the experience. This layered approach reflects a shift in adventure tourism, from single-activity thrills to more immersive and personalised formats.

The launch builds on Jumpin Heights’ legacy of innovation, including its widely discussed Cut Cord Bungy, which helped generate strong consumer interest and digital traction. With the Valley Rope Jump, the brand continues to position itself at the forefront of India’s extreme adventure ecosystem, bringing formats typically seen in international markets closer to home.

Commenting on the development, Managing Director Niharika Nigam said, “We have been extremely selective about introducing new experiences. It took us over a decade to conceptualise something that could truly raise the bar. The Valley Rope Jump is not just another activity—it is designed to be one of the most extreme and technically advanced adventure experiences in India, aligning with global standards while showcasing the natural beauty of Rishikesh.”

Located approximately 45 minutes from Lakshman Jhula, the Mohanchatti site combines accessibility with a dramatic natural setting. The valley’s terrain and acoustics further amplify the sensory experience, making it a compelling draw for both domestic and international thrill-seekers.

As experiential travel continues to gain momentum, offerings like the Valley Rope Jump highlight a clear shift, towards curated, high-impact experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing. For Jumpin Heights, the focus remains on pushing boundaries while ensuring that safety, precision, and innovation stay at the core of every jump.


Connplex Cinemas Launches Luxuriance Experience at Tribeca Highstreet Pune

Connplex Cinemas Launches Luxuriance Experience at Tribeca Highstreet Pune

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 19, 2026

Connplex Cinemas has launched its premium Luxuriance format at CINEBAR, Level 1, Tribeca Highstreet, NIBM, Pune, bringing a new cinema experience to the city. The move reflects the brand’s focus on offering high-end, comfort-led movie viewing for today’s urban audience.

Located in one of Pune’s fast-growing lifestyle hubs, the new multiplex is designed to cater to audiences looking for a more refined entertainment experience. Connplex Cinemas currently operates over 300 screens across 35+ locations, with formats like Express, Signature, and Luxuriance tailored for different audience preferences.

The Pune property features four premium screens with a total seating capacity of 225 seats, spread across 7,778 sq. ft. The design focuses on creating a more intimate and comfortable setting, combining modern aesthetics with a boutique-style experience.

Each screen is equipped with plush recliner seating, offering added comfort and privacy. Advanced projection systems ensure clear and vibrant visuals, while high-quality audio technology creates an immersive sound experience. The offering is further enhanced with a curated food and beverage menu and personalised service, turning a regular movie outing into a more premium experience.

The location also adds to the overall appeal. Tribeca Highstreet hosts a mix of dining and social spaces, including The Murphies, The Urban Foundry, and Hippie@Heart, allowing visitors to combine movies with food and leisure activities.

Kalpesh Mehta, Founder, Tribeca Developers, said, “As high-street developments evolve into lifestyle-driven ecosystems, experiences like Connplex Luxuriance play a pivotal role in shaping how people engage with retail and entertainment. At Tribeca Highstreet, our vision has always been to curate destinations that blend design, community, and premium experiences, and this launch is a strong step in that direction.”

Speaking on the launch, Anish Patel & Rahul Dhyani, Founders & Directors, Connplex Cinemas, said, “Pune, the future of cinema arrives with us. Connplex Cinemas is here to set a bold new benchmark in experience, innovation, and design because this city deserves nothing less than extraordinary.”

With this launch, Connplex Luxuriance aims to position itself as one of Pune’s premium cinema destinations, while also strengthening Tribeca Highstreet’s identity as a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Spread across 3.66 lakh sq. ft. with over 90+ brands, Tribeca Highstreet continues to attract a steady footfall, making it one of the city’s key lifestyle destinations. The addition of Connplex Luxuriance further enhances its appeal, offering visitors a complete mix of retail, food, and entertainment in one place.


The Adyar House Brings Boutique Homestays with a Chennai Touch

The Adyar House Brings Boutique Homestays with a Chennai Touch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 18, 2026

Chennai’s hospitality space is seeing a fresh and personal addition with The Adyar House, a boutique homestay concept started by a father-son duo, Satish and Anirudh Rao. Located in Adyar and Nandanam, the two properties reflect a simple idea, creating a stay that feels rooted in Chennai’s culture while offering the comfort of a modern space.

The journey began a year ago with their first property in Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar. What was once their family home of ten years was turned into a boutique homestay, built around warmth and familiarity. While neither Satish nor Anirudh comes from a traditional hospitality background, their shared interest in creating meaningful guest experiences shaped the idea. Satish, an ex-salesman turned entrepreneur, and Anirudh, an Ashoka University graduate and former consultant who is now a restauranteur, have brought their own perspective into the space.

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Adding to the Adyar property is TERU, Anirudh’s restaurant on the ground floor. The outlet focuses on South Indian street food, offering regional favourites such as Salem’s Thattu Vada Set, Andhra’s Punugulu, and Mangalore’s Banana Buns, making the property a destination not just for stay but also for food.

Following the response to their first space, the duo recently opened their second property on Chamiers Road, Nandanam. This seven-room homestay carries a strong Chennai theme, with each room named after a well-known beach in the city. The design reflects this idea through small but thoughtful details, including shoreline photographs, surfer-inspired elements in the Kovalam room, and the Shore Temple featured in the Mamallapuram room. Even the keycards carry illustrated beach designs, adding a playful touch.

The property is designed to be both comfortable and easy to navigate. Guests can choose between assisted check-in or a self-check-in option with keycards placed in lockboxes and access details shared in advance. Accessibility has also been considered, with features such as a ramp at the entrance, lift access, and clear guides for services like WiFi and check-in.

Each room comes with basic comforts including air-conditioning, a television, kettle, and refreshments. Guests also have access to shared facilities like a kitchenette, washing machines, and dryers, making it suitable for both short and slightly longer stays.

What stands out is the effort to offer an authentic Chennai experience. Guests receive personalised welcome cards with recommendations on places to visit and things to do around the city, reflecting the hosts’ connection to Chennai and their intent to share it with visitors.

With properties in Adyar and Nandanam, The Adyar House offers a stay that balances familiarity with thoughtful design, making it a comfortable option for both travellers and locals looking to experience the city in a different way. For more information visit their website: www.theadyarhouse.com   

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