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


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.


Athulya Senior Care Founder Welcomes Budget 2026 Healthcare Vision

Athulya Senior Care Founder Welcomes Budget 2026 Healthcare Vision

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 5, 2026

As Budget 2026 introduces several progressive measures under its strategy for healthcare advancement through knowledge, technology, and innovation, the focus on strengthening geriatric care and allied health services has emerged as a key highlight for India’s evolving healthcare ecosystem.

Dr. Karthik Narayan R, Founder and Managing Director of Athulya Senior Care, emphasised that the future of healthcare in India extends far beyond hospitals and infrastructure. He pointed out that caregivers, allied health professionals, and geriatric specialists form the backbone of a system that ensures continuity, dignity, and quality of care, particularly for the country’s rapidly growing ageing population.

Commenting on the budget’s direction, Dr. Karthik Narayan R said, “India's healthcare future will be shaped not just by hospitals, but by the people who deliver care every day. The budget's emphasis on geriatric care, allied health professionals and caregivers, is a timely step towards ensuring a dignified, continuum of care focusing on quality of life for the aging population.”

With increasing life expectancy and a rising senior demographic, the demand for long-term care, rehabilitation services, and skilled caregivers is growing steadily across India. The budget’s recognition of geriatric care and allied health professionals signals a shift towards a more inclusive healthcare model that values preventive care, rehabilitation, and daily support alongside acute medical treatment.

Dr. Karthik Narayan R further highlighted that empowering caregivers and allied professionals through structured training, technology integration, and policy support will play a crucial role in building a self-reliant healthcare ecosystem. Such an approach not only improves patient outcomes but also ensures that seniors receive compassionate, personalised care that enhances their overall quality of life.

The emphasis laid out in Budget 2026 reflects a broader vision of healthcare that balances innovation with human-centric care delivery. By strengthening the geriatric care framework and supporting the workforce behind it, India moves closer to a resilient healthcare system that prioritises dignity, continuity, and long-term well-being for its ageing population.

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