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


Le Meridien Opens in Ahmedabad, Blending Mid-Century Elegance with Local Heritage

Le Meridien Opens in Ahmedabad, Blending Mid-Century Elegance with Local Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 6, 2025

Marriott International has officially opened Le Meridien Ahmedabad, marking the brand’s debut in India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City through the transformation of Courtyard by Marriott. With 164 design-forward rooms and curated art installations, the hotel draws inspiration from mid-century modern aesthetics while paying homage to Ahmedabad’s textile heritage and architectural legacy.

Strategically located at the city’s heart, the hotel offers guests a sophisticated experience that blends global elegance with local culture. Interiors include azure-tinted glass pieces referencing the Sabarmati River and bespoke lobby art symbolising movement and life.

Culinary offerings span The Market for global cuisine with local accents, Java+ café with Illy coffee, Drift – a poolside lounge that transitions into evening dining, and Bayleaf – a refined Awadhi kitchen. The Le Scoop programme adds a fun touch with artisanal frozen treats. Guests can also enjoy a 20,000 sq. ft. event space, Explore Spa, fitness centre, and an outdoor pool.

Initiatives like Unlock Art, which offers access to Archer Art Gallery, and Family Passport, which curates interactive stays for families, reinforce the brand’s experiential approach. 

“Le Meridien Ahmedabad celebrates the city’s rich identity through thoughtful design, evocative cuisine, and curated experiences. This is a story waiting to be lived and shared,” said General Manager Prashant Chadha. Ranju Alex, Regional VP – South Asia, Marriott International, added, “We’re excited to bring Le Meridien to Ahmedabad, a perfect backdrop for our brand’s celebration of the good life through art, culture, and cuisine.”


Monday Hotels to Launch Fourth Property in Hyderabad at Shamshabad

Monday Hotels to Launch Fourth Property in Hyderabad at Shamshabad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 5, 2025

Monday Hotels is all set to expand its footprint in Hyderabad with the launch of its fourth property in the city, located in the rapidly developing area of Shamshabad. Just a short drive from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and seamlessly connected through the Outer Ring Road, this upcoming hotel is ideally positioned to cater to business travellers, tourists, and transit guests seeking easy access and modern comfort. Slated to open later this year, the new property will feature 38 well-appointed rooms, smart business amenities, and a curated dining experience, all designed with the evolving needs of today’s traveller in mind. 

The brand continues to grow its presence in key hubs, and the addition of the Shamshabad location aligns with Monday Hotels' mission to provide seamless stays across well-connected urban and transit destinations.

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“We’re thrilled to expand in Hyderabad with this new Shamshabad location, which perfectly matches our brand’s energy and vision,” said Salim Shaikh, Co-Founder of Monday Hotels. The announcement marks another milestone in the group’s steady growth across South India’s hospitality sector.


Machan Resorts LLP Earns Dual Honors from Great Place to Work

Machan Resorts LLP Earns Dual Honors from Great Place to Work

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 4, 2025

Machan Resorts LLP has proudly secured two prestigious honors from Great Place to Work, reinforcing its reputation as a leading hospitality brand with an inspiring workplace culture.

  •  Ranked #27 among India’s Top Mid-Sized Workplaces
  • Recognized among the Best Workplaces in the Hospitality Industry – Mid-Sized

These recognitions highlight Machan's steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering work environment, grounded in trust, professional growth, and a shared sense of purpose.

Rakshit Sharma, COO of Machan Resorts LLP, shared his thoughts on the recognition:

“Being certified as a Great Place to Work is not just a title – it’s a testament to the strong culture we’ve nurtured at Machan. We believe that hospitality begins from within, and this recognition celebrates the collective spirit, dedication, and positivity of our entire team.”

Great Place to Work, a globally respected authority on workplace culture, evaluates over 100 million employees annually across 150+ countries. The rankings are based on employee feedback and people-centric practices, providing a global benchmark for workplace excellence.

Best known for its flagship eco-resort in Lonavala, The Machan is celebrated for its luxurious tree houses nestled amidst nature, offering guests unmatched serenity and panoramic forest views. The group also manages Legacy Mandawa, a regal heritage haveli in Rajasthan.

With exciting new properties in the pipeline across Karjat, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, and Mulshi, Machan Resorts is not just expanding its footprint but also carrying forward its employee-first philosophy across locations.

This milestone adds yet another feather to the brand’s cap, positioning Machan Resorts LLP as not only a pioneer in sustainable hospitality but also a benchmark in workplace culture within the Indian hospitality sector.

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