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


Espire Hospitality Signs JW Marriott Resort & Spa Near Vrindavan

Espire Hospitality Signs JW Marriott Resort & Spa Near Vrindavan

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 6, 2026

Espire Hospitality Limited has announced a new addition to its growing uber-luxury portfolio by entering into an agreement with Marriott International to manage an upcoming JW Marriott Resort & Spa near Vrindavan. This comes after the strong success of Six Senses Fort Barwara, Ranthambore, and marks another important step in the company’s expansion journey.

Located near Vrindavan, just about an hour’s drive from New Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida, the upcoming resort promises both easy connectivity and a peaceful setting. Spread across 14 acres, the property is designed to offer a calm and scenic environment with water bodies and lush green landscapes. The overall concept focuses on blending art, culture, sustainability, and local craftsmanship to create a meaningful luxury experience.

The resort is expected to open in January 2029 and will feature 151 keys, including well-designed rooms, spacious villas with cascading waterfalls, and a Presidential Suite. It is being planned to cater to a mix of guests, including staycations, corporate FITs, conferences, MICE events, and weddings, offering a balance of comfort and world-class hospitality.

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Speaking about the development, Mr. Akhil Arora, CEO & Managing Director, Espire Hospitality Limited, said,

“We are delighted to join hands with Marriott International for this marquee project that reflects our deep commitment to creating exceptional hospitality destinations. JW Marriott Resort & Spa, has been envisioned as a sanctuary of soulful luxury, where contemporary elegance meets nature, culture, and timeless experiences. This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening our luxury portfolio, and we look forward to bringing another world-class resort experience to our guests.”

Adding to this, Mr. Gagan Oberoi, CEO, Espire Group, said,

“This partnership with Marriott International is a testament to our strategic focus on expanding the uber-luxury portfolio with iconic, high-impact developments. We are proud to bring yet another landmark project to life, reinforcing the momentum of our rapid growth trajectory.”

The JW Marriott Resort & Spa will offer a range of premium experiences. Guests can enjoy dining across three venues, including an all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, a specialty restaurant with alfresco seating, and a poolside bar. The wellness facilities will include an Eden-inspired spa with four therapy rooms, a fully equipped health club, a salon, and dedicated spaces for recreation such as a kids’ club and a mini water park. The property will also feature an outdoor heated pool along with a separate pool for children.

For events and celebrations, the resort will provide multiple options including a grand ballroom, a landscaped Celebrations Courtyard, and four meeting rooms. These spaces are designed to host weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings, making it a strong destination for large-scale occasions.

Espire Hospitality Limited currently manages a portfolio of 20 hotels and resorts, including Six Senses Fort Barwara, ZANA - Luxury Resorts, and Country Inn Hotels and Resorts. The company is planning further growth with 15 new hotels and resorts expected to open by the end of FY-27, strengthening its position as one of India’s fast-growing hospitality players.


Bharti Real Estate Launches World St. at Aerocity, New Delhi

Bharti Real Estate Launches World St. at Aerocity, New Delhi

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 5, 2026

Bharti Real Estate, the real estate arm of Bharti Enterprises, has unveiled World St. at Worldmark in Aerocity, New Delhi. Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” the new development brings together dining, leisure and lifestyle experiences in a vibrant, walkable setting.

Spread across nearly half a kilometre and connecting Worldmark 4, 5 and 6, World St. covers around 2,60,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area. The pedestrian-friendly promenade is designed to offer a mix of global cuisines, alfresco dining spaces, green courtyards, art installations and thoughtfully designed street elements. It aims to create a lively environment where work, culture and social life come together in one place.

The destination is set to become a key attraction in Aerocity, offering everything from cafés and patisseries to fine dining restaurants and bars. With its design and curated experiences, World St. is envisioned as one of India’s most engaging dining and lifestyle hubs.

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Adding to its appeal, the project will host the India debut of well-known global brands. Olive Garden, the popular American-Italian casual dining chain owned by Darden Restaurants, is set to open soon at World St. Time Out Market, known globally for its food and cultural experiences, will also launch its first India outlet here. The space will span 24,500 sq. ft. and include 11 kitchens, two full-service bars, a private event area, a live performance stage and seating for over 500 guests.

Speaking about the launch, SK Sayal, MD & CEO, Bharti Real Estate, said, “Worldmark, Aerocity is already home to some of India's finest F&B names. With World St. at Worldmark, we are raising the bar creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spine that brings together a thoughtfully curated mix of global and premium offerings. World St. is not just for our office community, but for every traveller, food lover, and city dweller. It is the social heartbeat of India's Global Business District.”

Bharti Real Estate continues to play a major role in shaping Aerocity as a leading business and lifestyle destination through its Worldmark portfolio. Spread across approximately 17 million sq. ft., the development is being delivered in phases. Worldmark 1.0 is fully operational and houses Fortune 500 companies and global financial institutions. Worldmark 2.0, covering around 7 million sq. ft., is under advanced development with premium office spaces already delivered and more in progress, along with a large retail component planned for the future. Worldmark 3.0 is also under development, while Worldmark 4.0 is planned as a future expansion over the next few years.

With the launch of World St., Bharti Real Estate is set to further strengthen Aerocity’s position as a modern hub that blends business, hospitality and lifestyle experiences.


Dollar Industries Founder Shri Dindayal Gupta Passes Away, Marking End of an Era

Dollar Industries Founder Shri Dindayal Gupta Passes Away, Marking End of an Era

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 4, 2026

Renowned industrialist and Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Dollar Industries Limited, Shri Dindayal Gupta, passed away today in Kolkata due to age-related ailments. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter not only for the company but also for India’s hosiery and apparel industry.

A visionary who shaped the company’s growth for more than five decades, Shri Gupta led Dollar Industries Limited with strong commitment and clarity. What began as a modest venture eventually grew into one of India’s leading hosiery and apparel brands, with the company expanding into a Rs 1700+ crore conglomerate under his leadership.

Born on 13th September, 1937, in Manheru village in Haryana’s Bhiwani district, Shri Gupta came from a humble background. Despite limited resources, he built his journey with determination and a clear vision. In 1962, he moved to Kolkata (then known as Calcutta), where he began manufacturing and selling hosiery products designed to suit customers’ budgets and needs. He focused on building manufacturing and finishing facilities while also creating a strong retail and distribution network, including markets that were often overlooked by others.

Driven by a desire to build something meaningful, he laid the foundation of Dollar Industries Limited in 1972. Over time, the brand became a trusted household name known for quality and innovation. Dollar was also among the early companies to expand into underserved regions such as Madhya Pradesh (now MP & Chhattisgarh), the Seven Sisters of North East India, and hill regions like Darjeeling in the eastern Himalayas.

Beyond his business achievements, Shri Gupta remained deeply involved in social and community initiatives. He was actively associated with the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and held key roles within the Bengal Pratinidhi Sabha. He also served as the former Vice-President of Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and contributed to Paropakarini Sabha of Ajmer, known for preserving the legacy of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. In Kolkata, he also initiated the Burns unit and related infrastructure at the Marwari Relief Society.

His contributions to education were equally notable. Shri Gupta was the Founding Father of Haryana Vidya Mandir, a CBSE school in Bidhannagar, North 24-Parganas, West Bengal. He supported Gurukuls as a co-founder and sponsor, and also played a key role in reviving the school in his native village, Manheru. His efforts reflected a strong belief that access to education is essential for social progress and national development.

He also supported organisations working in elderly care, including Maharshi Dayanand Yogashram Tripura and Sukhanand Foundation, leaving a lasting impact beyond the business world.

Over the years, Shri Gupta received several recognitions for his contributions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the West Bengal Hosiery Association and the Sanmarg Business Award.

Shri Dindayal Gupta is survived by his wife, four sons, and grandchildren, who continue to lead and grow the Dollar Industries business legacy.

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