The magnificent second edition of Ultimate Restaurant Ratings of Culinary Culture ended in great style, becoming a part of India’s gastronomic history. The glamorous event, hosted at ITC Gardenia Bengaluru, saw over 200 of India’s finest restaurateurs, chefs, and hospitality professionals come together for a night of celebration and tribute to the best in the culinary world. Among them was Ms. Shrishti Jaiswal, Editor-in-Chief of TheStyle.World, who had the opportunity to see this unforgettable experience with her own eyes.
People Behind It All
Vir Sanghvi, Chairman, Culinary Culture, was overjoyed with the ever-increasing reach of the Ultimate Restaurant Ratings. He referred to the site’s commitment to honesty, independence, and integrity in the determination of India’s culinary masters.
Raaj Sanghvi, CEO, Culinary Culture, underscored the impact of the ratings, “Diners now look upon our plaques as a seal of excellence, providing confidence along with a reward for restaurants.” Unlike other rating systems that are fee-based or have outside influences, the Ultimate Restaurant Ratings is India’s first and only independent restaurant rating system—one that the industry respects and recognises.”
The event would not have been possible without the support of Lavazza, Johnnie Walker, Veeba, Bisleri Vedica, and Newby Tea—brands that resonate with Culinary Culture’s vision to promote India’s gastronomic culture.
Honoring Excellence In Indian Cuisine
This year’s event showcased a stellar roll call of winners:
- 66 restaurants received 3-star awards for their quality consistency and outstanding dining experience.
- 22 restaurants were awarded 4 stars in recognition of their outstanding culinary performances.
- 4 restaurants were granted the exclusive 5-star honor, an award reserved for the crème de la crème of the country.
The list of winners was categorised according to India’s first and only restaurant rating system of its kind; the Ultimate Restaurant Ratings. It follows a meticulous, anonymous, and merit-based evaluation process, making it a trusted benchmark for Indian gastronomy.
- 3 Stars – Very Good
- 4 Stars – Excellent
- 5 Stars – The Ultimate
Highlights Of The Night:
40 new restaurants received Ultimate stars for the first time this year, and six restaurants moved up from 3 to 4 stars. One restaurant came in straight into the exclusive 5-star group in its inaugural year—an accomplishment reserved for the crème de la crème.
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Over 200 of India’s best restaurateurs, chefs, and staff made their way to Bengaluru to attend the Ultimate Star Revelation Ceremony 2025, an unprecedented gathering never witnessed before in India. The ceremony was a landmark event for Indian dining, leaving no doubt that India now possesses the ‘Stars That Matter.’
Special Award Winners
- Iconic Restaurant of the Year: Vidhyarthi Bhavan, Bengaluru
- Opening of the Year: Banng, Delhi NCR
- Restaurant Manager of the Year: Mirelle Pingfu, Mumbai
- Mixologist of the Year: Arijit Bose, Bengaluru
- Sustainable Restaurant of the Year: Naar, Kausali
India’s Top Culinary Destinations
Awards were also given to industry pioneers, with Vidhyarthi Bhavan in Bengaluru being awarded the Iconic Restaurant of the Year title, and Banng in Delhi NCR recognised as Opening of the Year. The brains behind India’s dynamic F&B sector were also rewarded, with Mirelle Pingfu from Mumbai selected as Restaurant Manager of the Year, and Arijit Bose from Bengaluru awarded Mixologist of the Year. The Sustainable Restaurant of the Year award went to Naar at Kausali, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to environmentally friendly dining.
5-Star Winners (4 Restaurants)
- Bengaluru: Farmlore
- Chennai: Avartana
- Delhi NCR: Indian Accent
- Mumbai: Papa’s (New Addition)
4-Star Winners (22 Restaurants)
- Bengaluru: Karavalli, Lupa, Naru Noodle Bar
- Chennai: Kappa Chakka Kandhari, Southern Spice
- Delhi NCR: Bukhara, Dum Pukht, INJA, Megu, The China Kitchen
- Goa: Cavatina, Hosa, Praça Prazeres
- Kochi: Karthiyayini, Restaurant Chef Pillai
- Kolkata: 6 Ballygunge Place, Avartana
- Mumbai: Americano, Ekaa, Masque, O Pedro, Trèsind
3-Star Winners (66 Restaurants)
- Amritsar: Beera Chicken House, Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale, Grain by Elgin, Kesar Da Dhabha, Makhan Fish and Chicken Corner, Phulkari
- Bengaluru: Bengaluru Oota Company, Central Tiffin Room, Kappa Chakka Kandhari, Kopitiam Lah
- Bhopal: Hakeem’s, Shahnama, Shri Balaji Namkeen, Under the Jamun Tree
- Chennai: Erode Amman Mess, The Farm, Gossip Bistro
- Delhi NCR: Comorin, Dhilli, Loya, Olive Bar & Kitchen, Omo, Tres, Shang Palace, Swan
- Goa: Bawri, Bomras, Izumi, Jamun, Slow Tide, The Second House, Grumps, Heliconia, Petisco
- Hyderabad: Aidu, Dum Pukht Begum’s, Once Upon A Time, Simply South, The Spicy Venue, Rü
- Kochi: Grand Pavilion, Malabar Cafe, Paragon, Rice Boat
- Kolkata: Royal Indian Restaurant, Sienna, Sonar Tori, The Blue Poppy Thakali, Popo’s
- Mumbai: Avartana, Indian Accent, Izumi, La Loca Maria, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, Mizu Izakaya, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, Soam, Swati Snacks, The Bombay Canteen, Wasabi by Morimoto, Bandra Born, Otra, Seefah, The Table
Eventful Evening:
Throughout the evening, there was a thrum of energy as the 2025 Ultimate Star Winners were revealed. The highlight of the evening was to see 40 new restaurants achieving Ultimate stars for the first time, six restaurants getting promoted from 3 to 4 stars, and one outstanding restaurant bagging a 5-star recognition in its initial year—a rarity in India’s dining scene.
It was a great evening with influencers like gouravfoodie, Leepsa, and Dushyant ( butteryglory ) who were there to attend this celebration. With her sharp eye for excellence and discerning taste, she was deeply privileged to be a part of this milestone event. She personally witnessed the recognition of some of India’s top dining establishments, confirming that culinary culture has indeed elevated the standards in independent restaurant ratings.
A True Honour
Attending an event of this stature was truly a privilege. As a world-renowned lifestyle, fashion, and culture speaker, she is always on the lookout for something genuine and progressive—something Culinary Culture manifests in its unfettered, strict restaurant review ratings.
The night left her stunned at the incredible talent, determination, and passion to be noticed by India’s food wizards. From the glamour of the award ceremony to the sharp intuition of selecting original brilliance, the night was a lifetime experience that would never be forgotten and go on shaping the country’s F&B sector for years to come.
As the curtains came down on the Ultimate Star Revelation Ceremony 2025, there had been a newfound respect for the skill of India’s top restaurants, and pride had never been higher to have been a part of this mammoth spectacle.
