103 restaurants recognised in third edition of independent ratings platform
By Sitaram Mewati
Culinary Culture unveiled the third edition of the Ultimate Restaurant Ratings 2026 at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, recognising 103 restaurants across 10 Indian cities for their culinary excellence. The independent ratings platform continues to provide recognition to restaurants shaping India’s evolving dining landscape.
The 2026 edition awarded 74 restaurants with three Ultimate Stars, 24 restaurants with four Ultimate Stars, while five restaurants received the highest distinction of five Ultimate Stars.
Farmlore in Bengaluru, Avartana in Chennai, Indian Accent in Delhi NCR and Papa’s in Mumbai retained their five-star status. The biggest movement of the evening came from Masque in Mumbai, which was promoted from four to five Ultimate Stars, placing it among the country’s highest-rated restaurants.
The latest edition also saw 19 restaurants enter the Ultimate Restaurant Ratings for the first time, reflecting the emergence of new culinary destinations and concepts across India.
Among the notable promotions, Sienna, Bandra Born and The Table moved from three to four Ultimate Stars, recognising their continued contribution to India’s contemporary restaurant scene.
The Ultimate Restaurant Ratings ceremony returned to Mumbai this year. The city hosted the inaugural edition in 2024, while last year’s ceremony was held in Bengaluru.
The annual Ultimate Star Revelation Ceremony brought together leading chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals from across India. The event has increasingly become an important gathering for the restaurant industry, celebrating culinary talent, creativity and hospitality.
The 2026 ratings underline the growing diversity of India’s dining sector, with established restaurants maintaining their positions while new establishments gain recognition.
With 103 restaurants across 10 cities, this year’s ratings offer a broad view of India’s restaurant industry and its changing culinary landscape. The five Ultimate Stars remain the highest distinction, with Farmlore, Avartana, Indian Accent, Papa’s and newly promoted Masque receiving the top honour this year.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
