By Sitaram Mewati
Mumbai: Mumbai’s Masque has earned the highest five-star distinction in the third edition of Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings 2026, placing the acclaimed restaurant among India’s top-rated dining establishments.
The recognition was announced at the Ultimate Star Revelation Ceremony held at Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, where Culinary Culture honoured 103 restaurants across 10 Indian cities for culinary excellence, creativity and hospitality.
Masque’s elevation from four to five Ultimate Stars emerged as one of the most notable developments of this year’s ratings. The promotion places the Mumbai restaurant in the highest category of an independent ratings platform that tracks and recognises restaurants shaping India’s evolving dining landscape.
The 2026 edition awarded three Ultimate Stars to 74 restaurants, while 24 restaurants received four Ultimate Stars. Only five restaurants achieved the highest distinction of five Ultimate Stars, highlighting the exclusivity of the top category.
Along with Masque, four restaurants retained their five-star status. Farmlore in Bengaluru, Avartana in Chennai, Indian Accent in Delhi NCR and Papa’s in Mumbai continued to hold the highest honour.
The latest ratings also highlighted the changing character of India’s restaurant industry. Nineteen restaurants entered the Ultimate Restaurant Ratings for the first time, reflecting the emergence of new culinary destinations, concepts and dining experiences across the country.
Several established restaurants also moved up the ratings ladder. Sienna, Bandra Born and The Table were promoted from three to four Ultimate Stars, recognising their continued contribution to India’s contemporary restaurant scene.
The 2026 ceremony returned to Mumbai after the city hosted the inaugural edition in 2024. Last year’s ceremony was held in Bengaluru. The annual event brought together leading chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals from across India.
The recognition of Masque with five Ultimate Stars underlines Mumbai’s continued importance on India’s culinary map. With the city hosting several acclaimed restaurants and emerging dining concepts, the latest ratings further reflect the depth and diversity of Mumbai’s restaurant scene.
With 103 restaurants recognised across 10 cities, Culinary Culture’s 2026 ratings provide a snapshot of India’s rapidly evolving dining landscape. For Masque, the move to five Ultimate Stars marks a significant milestone and places the Mumbai restaurant in the country’s highest-rated culinary category.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
