Best Eateries in Mumbai, Goa and Delhi, by Culinary Culture’s Ultimate Restaurant Ratings
- Featured Food & Beverage
Zara Flavia Dmello
- 59 minutes read
“India is celebrated most for 3 things – Bollywood, Cricket and Cuisine, the first 2 already have their stars…. today we recognise the superstars of the culinary industry,” said Sameer Sain – Co-Founder Culinary Culture as he introduced the ‘Culinary Culture Ultimate Restaurant Ratings’ crafted to recognize and celebrate the finest culinary establishments of India without any form of outside influence.
Culinary Culture, a pioneer in gastronomy, has proudly revealed the inaugural 54 restaurants across six cities honoured by its innovative star rating system. This system establishes a fresh benchmark for culinary excellence in India. The meticulously crafted platform aims to recognize and celebrate the very best culinary establishments nationwide, with the overarching goal of elevating Culinary Tourism and showcasing India’s gastronomic treasures on the global stage.
The Culinary Culture Ultimate Restaurant Rating adopts a three-tier rating scale where 3 Stars means ‘Very Good’, 4 Stars is ‘Excellent’ and, the sought after 5 Stars is ‘The Ultimate’. Following is a list of 15 restaurants in Delhi, Mumbai and Goa, each of which have received the prestige of the Ultimate Restaurant Ratings.
MUMBAI
Ekaa – Four Stars
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Discover Ekaa in the historic Kitab Mahal, a neoclassical gem redefining fine dining. Led by Chef Niyati Rao, Ekaa offers a unique culinary experience with tapas, à la carte, and a surprise Chef’s Special menu. Influenced by Noma, Chef Rao elevates Indian ingredients, showcasing the subcontinent’s diverse flavours. The cocktail menu, inspired by ecosystems, features 14 Ayurvedic-infused drinks. Ekaa’s minimalist aesthetic and open kitchen add to its charm, making it a must-visit in Mumbai.
Masque – Four Stars
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Founded in 2016 by Prateek Sadhu and Aditi Dugar, Masque Mumbai gained rapid acclaim for its 10-course meal in the former industrial mill area. Chef Varun Totlani, now the Head Chef, joined in 2016 as a commis chef, rising to Sous Chef in 2021 and taking the helm in 2022. Masque made waves in 2020 with The Masque Lab, a 1,250-square-foot space dedicated to culinary experimentation and research. The lab explores seasonal ingredients, aging processes, contrasting flavors, and their role in bridging food cultures. It includes a private dining area and a freestyle kitchen. Guests can reserve one of the 12 seats around the kitchen to witness the cooking process and experience Masque’s adventurous culinary experiments firsthand.
O Pedro – Four Stars
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Nestled amidst frangipani trees in the Jet Airways-Godrej BKC Building, O Pedro brings a slice of Goa to Mumbai. A fusion of Goan and Portuguese influences, inspired by the markets of Mapusa, homes of Margao, bakeries of Belem, and cliffs of Algarve. The menu reflects Goa’s culinary diversity, echoing its Portuguese roots. O Pedro exudes the lively energy of Goa, transitioning from lazy days to buzzing evenings. It’s a celebration of Goa’s essence – known to all, yet truly understood by insiders. Born from the desire to offer Mumbai an escape, O Pedro is a space for great food, drinks, and conversations. Like Goa, it’s not just a getaway but a state of mind. O Pedro aims to recreate that joy in the midst of BKC’s concrete chaos. The food is ‘inspired,’ not authentic, weaving together flavours from journeys through Goa and Portugal with a unique O Pedro twist.
Noon – Three Stars
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Noon, a Mumbai fine-dining gem, reimagines Indian cuisine with ancient fermentation and mould techniques. Founded by Chef Vanika Choudhary, a leader in India’s farm-to-table movement, Noon’s 10-course Chef’s tasting menu blends indigenous produce and traditional methods for a unique culinary experience. Named after the Kashmiri word for salt, Noon focuses on hyper-local, foraged ingredients, combining ancient Indian traditions with modern flair. The restaurant offers a chic dining experience, marrying tradition and innovation in a contemporary setting.
Americano – Three Stars
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Americano, a Kala Ghoda gem by Chef Alex Sanchez and Restaurateur Mallyeka Watsa, has been a vibrant presence since its debut in March 2019. Known for creative cuisine and crafted cocktails, it stands out in Bombay’s arts and fashion district. The stylish space reflects the locale’s essence, showcasing a farm-to-table champion in Chef Sanchez. His cuisine, marked by respect for locally sourced ingredients, evolves with maturity, delivering layered, refined dishes. Americano’s menu mirrors Chef Alex’s distinctive style—textural, refined, and diverse—making it a sought-after destination for genuine hospitality and culinary innovation.
GOA
Cavatina – Four Stars
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In South Goa’s heart lies Cavatina Cuchina Grill and Bar, named ‘the best in you’ in Spanish. Chef Avinash’s creativity shines with dishes like Ahi Tuna Tataki, A la Mexicana Prawns, and Balinese Sugarcane Prawns. For mains, try Cavatina’s Surf and Turf Skewer or the unique Steak On Stone experience. Desserts like Pastelle de Nata and hazelnut-infused crème brûlée add a delightful touch. With magical ingredients and the friendly personalities of Avinash and Tiz, Cavatina creates a mesmerizing experience in Benaulim’s rural charm.
Hosa – Four Stars
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Hosa, conceived by restaurateur Rohit Khattar, resides in a timeless 101-year-old Portuguese bungalow, adorned with gothic chandeliers and handcrafted tiles. The sleek 14ft bar coexists with the past, while the al fresco section offers scenic views of St. Anthony’s Church and the Chapora River. Designed by Rohini Kapur, the restored space retains its dominating arch and uses a monochrome palette. Notably, Hosa doubles as an art gallery, showcasing pieces available for sale, creating a democratic art space embracing both masters and emerging artists. Hosa seamlessly blends history, art, and cuisine, offering a unique and charming experience.
Slow Tide – Three Stars
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Slow Tide in Anjuna, Goa, revives untouched hippie traditions, creating a community hub through architect Palinda Kannangara’s design. Replacing San Francisco shack, Slow Tide engages all senses with cultural endeavours, harmonious ambiance, and natural elements. The restaurant captures the magic of sound with waves and Konkani conversations. Visually enriched by natural materials, it provides a haven where authentic traditions thrive in a multisensory experience.
The Second House – Three Stars
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Situated in Saligao amidst picturesque paddy fields, The Second House, a 108-year-old Indo-Portuguese bungalow turned restaurant, elegantly combines heritage and beauty. Departing from traditional designs, it serves as a canvas for artistic expressions by multimedia artists, redefining dining through The Experimental Art Experience. Honoring Saligao’s artistic legacy, the restaurant seamlessly fuses cuisine and art, celebrating local culture with AI-driven projections. The innovative interior offers a transformative Goan experience, engaging all senses and prompting diners to pause and ponder, making it a distinctive destination for both culinary and artistic exploration.
Bawri – Three Stars
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In Assagao, a serene village transforming into a culinary hotspot, Bawri restaurant steals the spotlight. Chef Amninder Sandhu curates a menu that beautifully blends traditional Indian cuisine with modern flair. This gastronomic gem, set against the picturesque backdrop of palm trees and Portuguese-style bungalows, captures the essence of Assagao’s evolving charm. Bawri’s fusion of heirloom recipes and locally sourced ingredients makes it a sought-after destination, symbolizing the village’s newfound popularity.
DELHI
Indian Accent – Five Stars
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With outlets in Delhi, Mumbai and New York City, Indian Accent is making its mark by blending global ingredients and techniques with traditional Indian flavours. Established in 2009, Indian Accent redefines Indian cuisine for the 21st century and is now widely acclaimed. It holds the #19 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2023, securing the San Pellegrino ‘Best Restaurant in India’ title for seven consecutive years (2015-2021). The only Indian restaurant in the ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ list, Indian Accent is also featured in Time Magazine’s ‘World’s 100 Greatest Places.’ Chef Manish Mehrotra, the creative force behind the groundbreaking contemporary menu, combines the freshest local produce with unusual global ingredients, creating a unique culinary experience.
Bukhara – Four Stars
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Specializing in clay ‘tandoor’ oven cuisine, Bukhara emphasises kebabs served without cutlery. Signature dishes like Sikandari Raan, Murgh Malai Kebab, and Dal Bukhara have graced the menu, preserved by Executive Chef J.P. Singh for the past 30 years. Renown guests, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, have dined here. Notably, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s visit led to the addition of the “Hillary Platter” to the menu. Complementing this are the “Presidential Platter,” reflecting Bill Clinton’s non-vegetarian choices, and the “Chelsea Platter,” featuring vegetarian dishes ordered by Chelsea Clinton.
The China Kitchen – Four Stars
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The China Kitchen, a modern Chinese restaurant in Delhi, revolutionised the city’s dining scene by introducing a stylized interpretation of traditional Sichuan dining. Unveiling a distinctive concept of ‘dining in the kitchen,’ the restaurant boasts three expert chefs from China, each a master in their specialty. With a legacy of over 15 years, The China Kitchen has been a pioneer in serving authentic Sichuan dishes in New Delhi.
Dum Pukht – Four Stars
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Dum Pukht specializes in the must-try dish, biryani, employing the ancient art of ‘dum’ cooking—slow-roasting in a sealed pot called a ‘handi.’ Led by Chef Ghulam Qureshi, who inherited the regal technique from his father, Dum Pukht has graced the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Situated at the ITC Maurya hotel since 1977, the restaurant’s grand decor, sharing space with the renowned Bukhara, exudes old-world charm. Known for kakori kebabs and lamb biryani, Dum Pukht employs a refined cooking style from the 200-year-old kitchens of the Mughal royals, resulting in tender and flavourful fare. While a favourite among non-vegetarians, the restaurant also offers excellent choices for vegetarians.
Comorin – Three Stars
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Situated in Gurgaon’s Two Horizon Centre, Comorin, part of the Old World Hospitality Group, offers an all-day restaurant and concept store. Named after Kanyakumari, it provides a culinary journey across India. The relaxed interior, designed by Russel Sage Studio, features earthy tones and wood accents. The coffee counter offers Blue Tokai’s single-estate coffees, and the marketplace has seasonal probiotic syrups. The private dining area seats 18-20 people with jewel accents. The bar, a highlight, offers an extensive spirit selection and a unique sous-vide counter. Crafted by consulting chef Manish Mehrotra, the menu features comfort and innovative dishes. Notable items include sweet corn khichdi, Andhra Gongura Chicken, Haleem, and Kanyakumari Crab Claws. Comorin provides a harmonious blend of seasonal, regional, and local flavors in both its food and beverages.
