Chennai, September 2026: Avartana at ITC Grand Chola has been recognised among the Tatler Best 20 Restaurants in India 2026, reaffirming its position as one of the country’s most celebrated dining destinations and a standard-bearer for contemporary Southern Indian cuisine.Recognised in the prestigious Tatler Asia Best Restaurants Top 100 List in Asia in 2024 and 2025, Avartana now earns a place among the Tatler Best 20 Restaurants in India 2026, reinforcing its reputation as one of the country’s most sought-after dining destinations.
Over the past year, the restaurant expanded its global footprint with a landmark showcase in France at the acclaimed Château Haut-Brion and Champagne Palmer estates, introducing international audiences to its progressive interpretation of Southern Indian gastronomy. The experience demonstrated how deeply rooted regional flavours and ingredients could seamlessly complement some of the world’s most celebrated wines and champagnes, creating an unforgettable culinary dialogue between cultures.
Back home, Avartana continued its pursuit of innovation with the introduction of Kaleidoscope, an immersive beverage programme inspired by the flavours and ingredients of Southern India. Featuring thoughtfully crafted cocktails incorporating tamarind, betel leaf, coconut flower, kokum and mango, the programme further enriches the restaurant’s distinctive tasting-menu experience and reflects its commitment to pushing culinary boundaries beyond the plate.
Avartana’s growing influence has also attracted a distinguished global following, welcoming acclaimed personalities from the worlds of sports, entertainment and culture. In a proud moment for Chennai, the restaurant was featured in global music icon Ed Sheeran’s music video Sapphire, offering international audiences a glimpse into its culinary world and further spotlighting the city as an emerging global gastronomic destination.
At the heart of Avartana’s enduring appeal is its ability to reinterpret familiar Southern Indian flavours through a contemporary lens while retaining their authenticity and soul. Through its meticulously curated tasting menus, the restaurant continues to deliver experiences that are immersive, innovative and deeply rooted in the rich culinary heritage of the region.
This latest recognition from Tatler not only celebrates Avartana’s continued pursuit of excellence, creativity and innovation but also reinforces ITC Grand Chola’s position as one of India’s foremost culinary destinations. As Avartana continues to evolve, it remains committed to creating transformative dining experiences that place Chennai firmly on the global gastronomic map.