By Nikhil Merchant

The idea of celebrities owning restaurants in India isn’t new. We still remember the early-2000s’ buzz around Someplace Else in Mumbai, co-owned by Bobby Deol, or the excitement when Sachin Tendulkar opened his namesake restaurant in partnership with hotelier Sanjay Narang. Around the same time, Suniel Shetty’s H2O: The Liquid Lounge was another hotspot, driven less by food and more by the hope of spotting a star. Back then, these places were more like fan experiences than serious dining destinations.

A New Wave of Star-Backed Ventures

But something’s shifted. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a different kind of celebrity-owned establishment emerge—one with clearer intent, stronger partnerships, and deeper personal storytelling. Today’s celebrities aren’t just lending their names; they are curating spaces, investing time in the concept, and working alongside experienced professionals to shape something that resonates beyond the usual expectations.

There’s nostalgia, branding, and the careful projection of a public persona—all channelled through food. So what’s really driving this new wave of celebrity-led dining ventures? Why step into a business known for its high failure rate, even with money and fame in your corner? And when the allure fades, what really keeps these places standing?

It starts innocently enough. You’re at a restaurant—the interiors are swanky, with an air of glamour, metallic or mirrored glints, it’s all a bit surreal and elegantly showy. You pick up the menu and there it is—the name. Not printed (too gauche), but in the carefully italicised whispers floating through the air. “You know it’s their place, right?”

Dining With Identity and Intent

India’s celebrity-led hospitality boom has traded the old-school dazzle for a more curated kind of fame—a space where stars descend from front of camera into raw business, seeking solace in an industry that still knows how to keep you in the limelight. But if you think these are just vanity projects laundered with truffle fries, think again—the profit-and-loss sheet is very real.

Back in the day, it was Arth that hinted at what was possible. Designed by Gauri Khan, it became a two-pronged sensation—her high-design polish (and the chance to bump into her husband), paired with chef Amninder Sandhu’s signature fire-cooked menu. Today, names like Gaurav Batra—brand head at True Palate Hospitality—carried on that evolution. “We don’t just start blindly or star-struck,” he says. “We start with the guest—and ask, what are they hungry for that the market isn’t feeding?” His projects include filmmaker Karan Johar’s Neuma in Mumbai and now Jolene in Goa by Amrita Arora. “With Amu, we weren’t chasing flash-in-the-pan virality. We wanted something people came back to,” he adds.

If Amrita was enchanting the coast, her sister Malaika Arora brought poise to Mumbai. Her venture, Scarlett House, is what she calls “quiet and warm luxury,” converting a landmark bungalow in a village in Bandra to a haven of coziness and comfort, much like an elegant home.

“We focused on elevated simplicity,” she says, adding: “The idea was to build a high-touch experience with a strong word-of -mouth appeal —something that lasts longer than hype.” Co-founded with her son Arhaan, it’s equal parts elegance and Gen-Z fluency—from music to digital UX.

Batra isn’t slowing down either. He launched One8 Commune with ace cricketer Virat Kohli—a pan-India, premium-yet-approachable brand. Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh —the World Cup-winning all-rounder with a knack for comebacks—follows suit with his latest venture in Gurgaon, KOCA. Inspired by childhood staples like kadhi chawal and rajma, he calls it a “culinary playground” grounded in the discipline and teamwork that defined his cricketing years. “Building KOCA required meticulous planning and collaboration,” he says. This foundation has been instrumental in shaping KOCA’s ethos and operations.

The narrative shifts when we consider the work and ideologies behind these celebrity-backed concepts—they steer clear of unapproachable appeal and instead veer towards community and acceptance. Kona Kona in suburban Mumbai, founded by actor Mona Singh and consulting chef Jasleen Marwah, is a bar-forward space which exudes comfort and attracts the notion of community. “I didn’t want fancy,” says Singh. “Just a place where people feel at home.” The menu blends Indian and popular global flavours in their truest form—shareability. Think childhood flavours in a modern bar setting. Both Singh and Marwah, shaped by peripatetic upbringings, have poured their collected food memories into every plate and corner.

Meanwhile, Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian Hospitality has evolved significantly since its inception, pushing boundaries in luxury dining—immersive, ever-relevant, and always a few steps ahead. “Bastian has always stood for more than just dining,” she says. “We wanted to meet today’s discerning, global diner with concepts that feel fresh, thoughtful, and exquisite,” she adds. 

That same philosophy is applied in the brand’s new sibling, Blondie—a specialty café in Bandra. “Blondie was born out of a desire to create something more intimate, more everyday—a space that speaks to the culture of casual, community-driven dining,” she says. With a cool menu to boot, including ceremonial-grade matcha and beans sourced from 45 women farmers in Chikmagalur, Blondie brings resourceful and sustainable thought processes to trending tastes.

Nikhil Merchant is a Mumbai-born food and beverage expert, consultant and writer.

Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of FinancialExpress.com. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.

Cricket and food- two different elements that always manage to stir the soul of every Indian. Whether it’s enjoying a wholesome plate of warm curries and biryani to cheering for the last over, both experiences never fail to bring people together. For many of us, life’s most memorable moments are tied together with a home-cooked meal.

Well, to satisfy the statement, India’s most iconic cricketers have stepped off the pitch and are serving some refreshing delights to the fans at their restaurants. These stars have launched their own restaurants, which are truly inspired by their personal journey. Whether it’s Virat Kohli’s approach to nutritious and healthy eating or Yuvraj Singh’s love for plant-based and vegan dishes, these are not just some regular places, but they are crafting and promoting an experience for everyone. From curated menus to soulful ambience, head to these cricket stars owned restaurants for a change.

One8 Commune- Virat Kohli

Delhi is one of the hot spots for affordable and quality food. One8 Commune, owned by Virat Kohli, is a chain that offers good and healthy delights. This vibrant destination promotes clean eating with togetherness, along with an ambience that is both comforting and elegant. The space is designed to offer a laid-back vibe with comforting food that blends nutrition and flavour. ‘Virat’s Favourites’ is a highlight offering from the selection of dishes that promote guilt-free delights with gourmet indulgence.

Address: Multiple outlets

Cost: INR 2500

Shaka Harry- MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has always been a game changer when it comes to helicopter shots or healthy food swaps. The former Indian captain has invested in Shaka Harry, a plant-based protein venture that caters to the growing demand for sustainable and vegetarian alternatives. Renowned for his love for healthy dishes, Shaka Harry promotes meatless versions of popular dishes, which are protein-filled and smart too.

Address: 3rd floor, Oxford House, 15, RUSTAM BAGH MAIN ROAD, KODIHALLI, 560017 Bangalore KA, India

Cost: INR 1500

KOCA- Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh’s latest venture is KOCA, a 500-seater joint packed with wholesome food options to drink selections in Gurgaon. The destination is inspired by comforting food and childhood memories, and KOCA is all about hearty North Indian flavours with a modern twist. Created in collaboration with top chefs, you can try some of the unique food offerings from the ‘Yuvi’s Favourites’ section.

Address: SCO4-7, Golf Avenue 42, Golf Course Road, Sector 42, Gurugram, Haryana 122103

Cost: INR 2000

Jaddu’s Food Field- Ravindra Jadeja

In the heart of Rajkot lies a multi-cuisine restaurant owned by all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Reflecting Jadeja’s vibrant personality and roots in Gujarat, the eatery offers everything from Indian and Mexican to Thai and Italian dishes. With wholesome food options to festive ambience, it has become a favourite spot for locals to enjoy good food.

Address: Cross Road buildings, Kalawad Road, Pradhyuman Lords Inn, Rajkot, Gujarat 360005

Cost: INR 1000

Raina Indian Restaurant, Suresh Raina

Taking Indian flavours overseas, Suresh Raina has launched Raina Indian Restaurant in Amsterdam. The restaurant offers a celebration of India’s diverse culinary heritage, offering dishes from every region of the country. Whether it’s rich north Indian gravies to spicy south Indian delights, Raina’s menu is a tribute to Indian food culture. With warm ambience and authentic flavours, it gives natives and tourists a taste of home away from home.

Address: Admiraal de Ruijterweg 468, 1055 NH Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cost: INR 2000

Elevens, Kapil Dev

India’s original World Cup hero, Kapil Dev, is a part of the culinary league with this cricket-themed restaurant, ‘Eleven’ in Patna. Opened back in 2008, this eatery is truly a haven for cricket fans. From international flags to faux grass carpeting, the destination offers a perfect cricket vibe. From pan-asian to continental options, it’s a place where fans can dine while reliving the perfect cricket past.

Address: Ankit Chandradeep Complex, Sri Niwas Path, Bander Bagicha, Fraser Road Area, Patna, Bihar 800001

Cost: INR 1400