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Avartana invites diners to discover the culinary heritage of Southern India through progressive tasting menus that transform traditional ingredients and familiar regional flavours into imaginative contemporary creations.

Progressive Southern Indian Cuisine

Fine Dining

Operational Hours: Dinner Daily and Weekend Lunch

A Progressive Celebration of Southern Indian Cuisine

Located within the magnificent ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, Avartana presents a pioneering interpretation of Southern Indian cuisine through innovative techniques, artistic presentation and carefully curated tasting menus.

The restaurant respects the foundations of traditional cooking while exploring new ways to experience the distinctive flavours, aromas, textures and spices of the Southern Indian peninsula. Every course is designed to surprise diners while retaining a meaningful connection with the culinary tradition that inspired it.

Cuisine

Avartana brings together traditional Southern Indian ingredients and progressive culinary techniques to create a sophisticated, multi-sensory dining experience.

Regional recipes and familiar flavours are thoughtfully deconstructed and reimagined through contemporary presentation. Spices, grains, vegetables, seafood and other ingredients associated with Southern Indian cooking are transformed into elegant courses that balance creativity with authenticity.

Rather than offering a conventional à la carte menu, Avartana allows guests to explore its cuisine through a selection of specially curated tasting experiences.

Tasting Experience

Guests can choose from several tasting menus of different lengths and culinary themes.

The experiences include the seven-course Maya, nine-course Bela, eleven-course Jiaa, thirteen-course Anika and the thirteen-course coastal-inspired Tara. These menus allow diners to select the depth and style of their culinary journey.

Thoughtfully crafted spiced cocktails and other beverages can also be paired with the courses to complement the flavours and enhance the overall experience.

Origin

The name Avartana, pronounced “Avartan”, originates from a Sanskrit word associated with rhythm, mysticism and magic.

This meaning is reflected in the restaurant’s culinary philosophy. Every dish follows a creative rhythm in which traditional Southern Indian flavours are presented through modern interpretations, unexpected textures and expressive plating.

Ambience

Avartana’s elegant interiors provide a sophisticated setting for its progressive cuisine.

Soft ambient lighting, light-coloured wood and rich accents of copper, amber and vintage brass create an atmosphere of understated luxury. The banana-leaf-inspired design elements pay tribute to Southern Indian culture, while rustic earthenware, bamboo holders and ornate cutlery add character to the presentation of every course.

The carefully considered ambience complements the cuisine, transforming dinner at Avartana into an immersive experience suitable for intimate meals, celebrations and special occasions.

Recognition

Avartana at ITC Grand Chola was ranked India’s No. 1 restaurant at the Condé Nast Traveller and Zomato Top Restaurant Awards 2024.

The restaurant was also placed No. 30 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 and No. 44 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.

In 2026, Avartana was honoured as the Most Innovative Indian Restaurant at the NDTV Food Awards, recognising its distinctive contribution to progressive Indian dining.