Avartana

Avartana at ITC Grand Chola truly lives up to its reputation. The restaurant has won numerous awards, and I can see why. Some of the dishes absolutely blew my mind — especially their rasam, which was hands down one of the best I’ve ever had. Of course, like any tasting menu, not every dish was a hit for me; a few felt pretty average. We visited on a busy night, but the staff handled it well and ensured we had a smooth dining experience. Overall, it’s a good place to visit, especially if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion. Worth trying if you’re in Chennai and want a memorable meal.

Had a memorable dining experience at Avartana in the ITC Grand Chola. The lunch menu was thoughtfully curated, with each course meticulously presented. Liked the serene atmosphere and elegant plating. However, the wait staff could benefit from more training in articulating the menu slowly, some of the dishes like the sago curd rice with papad were salty. The 13-course meal felt a bit excessive, taking nearly 3 hours to complete, yet overall, enjoyed the experience.

Yesterday we visited Avartana. This was my second visit (my first was two years ago, which I really enjoyed). Once again, I have no complaints about the food or the ambience both were excellent and definitely worth the money. What disappointed me, however, was the service. When we visit a restaurant located in a prestigious place like ITC, we naturally expect professional and attentive service. Sadly, the table service etiquette seems to be missing nowadays staff looked tired, and that reflected in how they interacted with guests. I completely understand that working in restaurants can be repetitive and exhausting, but as diners we come for the overall experience, not just the food. Service is what completes the fine dining journey, and I felt that part was lacking this time.

Avartana impresses with its innovative approach and exceptional quality. The ingredients are clearly top-tier, and the vegetarian dishes were executed with remarkable skill—flavorful, creative, and beautifully presented. Each course felt thoughtfully composed, showcasing the kitchen’s mastery. Service was flawless, with Manoj delivering warm, attentive, and professional hospitality throughout the evening. A truly memorable dining experience.

Awesome experience.. Fantastic service .. Great Presentation .. Although we made our reservation at 7:45pm, the receptionist was sweet to allow us inside at 7:15pm saying we are booked the entire slot from 7pm to 11pm. We chose Bela (9 course meal) and I have attached the menu and the pics of each dish. Needs improvement : There was considerable waiting time (~15mins) just to pay the bill, as they were carrying single card machine for the full bunch !

A must try place for the exquisite and curated meals!! Please keep in mind to go when you have ample time as the experiences range from 1.5 to 3.5 hrs. Do prebook as the restaurant tends to be busy. My regards to the staff for the warm hospitality!

We had a seven-course meal called Bella. There was a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian option for each course. They explained the ingredients and how to eat each dish. Overall, it was a worthwhile experience.

**** Editing the review next day. I and my wife had food poisoning from this. We were doubtful of the Uthukuli Chicken. But didn't bother as though how could it go wrong at a place like ITC. We shouldn't have. It was too bad for my wife. We will avoid this place ********** Great experience. Most items were good and a few were ok. We went in around 12 PM and the service was prompt. However, towards the end things slowed down and one dish took almost 20 mins after the previous one was cleared. Courtesy staff. Overall a guide experience.