New Delhi, Aug 26: Massimo Bottura, one of the most celebrated and influential chefs in the world, returns to India this week as Culinary Culture and The Leela Palace New Delhi bring the experience of his legendary three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Osteria Francescana, back to the capital for two exclusive dinners on 27 and 28 August 2026.
Massimo Bottura is widely regarded as one of the world’s most acclaimed chefs, best known for his Three-Michelin-starred restaurant Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy. Renowned for its bold reinvention of Italian cuisine that blends tradition with contemporary creativity, the restaurant has twice been named the Best Restaurant in the World by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants – in 2016 and 2018.
Named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Bottura is celebrated not only for his culinary artistry but also for his passionate philanthropy. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme and founder of the non-profit organization Food for Soul, he actively champions sustainability and food waste reduction— principles that align perfectly with The Leela’s commitment to sustainability. His unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and social responsibility continues to inspire the global culinary community and beyond.
Under Bottura’s visionary leadership, Osteria Francescana continues to be featured among the world’s finest restaurants. His masterful dishes, such as ‘Oops I Dropped the Lemon Tart,’ ‘The Crunchy Part of the Lasagne,’ and ‘Psychedelic Cod Not Flame Grilled,’ will be part of the exclusive menu prepared for Delhi’s diners. As part of this unique experience, Bottura will also participate in an interactive session where he will converse with Vir Sanghvi, India’s foremost food authority and Chairman of Culinary Culture, offering a rare glimpse into his culinary philosophy.
Speaking on Chef Massimo Bottura’s return, Ms. Preeti Makhija, General Manager, The Leela Palace New Delhi, said,
“Welcoming Chef Massimo Bottura and the Osteria Francescana team back to The Leela Palace New Delhi for a third time is truly special for us. Over the years, his visits have become more than exceptional culinary moments; they have created a meaningful connection between our guests and one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary gastronomy. Massimo has a rare ability to honour the soul and heritage of Italian cuisine while challenging you to experience it in unexpected, thought-provoking ways. There is an artistry, generosity and sense of emotion in his cooking that stays with you long after the meal. We are delighted to welcome him home to The Leela Palace once again and look forward to sharing his latest expression of Italian cuisine with our guests. It is a privilege to host a chef of his stature, and equally special to see New Delhi continue to embrace and celebrate such extraordinary global culinary talent.”
Raaj Sanghvi, CEO of Culinary Culture, said:
“When we first brought Massimo Bottura to India, it represented exactly what we wanted Culinary Culture to do: bring the very best of the world to India and create experiences that simply did not exist here before. Since then, Massimo has become a great friend of Culinary Culture and of India, returning to us year after year. His visits are always extraordinary because he brings much more than one of the world’s greatest restaurants. He brings his ideas, his generosity, his energy and his genuine love for India. We are delighted to welcome Massimo and the Osteria Francescana team back to The Leela Palace New Delhi for what will be another very special two nights.”
Chef Massimo Bottura said:
“Namaste, India! There is no other country in the world that I return to every year with my team. I love India, its people, its culture, its cuisine and its incredible sense of hospitality. The Leela Palace and Culinary Culture understand the true power of hospitality, and it is always a pleasure to return and share a taste of our culture from Modena with you. India has become very special to us. Big hugs, and see you all very soon!”
With the first dinner already sold out, seats for this exclusive dining experience are now extremely limited. Chef Massimo Bottura and the Osteria Francescana team will be at The Leela Palace New Delhi for two special dinners on 27 and 28 August 2026, priced at INR 75,000 plus applicable taxes per person.