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NDTV
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- NDTV
World's Most Beautiful Restaurants Of 2025, As Selected By Prix Versailles
Show Quick Read Summary is AI-generated, newsroom-reviewed Some time ago, Prix Versailles (an annual award series in the architectural and design domain) released its list of the World's Most Beautiful Restaurants for 2025. This selection shines a spotlight on 16 dining spaces that go beyond gastronomy and service - they prove how architecture, artistry, and ambience are equally integral to the experience. These restaurants are not ranked but recognised for the ways in which they have merged aesthetic sensibilities with the spirit of their surroundings. This year's selection includes destinations across the globe - from New York to Riyadh, Paris to Shanghai. In December, three of these restaurants will go on to receive World titles. As per Prix Versailles, these awards aim to "promote intelligent sustainability, in which culture serves and transcends the notion of the environment." Here Are The 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants In The World, As Per Prix Versailles 1. Gerbou in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Located in Nad Al Sheba, Gerbou celebrates both the elegance of modernity and the essence of traditional Emirati hospitality. The space is designed by Kristina Zanic Consultants with Tasmeem Tashkeel. It features elements like fish-scale lighting and camel leather sofas. All of them are crafted with materials native to the region. The interior mirrors the kitchen's philosophy: 70% of ingredients are locally sourced. The dishes by Chef Ionel Catau are a reflection of ancestral respect and contemporary flair. 2. Smoked Room in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Chef Dani Garcia's Smoked Room offers a dark, immersive environment marked by dramatic lighting and textures that mimic fire and metal. Designed by Astet Studio, it boasts an open-flame "Omakase" dining zone, where guests witness each course in the making. Various theatrical elements make the experience unforgettable. There's also a separate dessert room with Japanese-inspired detailing. 3. Blackswan in Beijing, China Situated inside the Luo Hong Art Museum, Blackswan is a poetic tribute to its namesake. The interior design, by Chris Shao Studio, is inspired by the ethereal beauty of swans. There's a lakeside garden view and a cascading feather chandelier by Caroline Sarkozy. The French delicacies by Chef Vianney Massot are served in a monochromatic, graceful space that evokes serenity. 4. Ortensia in Shanghai, China Ortensia is a product of Japanese, French, and Chinese cultural influences. Located in Shanghai' s Zhangyuan district, it combines shikumen architecture with French elegance and Japanese subtlety. Chris Shao Studio has used rustic tiles, lacquer, and carved woodwork to elevate the ambience. This creates a whimsical environment to match its refined fusion menu. 5. Lobster Club in Palma de Mallorca, Spain On the shores of Mallorca, Lobster Club aims to capture Mediterranean energy in a contemporary sea club setting. Designed by Sandra Tarruella, the open-plan venue centres around a bar and infinity pool. Materials like iroko wood and glazed tiles support the relaxing vibe of sun-drenched days. It's a wonderful space that brings together dining, music and seafront relaxation. 6. Bouchon Careme in Helsinki, Finland Located in a century-old building, this Helsinki restaurant pays homage to the Lyonnaise bouchon in its own way. It reinterprets French tradition with Finnish warmth. Studio Fyra preserved key elements like exposed brick and iron columns while allowing daylight to shine through large arched windows. Chef Hans Valimaki's menu of hearty meat and vegetable dishes is complemented by the rustic yet refined design. 7. Laduree Rue Royale in Paris, France Laduree's historic tea room on Rue Royale has been restored to its original 1862 grandeur. Decorator Cordelia de Castellane has introduced pastel hues, Belle Epoque ceilings, and ornate mouldings that evoke 18th-century Paris. Each salon, from Chantilly to Napoleon, offers a dreamlike escape. The design leaves no room for doubt - this establishment is indeed a culinary and cultural landmark. 8. Ducasse Baccarat in Paris, France This restaurant is housed in the former residence of Marie-Laure de Noailles. It is a Parisian gem that unites the culinary mastery of Chef Alain Ducasse with the elegance of Baccarat crystal. Alienor Bechu's interiors feature raw materials and curated artworks, creating an ambience where history and innovation meet beneath shimmering chandeliers. 9. Julie's in London, United Kingdom In the heart of Notting Hill, Julie's has long been a haven for artists and even royalty. The revamped space by Rosanna Bossom and owner Tara MacBain honours the original 1969 glamour with rich 1970s motifs, layered illustrations, and a lush alfresco terrace. The result is a sophisticated yet playful tribute to West London's creative legacy. 10. Shell in Nusa Penida, Indonesia Perched above Diamond Beach, Shell exemplifies biomimicry in design. Pablo Luna Studio used bamboo and rammed earth to create a cavernous, shell-shaped structure that's as functional as it is poetic. Passive cooling and recycled materials make this eco-conscious retreat nearly self-sufficient. It's an architectural homage to nature and sustainability. 11. Coro in Orvieto, Italy Set inside a deconsecrated 16th-century church, Coro balances sacred architecture with modern culinary artistry. While working on its restoration, Architect Giuliano Andrea dell'Uva preserved its tuff stone walls and altar remains. Chef Ronald Bukri's dishes and the serene service reflect this sense of worship. The result is a quiet, contemplative space grounded in Umbrian tradition. 12. Seven Island in Busan, South Korea Built across seven pavilions on Gadeokdo Island, this cafe looks out onto the ocean and seven surrounding isles. Designed by mttb, the minimalist structures contrast dark, earthy tones below with brighter hues above. The objective is that the space should echo the natural play of light and water. The layout offers varied perspectives of the sea, creating a deep sense of place. 13. Kimyona in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia A speakeasy with a twist- Kimyona hides behind a gallery-like entrance and leads into a dim dining space inspired by darkrooms and analogue photography. Designed by Azaz Architects, the interiors use ceramic tiles, reclaimed materials, and steel to combine minimalism and intrigue. The menu features forgotten and reinvented Asian delicacies. 14. Another Smith in Tha Sai Luat, Thailand This family-run restaurant draws from Chinese architecture and bamboo construction for its design. It houses three spaces: dining room, cafe, and jewellery boutique. Thor Kaichon and TasteSpace have worked together to create bright, open interiors anchored by a central kitchen. Emblems inspired by Chinese family seals bring a heritage touch to the contemporary setting. 15. Beefbar in New York, United States Making its U.S. debut in Tribeca, Monte Carlo's Beefbar channels European elegance as well as Manhattan's industrial charm. Humbert & Poyet's design features tall arched windows, Art Deco lines, and a medley of marble, terrazzo, and textile layers. The result is a lush and modern steakhouse that reflects the multicultural fabric of New York. 16. Japon in Miami Beach, United States Japon in Miami Beach, United States Japon flips the script on minimalism, embracing the colourful spirit of Miami. This restaurant was established by Chefs Vijayudu Veena and Ivan Monzon. Saladino Design Studios filled the space with crane motifs (a symbol of luck, natural beauty and elegance in Japanese culture) from mosaic tiles to wallpaper. Inside, gold-leaf ceilings, vintage woodblock art, and a pagoda patio celebrate the richness of Japanese cuisine and tradition with a vibrant, tropical twist. The 2025 Prix Versailles restaurant list reveals how design and dining need to go hand-in-hand. Aligning both requires creativity, vision and daring.
Time Out
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
This New York steakhouse was named one of the World's Most Beautiful Restaurants
Of course, we want our dinner to taste good—but it doesn't hurt when it looks good, too. And the lovely venues featured on Prix Versailles' 2025 list of the World's Most Beautiful Restaurants, including a certain stunning New York steakhouse, are definitely a feast for the eyes. As it recently had done with picturesque hotel properties, the Prix Versailles —a series of international awards given annually in the field of architecture—released its list of the world's most visually stunning dining rooms on June 16, recently opened spots that "are evidence of the dominant aesthetic and cultural dynamics around the world," per organizers. And while much of the list is devoted to gorgeous eateries in far-flung locales (like Blackswan in Beijing, China; Bouchon Carême in Helsinki, Finland; Gerbou in Dubai, UAE; and Coro in Orvieto, Italy), one of this year's picks is delightfully closer to home: New York's own Beefbar. Founded by Riccardo Giraudi, with locations in Cannes, Mykonos, London and Hong Kong, the Monte Carlo-born meat concept took over the former Nobu space in spring 2024, bringing its prime cuts and plush setting to Tribeca. "The new location's décor, designed by the Monaco-based firm Humbert & Poyet, is a perfect reflection of New York: a melting pot of influences from which novel expressions emanate, that are as original as they are disconcerting," praises the Prix Versailles. The opulent dining room features tall arched windows, antique mirrors, velvet bench seats and bronze-alabaster sconces. Framed with fluted red and white marble, both the grand kitchen and the meat display cabinet are in view from the seating area, giving you a peek at all of the glorious meat sweats to come. Calling Beefbar's good looks as "oh-so-American yet rooted in Europe," the design-loving list pointed to the interior's "lovely variety of textiles and materials, an abundance that was inspired by a kaleidoscopic vision of history: from a refined version of the historic motif in the Versailles parquet floor to a recollection of the industrial heritage of this part of Manhattan, and from garnet marble cladding to terrazzo flooring." Beefbar was joined on the list by only one other American dining room: Japón at The Setai in Miami Beach, Florida. You can check out the rest of the global list below. The World's Most Beautiful Restaurants of 2025, per the Prix Versailles Gerbou - Dubai, United Arab Emirates Smoked Room - Dubai, United Arab Emirates Blackswan - Beijing, China Ōrtensia - Shanghai, China Lobster Club - Palma de Mallorca, Spain Bouchon Carême - Helsinki, Finland Ladurée Rue Royale - Paris, France Ducasse Baccarat - Paris, France Julie's - London, United Kingdom Shell - Nusa Penida, Indonesia Coro - Orvieto, Italy Seven Island - Busan, Republic of Korea Kimyona - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Another Smith - Tha Sai Luat, Thailand Beefbar - New York, United States Japón - Miami Beach, United States
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
X:IN K-pop group interview: On their third mini album Defend Myself, their creative process, and India connection
For multi-national K-pop group X:IN, working on their latest mini album Defend Myself has been a deeply reflective and personal journey. The five member group — comprising Korean members E:sha, Nizz, and Hannah, Russian member Nova and Indian member Aria — is currently basking in the aftermath of the album's release in May. When the group debuted in 2023, they garnered significant attention in India for having a member from Kerala, Aria. Aria is among the few artistes of Indian origin in K-pop, which includes Sriya Lenka from Odisha who is a part of the K-pop group Blackswan. Presenting an autobiographical narrative of their inner conflict and emotional turmoil in Defend Myself, the group also consciously emphasises on protecting themselves amidst all the chaos, in the songs of this third mini- album. 'We focussed on the vulnerabilities and challenges of being in the spotlight. All of us were keenly involved in the creation of this album,' says E:Sha, the group's leader. Speaking from Seoul via a Zoom call, the group is all smiles and eager to talk about their journey thus far, and what lies ahead. While they have actively been a part of the creative process and their songs in the past, Aria calls their increased involvement in Defend Myself a 'huge stepping stone'. 'This was a significant learning experience for us,' she says. Since their debut in April 2023, X:IN has released two mini albums and also notably collaborated with Russian singer TSOY on the digital single 'Seoul- Moskva' which featured lyrics in Russian, English and Korean. Of the four tracks in Defend Myself, the title track 'Attention Seeker' explores the members' image, vulnerability and longing to be seen as well as what it takes to be their authentic selves. A slick music video pictured on the group was shot in a desert as well, and Hannah recalls how they were initially worried about wearing sandals and slippers in the dust and heat there, and possible snake sightings. While they thankfully did not have any reptilian encounters, Nova laughs about how uncooperative the wind was. 'We set up a shot wanting my dress to swish and flutter around me, only for the winds to stop the minute we began shooting,' she says. The autobiographical track 'Almost Done' however seems to be the group's favourite, which chronicles their growth and the work they have put in through hard times. 'Writing the lyrics for this song felt special because I felt like it showcases my story, and my journey in the industry. It was a difficult track, but I like how the song sounds and our voices blend well,' Nova says. 'I could imagine myself on stage, and how I would express myself while performing this song,' Hannah chimes in. For Nizz, 'Bitter Love', a song that expresses the emotional push and pull of a complicated relationship presented a different challenge. 'Unlike the other songs which were experience-based, we had to write this from our imagination and this was a fun creative process,' she recalls. High-energy vocals is a unifying factor through all four songs and the song 'Sabaha' as well blends this with strong house music influences. Since their debut, the members acknowledge different areas where they have been able to see their growth and evolution as artistes. 'Singing and dancing at the same time for instance used to be daunting. Over the years, I have got used to it and instead of worrying about it, I now recognise that it's a part of the job and go with the flow,' E:sha says. X:IN has performed in India twice in the K-Wave festival in Bengaluru in 2023 and in the Falcon Festival in Umrangso, Assam in 2024. For Aria, performing in her home country has always felt special. 'I initially did not know what to expect during our first performance in Bengaluru, but the energy was amazing. Knowing I am special to them, I feel a greater sense of responsibility and happiness that I am representing the country,' she says. The other members share her enthusiasm for performing here, and Nova says they are always excited to come to India. 'We recharge from our audience, and it has always been amazing performing in India,' she says. From places to visit to what food the girls should try, Readys (the X:IN fandom name) in India have always had tons of suggestions for Aria, and she hopes that they will be able to do all of this in the future, and film a detailed vlog during a visit to India as well. Three mini albums in, Nova now hopes for them to work on a full length music album soon. Post the release of Defend Myself, the group shows no signs of slowing down for the rest of the year, and have a packed wish list for 2025. 'I want to take the first place on the music charts,' Hannah says, while Nizz wishes for them to perform in the large year end music festivals in South Korea. 'We also hope to visit more countries and meet our fans. More onstage performances is something we really look forward to,' Aria says.
News18
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Proud of our Protectors': India's First K-Pop Star Sriya Lenka Salute's Army
Last Updated: Sriya Lenka, 23, is a member of the popular South Korean girl group Blackswan. Sriya Lenka, India's first K-pop star, has extended support to the Indian armed forces, stating she was 'proud of our protectors". Her post on Instagram Stories came in the wake of the ongoing cross-border firing and drone strikes with Pakistan, resonating well with the K-pop fans on social media. Lenka, 23, is a member of the popular South Korean girl group Blackswan. Recently, she took to the social media platform to talk about the heightened tensions between the two neighbouring nations. 'Proud of our Protecters. Jai Hind," she wrote. Her comments soon gained significant attention on X, as users lauded Lenka for expressing her views. 'Black Swan Sriya Lenka spoke in support of India. Finally an Indian k-pop idol that has the spine to speak for her people," one person wrote on X. — 💫 (@asaccelerator) May 10, 2025 Another felt 'proud" of the singer and dancer from Odisha and called her a 'real" celebrity. She real, and not those celebrities who are keeping mum about this situation to keep their Pakistani fans sated. Matlab jis thaali mein khaya, usi thaali mein chhed. So proud of you, Sriya. — ✮⋆˙Deb⁷🇮🇳⋆🪔.???? ݁ ˖ (@minbeforeyoo) May 10, 2025 One person suggest to 'keep an eye on her" as 'anti-Indian" might target her on internet. Besides Lenka, other members of the group include Fatou, Gabi and NVee. Apart from the 23-year-old, several others have shown support for Indian armed forces, with the Indian K-pop community stating they stood in solidarity with them. In recent days, social media has remained abuzz with posts from K-pop fans, who have openly criticised Pakistan. Indian K-Pop fans when it comes to support their country Jai Hind 🇮🇳 — Popplayzz (@Popplayzz1) May 9, 2025 Indian twt being shocked seeing Indian k-pop fans defending the country is hilarious 😭😭 because it's our daily work to clock ppl who hate our idols…and when it comes to our country ofc we'll do the same 🇮🇳— Nini is MESSY🐈⬛ (@ninipinkluvv) May 9, 2025 A few years ago, Lenka became the first K-pop star from the country when she emerged as a member of the multi-national group. The members of the band were reportedly selected by DR Music Entertainment, a South Korean music label, after a training period that lasted for six months. In an earlier interview with Zoom, Lenka said she looked forward to be on a 'huge stage" and performing in front of a 'massive crowd" when she was 10 years old. She said that she gets 'very emotional" whenever people call her 'India ki beti". Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after 26 tourists were killed in a ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. In a befitting reply to Pakistan, the Indian armed forces earlier this week launched a series of missile strikes across multiple terror camps under Operation Sindoor. First Published:
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
As India-Pak tensions rise, desi K-pop community shows solidarity with Armed Forces; Sriya Lenka leads the way
India's first K-pop star, Sriya Lenka, has come out in strong support of the Indian Armed Forces amid the ongoing conflict with Pakistan. The 23-year-old singer and dancer from Odisha, who is part of the South Korean girl group Blackswan, issued a statement applauding the bravery of Indian soldiers on her Instagram stories saying, 'Proud of our Protecters, Jai Hind.' Blackswan, known as the first non-Korean K-pop girl group, rose to global fame with their debut album That Karma in 2023. While the band primarily sings in Korean with a mix of English, each member brings unique cultural roots to the group. For Sriya, it's a blend of Indian classical dance and contemporary styles that has helped her carve a distinct identity in the global K-pop space. Her message resonated far beyond the K-pop fandom, striking a chord with the wider Indian online community. Since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, social media has seen a wave of solidarity posts from K-pop fans, many voicing strong support for the Indian Armed Forces. With misinformation running rampant, the K-pop community's quick digital mobilisation has added a surprising but welcome force in India's information war as several Indian K-pop fan accounts have also joined hands to spread empowerment across social media platforms. As celebrities continue to issue public statements in support of the military, Sriya's heartfelt message not only reflects national pride but also shows how cultural icons can rally communities during tense times.
