Why do cricketers invest in restaurants?

The restaurants offer a strong post-cricket business opportunity, combining brand value, long-term income, and fan engagement, as it allows the players to express interests in food and lifestyle.

Which cricketer has the most successful restaurant chain?

Virat Kohli is considered to be the most successful in the restaurant chain with his One8 Commune brand, which has expanded across many cities and gained popularity.

Are these restaurants luxury or affordable?

Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh’s ventures lean towards premium dining, while Suresh Raina and Ravindra Jadeja focus more on casual and affordable dining.

Are these restaurants just for branding or serious businesses?

Branding plays a role, but most of these ventures are serious business investments. Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune, for example, is managed and expanding, while others have also shown passion for their projects.

Indian cricketers who own restaurants: Full list

Cricket in India has never been only a sport- it’s a mixture of different cultures and lifestyles. For many players, it’s the gateway into new ventures beyond the boundary. In recent years, many Indian players have stepped into the world of hospitality, turning their passion for food and dining into a restaurant business, as the likes of Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Suresh Raina have done.

Kohli, whose One8 Commune chain has become a success across the major cities in India. His brand has blended fitness, premium dining, and modern aesthetics, which has created an experience that resonates with the fans and food enthusiasts.

Another World Cup-winning former all-rounder of the blue brigade, Suresh Raina, has taken his love for food international with the Raina Indian Restaurant in Amsterdam. Unlike the celebrity venues, his restaurant draws on the authentic Indian flavour and cultural storytelling, which offers a slice of home to the global audience.

Some of the other stars of Indian cricket, Ravindra Jadeja and Zaheer Khan, have also left their mark in the restaurant industry. Each of them has brought their unique style to the dining table as these ventures showcase how the players are successfully building their second innings in the business.

From Kohli's One8 Commune to Raina's Raina Indian Restaurant — every restaurant owned by Indian cricket stars

This growing list of cricketer-turned-restaurant-owners has highlighted a fascinating trend. The biggest sporting icons of the country have been redefining their legacy by connecting with the fans in some ways. It’s no longer just about scoring centuries or taking wickets- it’s about creating experiences, building brands, and leaving an impact outside the field too.

#1 Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune across India-

One8 Commune is a premium and multi-cuisine restro-bar chain, which was co-founded by the Indian cricket icon, Virat Kohli, and Vartik Tihara. The brand’s identity is rooted in building a sense of togetherness (a commune), while the ‘One8’ honours the jersey number of the former captain.

The chain is known for blending sophisticated and Instagram-friendly architecture with the premium nightlife atmosphere, and it features a curated ‘Virat’s Favourites’ menu that highlights his personal health-conscious picks.

The One8 Commune began in Delhi’s Aerocity and expanded to Mohali, Indore, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, while the commune in Kolkata is poised to become the most popular one of all. With more than 4500 sq. ft and space for nearly 100 people, they feature elevated VIP seating and a capsule-shaped, pod-like structure, all against Kohli’s LED signature.

The cuisine here is a lot of fun, combining sophisticated dining with the street food from Kolkata. Chicken Keema Cornetto seems like a tasty, crispy treat, along with the Black Chicken and the Keema Puff, which appears juicy and meaty. Seafood salad, Gondhoraj Chicken, Dimsums, and Kabiraji are the must-try dishes in the restaurant. It has a Google rating of 4.4 out of 5 with INR 2000 required for two persons.

#2 Virat Kohli’s Nueva in New Delhi-

Nueva is the most upscale and stylish restaurant associated with Kohli, which is located in the heart of South Delhi. It stands out for the fine-dining experience, global cuisine, and the sophisticated ambiance. It’s in Sangram Courtyard, RK Puram, and is across multiple levels with a chic and modern interior.

It reflects a different side of Kohli but the global and lifestyle-driven personality. Instead of the cricket-themed venue, it offers a very world-class culinary experience, aligning more with the international fine-dining standards.

It specializes in global cuisines, with influences from South America, Europe, Japan, and other Asian regions. The signature offerings include Sushi and ceviche, Pasta and tapas, and creative fusion dishes curated by the top chefs.

#3 Mohammed Siraj’s Joharfaa- Taste above the rest-

Joharfaa- Taste above the rest is the debut restaurant of the Indian pacer, Mohammed Siraj, as it marks his entry into the hospitality world. It’s located in the heart of Hyderabad’s Banjara Hills; this is more than just a business but a personal tribute for him in the city that shaped his journey.

Siraj’s Joharfaa is very close to the pacer. It’s built to give back to Hyderabad. The idea was to create a space where people can connect over the food that feels like home, as it reflects his roots and his upbringing.

It offers a very rich and diverse menu inspired by Mughlai flavours, Persian and Arabian Cuisines, Chinese dishes with a local twist, and others. The Hyderabadi-style dining experience is designed with luxurious interiors and gold accents. It’s also a premium dining experience rather than casual eating.

Joharfaa isn’t just about the food but the identity, legacy, and giving back. For the pacer, it represents the journey from the streets of Hyderabad to international cricket, as the flavours tell the story of his journey.

#4 Yuvraj Singh’s KOCA (Kitchen of Celebratory Arts)-

The Kitchen of Celebratory Arts is the debut restaurant for the former Indian spin all-rounder, Yuvraj Singh, as it marked his entry into the hospitality industry. It’s located in Gurugram, with the venture reflecting his personality- vibrant, premium, and deeply rooted in nostalgia.

It’s situated on the Golf Course Road, Gurugram, one of the city’s prime dining hubs. After launching in April 2025, it’s the first-ever restaurant venture of the all-rounder. The name of the restaurant symbolizes the food as a celebration of life, friendships, and memories.

There is a mix of North Indian comfort food with global influences. The highlights include the kadhi chawal and rajma chawal, which are his childhood favourites, along with the fusion dishes with modern presentation, and the Pan-Asian and international elements in the menu.

The ambience features skylight windows and greenery for a relaxed vibe, a stylish bar and lounge setup, and the rooftop ‘KOCA garden’ for nightlife and events. It’s his personal project reflecting the player’s journey and the memories.

#5 Zaheer Khan’s Dine Fine-

Zaheer Khan’s Dine Fine is the earliest example of an Indian cricketer entering the hospitality and food industry. It was launched by the former pacer and quickly became a popular fine-dining destination in Pune, especially among the fans and food lovers of the game.

It offers a mix of Indian, Mughlai, and international cuisines. It’s also popularly known for the kebabs and tandoori dishes along with biriyani and the rich North Indian curries. The menu has been designed for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners.

Besides accommodating large groups, it’s also ideal for family gatherings, parties, and corporate dinners. It features a lounge-style setup with music and live sports screening, enhancing the overall experience.

It’s known for its ambience and flavourful food, especially non-veg dishes like kebabs and biriyani. In Pune, it’s a top spot for a premium yet cricket-themed dining vibe. However, some of the outlets of the dine have shut down or are no longer operational, especially after COVID-19.

#6 Suresh Raina’s RAINA- Culinary Treasures of India-

Suresh Raina, the former Indian all-rounder, has also built RAINA- Culinary Treasures of India, which is a flagship culinary venture located in Amsterdam. It’s deeply rooted in authentic Indian heritage, bringing the richness of Indian cuisine to a global audience. It focuses on traditional Indian recipes, emphasising home-style authenticity with premium presentation.

It aims to recreate the ‘taste of India abroad.’ North Indian classics like butter chicken, dal makhani, and kebabs, Indian breads, curries, and rich gravies can be found in this restaurant. Its elegance, modern interiors with subtle Indian cultural elements, and focus on hospitality and storytelling through the food.

It stands out because it is one of the few Indian cricket-owned restaurants outside India. It has a strong emotional connect and bridges the gap between Indian tradition and global fine dining.

#7 Ravindra Jadeja- Jaddu’s Food Field in Rajkot-

Owned by the premier all-rounder of India, Ravindra Jadeja, Jaddu’s Food Field is located in Rajkot, as the restaurant reflects his personality- simple, grounded, and yet vibrant. It became popular among the fans, who wanted a mix of food and cricket culture in the city.

It’s primarily a pure vegetarian restaurant in Rajkot, offering North Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Mexican cuisines. The popular items of the restaurant include Paneer dishes and sizzlers, Thali combos, Pasta, Pizzas, and snacks.

The venture features a modern, casual dining setup with comfortable seating, associated with the cricket-themed décor, and is known for a lively atmosphere, especially among the local youth and families. Besides maintaining the food scene in the city, it’s known for affordable pricing and diverse menu options.

Apart from all of these, there were past ventures, including Elevens of Kapil Dev in Chandigarh, Tendulkar’s in Mumbai and Bengaluru from Sachin Tendulkar, which is now closed. In Kolkata, Sourav’s belongs to Sourav Ganguly, while MS Dhoni is associated with food and hospitality ventures, but not as prominent standalone restaurant chains as others.