Key Points
- One8 Commune has expanded to 14+ locations across India as of October 2025, with new outlets recently opened in Lower Parel, Mumbai, and Hyderabad
- The flagship Juhu, Mumbai outlet operates from legendary singer Kishore Kumar’s former bungalow “Gouri Kunj,” inaugurated in 2022
- Virat Kohli is a self-proclaimed admirer of Kishore Kumar, calling him “charismatic” and stating he would have loved to meet him if alive
- The restaurant name “One8” is inspired by Kohli’s cricket jersey number 18, prominently displayed on walls across all outlets
- Menu prices have gone viral on social media: steamed rice costs ₹318, tandoori roti ₹118, khichdi ₹620, pav bhaji ₹650, and salted fries ₹348
- The chain offers diverse cuisine, including plant-based options, seafood, and meat dishes, with a special “Virat’s Favourites” section featuring vegetarian items
- Locations include Delhi-NCR (Aerocity, Punjabi Bagh, Gurgaon), Mumbai (Juhu, Lower Parel), Bengaluru (near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium), Kolkata, Pune, Indore, Jaipur, and Hyderabad
Mumbai: Former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli has successfully leveraged his sporting fame and entrepreneurial acumen to build One8 Commune into one of India’s most recognized celebrity-owned restaurant chains. As of October 2025, the brand operates across 14 locations and continues expanding, with the Instagram account proudly declaring “Founded by Virat Kohli, crafted for the community”.
The restaurant chain began with its flagship outlet in Aerocity, New Delhi, strategically located near Indira Gandhi International Airport and surrounded by premium hotels and business centers. Since then, the brand has systematically expanded to major metropolitan cities across India, establishing a strong presence in the luxury casual dining segment.
Kohli’s vision for One8 Commune extends beyond merely opening restaurants; he aims to create community-oriented spaces where people from all walks of life can gather, connect, and share memorable dining experiences. Each outlet is designed with its own unique identity while maintaining the brand’s core philosophy of combining high-quality cuisine with a welcoming, chilled-out atmosphere.
The cricketer, who has been a vegetarian for several years now, ensures that the restaurant menu reflects his personal values of balance, flavor, and nutrition. This commitment to quality and authenticity has helped One8 Commune distinguish itself in India’s competitive restaurant landscape.
The Iconic Juhu Outlet: A Tribute to Kishore Kumar
Among all the One8 Commune outlets, the Juhu branch in Mumbai stands out as the most distinctive and emotionally significant. Inaugurated in 2022, this outlet is housed in the former bungalow of legendary playback singer Kishore Kumar, known as “Gouri Kunj”.
Virat Kohli, a confessed admirer of the iconic singer, deliberately chose this location as a heartfelt tribute to an artist whose music has deeply touched him. In a video tour shared on the restaurant’s YouTube channel, Kohli opened up about his connection to Kishore Kumar: “His songs have really, really touched me emotionally. When I was asked which person I’d have liked to meet if they were alive, I’d always say Kishore da because he had such a charismatic personality”.
The bungalow, located in Mumbai’s posh Juhu neighborhood, has been thoughtfully transformed into a luxurious yet casual dining space that honors Kishore Kumar’s legacy while incorporating modern design elements. The One8 Commune team deliberately retained the homely appeal of the original bungalow, ensuring that the space captures the soul of Bollywood’s golden era while offering contemporary comfort.
Kohli emphasized his design philosophy during the restaurant tour with actor and anchor Manish Paul: “I’ve never liked visiting structured places. I like restaurants where you can go anytime. The kitchen opens in the morning and is open through the day. We also have events happening here. The interiors are also raw and casual. You won’t feel like coming here in a shirt. You can come in a T-shirt and shorts, chill, and have coffee here. The vibe was always meant to be chilled out”.
Interior Design and Ambiance
The Juhu outlet features glass-roofed interiors that allow ample natural sunlight to flood the space, creating a bright, airy atmosphere that distinguishes it from typical enclosed restaurant environments. The design incorporates warm tones, creating an inviting environment that makes guests feel at home rather than in a formal dining establishment.
Throughout the restaurant, Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18 is prominently displayed on walls, serving as both a branding element and a point of attraction for cricket fans. This number directly inspired the restaurant’s name “One8,” creating a seamless connection between Kohli’s sporting legacy and his hospitality venture.
The Juhu location carries strong visual homages to Kishore Kumar throughout its design, though these tributes are integrated subtly to maintain the casual, comfortable atmosphere Kohli envisioned. The décor successfully blends nostalgia with contemporary aesthetics, creating what Kohli describes as a space where “music, ambiance, and taste are all served with class and comfort”.
The Lower Parel Outlet: A Different Vibe
In July 2025, Virat Kohli announced the opening of One8 Commune’s second Mumbai location in Lower Parel (also referred to as Worli), declaring on Instagram: “Mumbai, we’re back. Lower Parel, you asked and we listened. This isn’t just a new outlet”.
This outlet presents a dramatically different aesthetic from the Juhu location. Designed by Aayushi Malik, the 3,800 square feet space is wrapped in deep hues, veined marble, aged brass, and velvet, creating an atmosphere of refined indulgence. Unlike the Juhu outpost with its outdoor section and natural light, the Lower Parel restaurant comes alive with warm glows and intentional shadows.
The space features a central bar and a velvet-drenched cigar and cocktail lounge, with every detail designed to create an elegant vibe that shifts effortlessly from day to night. The restaurant is located at One Indiabulls Centre in Lower Parel, with an average price for two estimated at ₹3,500.
In an interview with Elle Gourmet, when asked about international expansion plans, Kohli stated: “Right now, we’re focused on growing deeper in India, making sure each space is thoughtfully built. But if the timing and the city feel right, we’ll show up”.
Nationwide Presence Across 14+ Cities
One8 Commune’s expansion strategy has been both aggressive and strategic, targeting major metropolitan areas with high purchasing power and strong cricket followings. The current footprint includes:
Delhi-NCR Region: Three outlets in Aerocity (flagship), Punjabi Bagh, and Gurgaon, giving the brand a commanding presence in the national capital region.
Mumbai: Two outlets in Juhu (Kishore Kumar’s bungalow) and Lower Parel (One Indiabulls Centre), establishing a strong presence in India’s financial capital.
Bengaluru: The outlet is strategically located right next to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, reflecting the city’s deep cricket culture and Kohli’s personal connection to the city where his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, grew up.
Other Major Cities: One8 Commune has established outlets in Kolkata (Golden Park), Pune, Indore, Jaipur, and, most recentl,y Hyderabad (HITEC City).
The Kolkata outlet, which opened in August 2021, was designed by renowned interior stylist Sumessh Menon and spreads over 4,500+ square feet with a seating capacity of 100 covers. It features capsule-style pods and a distinct raised VIP seating space with a backdrop of an LED-lit signature of Virat Kohli. The outlet also hosts an in-house DJ playing commercial pop and hip-hop to keep guests engaged.
Each location maintains its own unique identity while staying true to Kohli’s vision of creating welcoming, community-oriented spaces.
Menu: Diverse Cuisine with Premium Pricing
One8 Commune offers a thoughtfully curated, diverse multi-cuisine menu that caters to global palates while emphasizing Kohli’s personal dietary preferences. The menu was developed by Chef Pawan Bisht and includes options ranging from plant-based dishes to meat and seafood preparations.
A special section called “Virat’s Favourites” features dishes that reflect the cricketer’s vegetarian lifestyle, including tofu steak, mushroom dumplings with truffle oil, and superfood salad. This section allows fans to experience the same dishes that Kohli himself enjoys.
The menu strikes a balance between reinvented classics such as gourmet pizzas and burgers, and heavy-duty community platters designed for sharing. The restaurant also offers pet food options, recognizing that many patrons may bring their furry companions, with items priced between ₹518 and ₹818.
The beverage menu features concocted signature cocktails that evoke different generational moods, ranging from classic 1950s cocktails to retro 1970s drinks and current millennial favorites. This creative approach to beverages complements the eclectic food offerings.
Viral Menu Prices Spark Online Discussion
The menu prices at One8 Commune have become a major talking point on social media platforms, with many expressing shock at the premium pricing structure. According to listings on Zomato and reports from various media outlets, the Juhu outlet’s pricing includes:
- Steamed Rice: ₹318
- Tandoori Roti: ₹118
- Baby Naan: ₹118
- Khichdi: ₹620
- Pav Bhaji: ₹650
- Salted Fries: ₹348
- Mascarpone Cheesecake: ₹748
These prices have led to considerable online debate, with some users questioning whether the celebrity association and premium ambiance justify the costs. A woman previously went viral on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after being charged over ₹500 for bhutta (roasted corn) at the restaurant.
However, supporters argue that the pricing reflects the premium location, curated ambiance, celebrity ownership, and high-quality ingredients used in preparation. The restaurant positions itself as a luxury casual dining experience rather than an everyday eatery, which is reflected in both its pricing and its overall offering.
Kohli’s Philosophy: Food Quality Above All
Despite the viral discussions about pricing, Virat Kohli maintains that food quality remains the paramount consideration for One8 Commune’s success. He has repeatedly emphasized that while ambiance and atmosphere are important, the true identity of any restaurant lies in its food.
“A place is successful only when the food and vibe are both excellent,” Kohli has stated, encapsulating his philosophy for the restaurant chain. He stresses that every dish must be crafted to ensure guests leave satisfied and motivated to return for more.
This commitment to culinary excellence is reflected in the restaurant’s approach to ingredient sourcing, preparation methods, and presentation. The menu is designed to deliver not just sustenance but a complete sensory experience that justifies the premium positioning.
Kohli’s personal dietary journey, transitioning to vegetarianism several years ago, has influenced the restaurant’s emphasis on plant-based options and nutritionally balanced dishes. This authenticity resonates with health-conscious diners who appreciate that the celebrity owner genuinely practices what he preaches.
Business Partnership and Expansion Strategy
One8 Commune is co-owned by Virat Kohli along with Vartik Tihara, Anshul Goel, and Ankit Tayal, indicating a partnership structure that combines Kohli’s celebrity appeal with experienced hospitality professionals. This collaborative approach likely contributes to the brand’s successful expansion and operational consistency across multiple locations.
When asked about international expansion plans in the Elle Gourmet interview, Kohli indicated a measured approach: “Right now, we’re focused on growing deeper in India, making sure each space is thoughtfully built. But if the timing and the city feel right, we’ll show up”. This suggests that while international expansion is not off the table, the immediate priority is strengthening the brand’s domestic presence.
The strategic selection of locations from airport proximity in Delhi to stadium adjacency in Bengaluru to heritage properties in Mumbai demonstrates thoughtful market positioning that leverages local contexts and Kohli’s personal connections to different cities.
From Rajma Chawal to Restaurant Empire
Virat Kohli’s journey from cricket superstar to successful restaurateur reflects his multifaceted personality and entrepreneurial vision. His self-described love for traditional Indian comfort foods like rajma chawal (kidney beans with rice) and chole bhature (chickpea curry with fried bread) inspired him to create dining spaces that celebrate authentic flavors alongside contemporary culinary innovations.
The transformation of Kishore Kumar’s iconic Juhu bungalow into One8 Commune represents more than just a real estate transaction—it symbolizes the intersection of cricket, music, Bollywood heritage, and modern Indian dining culture. By honoring the legendary singer’s memory while creating a space for contemporary gatherings, Kohli has crafted a narrative that resonates emotionally with patrons beyond just the food and service.
As One8 Commune continues its expansion across India with 14+ outlets and counting, the restaurant chain stands as a testament to Kohli’s ability to translate his on-field excellence and personal brand into a successful hospitality venture. Whether the premium pricing strategy will sustain long-term growth or require adjustment remains to be seen, but for now, One8 Commune has firmly established itself as one of India’s most talked-about celebrity restaurant chains.
