| Ritu Dalmia is an acclaimed Indian chef and restaurateur known for specializing in Italian cuisine. She has authored several cooking books and established multiple restaurants in India and Italy. Considered one of the best Italian chefs in India. |
| From a young age, Ritu had a passion for cooking, despite her primarily vegetarian family, she also cooked non-vegetarian dishes. |
| At sixteen, she joined her family's stone import business, leading her to travel to countries like Italy, Egypt, and South America for sourcing materials. |
| Her love for Italian cuisine blossomed during visits to Italy, where she learned cooking from her friend Serra Turgutcan. This inspired her to open an Italian restaurant in Delhi, facing skepticism from her father. |
| At 21, she launched her first restaurant, Mezza Luna, with her savings, which unfortunately closed within two years. |
| After selling Mezza Luna, she opened Vama in London alongside chef Andy Verma, eventually finding financial success after initial struggles. |
| Returning to India, she founded DIVA, a highly successful restaurant frequently visited by Italians for its authentic and fresh dishes. |
| Managing multiple restaurants between London and Delhi, she eventually sold her stake in Vama to focus on her Italian ventures in India. |
| Expanding her restaurant empire, she opened several more successful eateries like Latitude 28 and Cafe Diva. |
| Venturing into Italy, she established Cittamani and Spica in Milan, and also introduced DIVA at Andores Resort & Spa in Goa and The Tasting Room by DIVA in Mumbai. |
| She further expanded with Motodo, a pizza eatery at Jio World Drive, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, diversifying her culinary offerings. |
| Ritu Dalmia showcased her culinary expertise as a host on NDTV Good Times in shows like Italian Khana and Travelling Diva. |
| Author of popular cookbooks like Italian Khaana, Travelling DIVA, and DIVA Green: A Vegetarian Cookbook, she has shared her culinary wisdom with enthusiasts. |
| At the age of 23, Ritu bravely embraced her sexual orientation as a lesbian, becoming a petitioner against section 377 of the Indian constitution. In 2018, when the Supreme Court of India decriminalized homosexuality, she expressed immense gratitude for this historic decision. |
