Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024 recognises Koinonia Indian Restaurant, on St Mark’s Walk, Newark, as one of top 10% of restaurants in the world

An Indian restaurant with a family feel has been recognised as one of the top 10% of restaurants worldwide.

Koinonia, in Newark, specialises in South Indian Keralan cuisine and has become well known for its quality food and good customer service, gathering thousands of positive reviews on TripAdvisor.

This great feedback has not only allowed the business to take the top spot as the highest rated restaurant in Newark, but earned them a win at the TripAvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

The awards recognise that the business consistently earns great reviews from their diners, and is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left a first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period.

This now places Koinonia among the top 10% of restaurant listings around the world on the rating platform.

The restaurant is owned by George Chummar and Thomas Chacko, who have worked tirelessly to make it a success, and have been serving the people of Newark for over 12 years.

Operations manager, Sanju Susan, said: “Being ranked in the top 10% of restaurants worldwide is an honour that fills us with immense pride and gratitude.

“This recognition reaffirms our commitment to delivering authentic South Indian cuisine that resonates deeply with our customers.

“It feels wonderful to see our passion and dedication celebrated on such a global platform.

“At Koinonia, our tradition of 'Adithi Devo Bhava' a Sanskrit phrase meaning "Guest is equivalent to God," embodies the ethos of Indian hospitality — it keeps our returning customers feeling like cherished family."

The independent restaurant, on St Mark’s Lane, has been serving the people of Newark for over a decade now.

“The secret to our success lies in staying true to our roots while adapting to the preferences of our patrons,” said Sanju.

“Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do — our spices are sourced directly from Kerala, and our chefs bring decades of expertise in crafting dishes that are rich in tradition yet tailored to modern tastes.

“We believe that great food is not just about flavour but also about the experience. From the warm welcome our team offers to the attention to detail in customizing dishes, we aim to create moments that linger long after the meal.

“Feedback like “each dish had its own flavour” and “a memorable experience” are a testament to the unique culinary journey we provide.

“Koinonia has become a cherished part of Newark’s dining landscape by offering something distinct — an authentic South Indian experience that celebrates both seafood and non vegetarian — vegetarian traditions.

“Our menu caters to a wide audience, from adventurous diners seeking unique flavours to those who crave the comfort of home-cooked meals reminiscent of Kerala’s backwaters.

“We’ve built a community of regulars who have become part of the Koinonia family. This sense of belonging reflects our deep ties to the Newark community.

“As we approach our 13th year, we are more inspired than ever to continue delivering excellence. Special events, a refreshed menu, and celebrations with our patrons are in the works to mark this milestone.”