The country’s most anticipated dining awards night returned in grand style as the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller x District by Zomato Top Restaurant Awards powered by Visa crowned India’s finest restaurants and culinary talent. Held at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, the evening brought together chefs, restaurateurs and industry leaders who continue to redefine the nation’s food culture.
This year, Mumbai emerged as the culinary capital with 13 winning restaurants, followed closely by Bengaluru and New Delhi/Gurugram with nine each, while Goa impressed with eight entries. Regional gems also found their place on the national stage, including Rynsan in Shillong, The Johri in Jaipur and Naar in Kasauli, putting fresh destinations on India’s gastronomic map.
Topping the list of India’s 50 best restaurants were five standout names: The Table in Mumbai, which claimed the number one spot, followed by Masque and Papa’s, both also from Mumbai. The Bombay Canteen, another Mumbai favourite, secured fourth place, while Naar in Kasauli rounded out the top five, bringing the Himachal region into the spotlight.
Alongside the restaurant rankings, the evening also recognised trailblazers through four special excellence awards. Chef Varun Totlani was named Chef of the Year, while KrishnaKumar received the honour of Mixologist of the Year. SHEROES Hangout, a remarkable social initiative, was awarded the Spirit of Hospitality, and Himanshu Saini, celebrated for his innovative global culinary journey, was named Global Indian Chef of the Year.
The jury for the awards brought together a diverse group of food critics, writers, chefs, fashion designers, entrepreneurs and cultural tastemakers from across India, ensuring both credibility and range in the selection process. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP served as the official Process Advisors for the awards.
Salil Deshpande, Head of Editorial Content, Condé Nast Traveller said, “The beauty of the list is that it keeps changing every year, reflecting how India dines. Each year, we see newer spots find a spot at the fine-dining table–this year, it’s a restaurant from Shillong. Many of the places on this list are making Indian culture and cuisine accessible to diners, and I am glad this list puts a spotlight on their efforts.”
District by Zomato’s spokesperson said, “India’s dining culture is experiencing its most exciting chapter yet, with curious, explorative palates at the table matching the innovation behind the counters. Through District, we aim to democratize dining experiences, ensuring that culinary excellence is discoverable and accessible. These awards showcase how our dining culture has matured, celebrating not just great food, but the passion and artistry that define modern Indian dining.”
Ramakrishnan Gopalan, Vice President – Products and Solutions, India, Visa said, “Today’s affluent consumer is seeking more than luxury; they’re looking for authenticity, access, and a meaning in every moment whether travel, music or dining. Our partnership with the Condé Nast Traveller’s Top 50 Restaurant Awards exemplifies this evolution, highlighting outstanding culinary achievements and elevating each transaction into an exceptional experience. By integrating Visa Infinite with such collaborations, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to the evolving consumer aspirations, where every moment is an opportunity to deliver something truly unforgettable.”
From Mumbai’s culinary powerhouses to hidden gems in new regions, the Condé Nast Traveller x District by Zomato Top Restaurant Awards 2025 highlighted how Indian dining continues to thrive, celebrating innovation, authenticity and the artistry of food.
