New Delhi / Mumbai: The Condé Nast Traveller x District Top Restaurant Awards 2025, powered by Visa, has unveiled its definitive list of India’s top 50 restaurants, spotlighting the culinary creativity, diversity and evolution of the nation’s dining landscape. Now in its sixth edition, the awards have become a trusted barometer of excellence in Indian gastronomy, celebrating chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists who are shaping the way the country eats and drinks today.

Dominating the list once again, Mumbai claimed the largest share with 13 restaurants featured among the top 50, including the top three positions. Headlining the list at No. 1 is The Table, a restaurant renowned for its imaginative global cuisine and vibrant atmosphere that blends fine dining with approachability. 

Close behind at No. 2 is Masque, a Relais & Châteaux member known for its boundary-pushing tasting menus crafted from locally foraged and seasonal ingredients. At No. 3, Papa’s continues to captivate diners with its playful, avant-garde culinary experiences.

Mumbai’s strong showing reflects how the city’s restaurant scene continues to evolve, blending international influences with deeply local sensibilities. From classics like The Bombay Canteen, which reimagines Indian staples with bold twists, to Izumi Bandra, which pioneered Japanese fine dining in the city, Mumbai’s offerings span a spectrum of tastes and styles.

Bengaluru and Delhi NCR each secured nine entries on the list, demonstrating the strength and diversity of their dining cultures. Bengaluru’s contributions range from farm-to-table experimentation to elegant Italian and contemporary global fare, while Delhi’s scene continues to balance heritage and modernity across its vibrant restaurant landscape.

Goa also made a strong impression with eight restaurants, reflecting the region’s growing reputation for beachside and fusion dining. Chennai and its surroundings contributed five notable establishments, and historic food cities like Kolkata added three, with other entries emerging from destinations including Kasauli, Jaipur and Shillong, signalling that culinary excellence is spreading beyond India’s major metropolitan centres.

The selection process for the Top Restaurant Awards is rigorous and highly respected. A 100-member jury, comprising food critics, writers, chefs, bartenders, artists and industry tastemakers, evaluates restaurants through a multi-phase voting system, with advisory support from Deloitte. This ensures a well-rounded and credible ranking that reflects both industry insight and regional diversity.

Winning a place on the top 50 list is seen as a career milestone by many restaurateurs. For some smaller or independent establishments, the recognition has not only elevated their profile but also drawn national and international attention to their culinary philosophies and regional flavours.

The Condé Nast Traveller Top Restaurant Awards also serve as a snapshot of broader gastronomic trends in India. While established dining giants hold their esteem, the recognition of new and emerging venues underscores the dynamic nature of India’s food scene. According to a recent Condé Nast Traveller feature, a range of new restaurants opening in 2025 are already gaining traction and may shape next year’s conversations in Indian dining.

As India’s culinary culture continues to diversify and mature, these awards underscore both the depth of local talent and the appetite for experiences that marry innovation with heritage. With cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and Goa leading the way, the 2025 ranking paints a picture of a vibrant, evolving gastronomic landscape that’s gaining ground on the global food map.

Courtesy: @/Conde Nast Traveller India