The NDTV Food Awards 2025 concluded with a spectacular celebration, honouring the finest names in India’s dynamic food and beverage industry. 

From high-end restaurants and bars to bakeries and emerging dining destinations, the prestigious awards recognized excellence across multiple categories, setting new benchmarks in the country’s culinary landscape.

The event, which brought together some of the biggest names in the industry, was judged by an esteemed panel of experts from the food, travel, and entertainment sectors. Leading the panel were Shubham Bhatnagar, Editor of NDTV Food and Travel, and Praerna Kartha, Content Head of NDTV Food and Travel. 

They were joined by a distinguished lineup of food critics, chefs, and industry veterans, including Hansal Mehta, Manjit Gill, Rocky Mohan, Rashmi Uday Singh, and Zarine Khan. To ensure a transparent and credible selection process, Ernst & Young LLP served as the official Process Advisors.

This year’s awards spanned various cuisines and dining formats, honouring both premium and casual establishments. In the Modern and Regional Indian Dining category, Indian Accent, Mumbai, was crowned the Best Modern Indian Premium Dining restaurant, while Anardana, New Delhi, won in the casual dining segment. For lovers of authentic regional flavours, Kappa Chakka Kandhari, Chennai, and Bawri, Goa, stood out as the best premium and casual dining destinations, respectively.

Asian and Italian cuisine also had their moment of recognition. Wabi Sabi, Bengaluru, took home the Best Pan Asian Premium Dining award, while Foo, Jio World Drive, was named the best in casual dining. Meanwhile, Megu, New Delhi, and Burma Burma, Mumbai, secured wins in the Asian Specialty category, reaffirming their status as must-visit culinary destinations. Italian food lovers celebrated as Le Cirque Signature, Bengaluru, and Coco Osteria, Dehradun, emerged victorious in the premium and casual dining categories, respectively.

For those who relish traditional North and South Indian cuisine, Gulati Restaurant, New Delhi, and Daryaganj, New Delhi, were crowned the top spots for North Indian fine and casual dining. Meanwhile, Spice Studio, Goa, and Malabar Café, Kochi, received accolades for South Indian gastronomy.

The awards also spotlighted India’s nightlife, honouring the best in bars and lounges. High Ultra Lounge, Bengaluru, won Best 5-Star Nightclub, while Roots Lounge, Kolkata, was recognized as the Best Standalone Nightclub. The microbrewery scene saw Ministry of Beer, Goa, take home the trophy, and The Library Bar, New Delhi, emerged as the Best Premium Cocktail Bar. Monkey Bar, Mumbai, and The 1911 Bar, New Delhi, were also acknowledged for their outstanding mixology and unique concepts.

Among the emerging establishments, Kamei, New Delhi, was named the Emerging Premium Dining destination, while Bomba Pizzeria & Taqueria, New Delhi, won in the casual dining category. Hyderabad’s KOKO and Mumbai’s Hylo were recognized as the top new bars in their respective segments.

The Readers’ Choice Awards saw food lovers across India cast their votes for their favourite dishes. Varq, New Delhi, was crowned the best spot for Biryani, Hot Pot Restaurant, Guwahati, won for Momo, and Mumbai’s legendary Cafe Madras took the title for Best Dosa. Queen Margherita’s Pizzeria, Mumbai, secured the award for Best Pizza, while Chicken Inn, Gurugram, was hailed as the go-to place for Butter Chicken. Social media sensation Guntas Sethi was named the Best Food Content Creator.

The prestigious Editors’ Choice Awards recognized individual excellence in the culinary space. Navjot Singh was named Mixologist of the Year, while Shantanu Mehrotra won Chef of the Year. The Rising Star Chef of the Year title went to Vardaan Marwah, and Rohit Khattar was honoured as Restaurateur of the Year. The Excellence in Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine award was given to Luke Coutinho, while Avinash Martins was celebrated as the Energetic Chef Restaurateur of the Year.

The NDTV Food Awards 2025 successfully showcased India’s evolving food culture, celebrating establishments that push the boundaries of taste and creativity. From heritage-rich flavours to contemporary dining innovations, the winners have not only earned industry-wide acclaim but have also set new standards for culinary excellence.

As food lovers and industry professionals look forward to another year of exciting gastronomic adventures, the NDTV Food Awards continue to serve as a beacon of recognition for India’s best restaurants, bars, and culinary visionaries.