The Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2026, held on March 17th at the Taj Satacruz, Mumbai, was a spectacular celebration of the visionaries, creators, and innovators who continue to push the boundaries of India’s culinary and lifestyle landscape. From legendary chefs to breakthrough OTT stars, the evening honoured those who embody the spirit of unlimiting expectations.
Celebrating limitless excellence: The winners of Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2026
Nothing short of a spectacle, the Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2026 returned to celebrate the very best F&B, spirits, and entertainment. The star studded event held in Mumbai saw industry legends rubbing shoulders with new age trailblazers.
1. Best Japanese Restaurant- Naru Noodle Bar, Bengaluru
The ramen revolution in India has a clear leader. Chef Kavan Kuttappa’s cult favourite spot, Naru Noodle Bar in Bengaluru is the winner of the category for the ‘Best Japanese Restaurant’, proving that authenticity and specialised craft can win the hearts of diners and critics alike.
2. Best Luxury Dining Restaurant- The Table, Mumbai
A Colaba landmark that has defined farm-to-table dining in India for over a decade, The Table was crowned the winner in the category of ‘Best Luxury Dining’. Under the leadership of Gauri Devidayal, it remains a gold standard for consistency, ingredient driven menus, and impeccable service.
3. Best Regional Indian Restaurant- Amar Khamar, Kolkata
Rooted in the diverse and rich pantry of Bengal, Amar Khamar in Kolkata took home the trophy for the Best Regional Indian Restaurant. Led by the vision of Chef Juhi Punwani, who has also previously won the title of the Rising Chef of the Year, the restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to local ingredients and traditional recipes presented with a modern soul.
4. Best Vegetarian Restaurant- Avatara, Mumbai
Redefining vegetarianism as an elite fine dining experience, Avatara proves that you don't need meat to create a 14-course masterpiece. This establishment turns humble vegetables into stars of the show through sheer culinary wizardry.
5. Best Cafe- Cafe Lento, Goa
In the heart of Goa’s bustling scene, Cafe Lento offers a much needed pause. With great coffee, a relaxed vibe, and a menu that feels like a warm hug, it is the quintessential modern cafe.
6. Best New Restaurant- SoBo 20, Mumbai
Capturing the sophisticated yet soulful essence of South Mumbai, SoBo 20 has quickly become the city’s most talked about opening. Developed by Deepansh Jain and Vishwesh Wagle under the Atelier Hospitality banner, this restaurant has been lauded for its chic atmosphere and a menu that balances contemporary global flair with timeless elegance.
7. Best European Restaurant- La Panthera, Mumbai
With its moody and chic interiors, along with a menu that celebrates the best of European bistros, La Panthera has quickly become the city’s favourite spot for sophisticated comfort food and great wine.
8. Best Dessert Hotspot- LICK, Bengaluru
From gravity defying cakes to experimental flavour profiles, LICK has turned the dessert course into the main event. It is a playground for sugar, spice, and everything nice.
9. Best South Indian Restaurant- Dakshin at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai
A legendary name in Indian hospitality, Dakshin is a masterclass in the diverse cuisines of the five southern states. From Iyer’s Trolley to the rich curries, this establishment is a temple of tradition.
10. Best Designed Restaurant- The Sarvato, Jaipur
A masterclass in blending heritage aesthetics with contemporary luxury, The Sarvato in Jaipur is a visual triumph. The design pays homage to the Pink City’s royal architectural legacy while incorporating modern and minimalist sensibilities that create an atmosphere of serene opulence.
11. Best Asian Restaurant- Wabi Sabi at The Oberoi, Bengaluru
Elegant, refined, and technically flawless, Wabi Sabi offers a journey across Asia. From delicate dim sms to robust stir-frys, it represents the pinnacle of Pan-Asian dining within a luxury setting.
12. Best Thai Restaurant- Khao Man Gai by Seefah, Mumbai
Chefs Seefah Ketchaiyo and Karan Bane bring the authentic, spicy, and soul-satisfying streets of Thailand to Mumbai. This place offers an honest, bold, and arguably the most authentic Thai experience in the country.
13. Best Cocktail Bar- Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru
This bar is for the purists. Eschewing flashy gimmicks for technical precision, Spirit Forward crafts drinks where the base spirit is the hero, served in an atmosphere of quiet and sophisticated luxury.
14. Best Indian Whiskey- Amrut Expedition
Amrut continues to put Indian Single Malts on the world map. The Expedition series is a testament to their mastery of maturation and their ability to compete with the finest scotches in the world.
15. Best Indian Craft Gin- Cherrapunji
Sourced from the rainiest place on the earth, this gin uses unique local botanicals to create a profile that is crisp, refreshing, and quintessentially Indian.
16. Best Designed Cocktail Bar- Boilermaker, Goa
A visual treat that matches its liquid offerings, Boilermaker in Goa is recognised for its edgy and industrial-meets-tropical design that makes it the most Instagrammable bar of the year.
17. Best Indigenous Spirit- Six Brother Mahura
By refining and bottling the traditional Mahua spirit, Six Brothers is preserving Indian heritage while creating a premium product that can stand proud on any global bar shelf.
18. Best Indian Rum- Pipa Rum de
A new contender in the craft rum space, Pipa is being celebrated for its smooth finish and its success in elevating run from a mixer to a sophisticated sipping spirit.
19. Chef of the Year (Male)- Gresham Fernandes
Gresham Fernandes, the culinary mastermind behind some of the country's most beloved European-style eateries, including Salt Water Cafe, was named Chef of the Year (Male). His ability to blend technique with soul makes him one of the most respected figures in the industry today.
20. Chef of the Year (Female)- Koyel Roy Nandy
The soul of Kolkata’s beloved Sienna Cafe, Koyel Roy Nandy, earned the title of Chef of the Year (Female). Her work in highlighting seasonal produce and elevating home-style cooking into a gourmet experience has made Sienna a national treasure.
21. Pastry Chef of the Year- Vinesh Johny
The Macaron King, and co-founder of Lavonne Academy, Vinesh Johny has not only mastered the art of French patisserie but has also trained thousands of aspiring chefs, essentially building the future of baking in India.
22. Rising Chef of the Year- Juhi Punwani
Representing the next generation of culinary talent, Juhi Punwani of Amar Khamar, Kolkata is being recognised for her fearless approach to regional ingredients and her commitment to bringing lost flavours back to the modern plate.
23. Restaurateur of the Year- Gauri Devidayal
The force behind the Food Matter Group, Gauri Devidayal, has shaped Mumbai’s dining scene with landmarks like The Table and Mag St. Kitchen. Her ability to pivot, innovate, and maintain impeccable quality across diverse formats makes her a true leader in Indian hospitality.
24. Mixologist of the Year- Jeet Rana
Jeet Rana is recognised for his innovative techniques and his ability to tell a story through a glass. His work has consistently pushed the boundaries of India’s burgeoning cocktail culture.
25. Unlimit Icon- Chef Manish Mehrotra
Widely regarded as the pioneer of Modern Indian cuisine, Chef Manish Mehrotra has spent decades redefining how the world perceives Indian flavours. As the mentor behind Indian Accent and Comorin, his culinary philosophy marries nostalgic Indian tastes with world class technique, making him the ultimate Unlimit Icon.
26. Unlimit Icon Music Band Award- Agnee
With hits like Aahatein, Agnee has been the heartbeat of Indian rock for years. Their music is unlimited, defying genres and continuing to inspire fans with their soulful lyrics and powerful compositions.
27. Best Cloud Kitchen- The Junglee Kitchen by Armaan Jain
Proving that delivery-only can still be gourmet, The Junglee Kitchen offers high-quality and flavourful meals that bring the restaurant experience right to your dining table.
28. Best Iconic Restaurant- Crystal Restaurant, Mumbai
A slice of history at Chowpatty, Crystal Restaurant is beloved for its ‘Ghar jaisa khana’. This award recognises its decades of service and its status as a Mumbai institution.
29. Best New Age Beverage Brand- HELL ENERGY DRINK
Disrupting the market with its bold flavours and high-octane branding, HELL ENERGY DRINK has become the go-to choice for a generation that lives life in the fast lane.
30. Unlimit OTT Breakthrough Star- Harleen Sethi
From gritty dramas to lighthearted series, Harleen Sethi has shown incredible range on the digital screen, making her the breakthrough star to watch in the OTT space.
31. Unlimit Dynamic Performer- Madhurima Tuli
Whether on television or film, Madhurima Tuli’s ability to command the screen with her presence and versatility has earned her the title of the most dynamic performer.
32. Best Fire-Led Culinary Concept- HOM, Mumbai
Celebrating the primal art of cooking with fire, HOM brings a unique smokiness and charred depth to its dishes, proving that ancestral techniques are the new frontier of modern dining.
33. Unlimit Impactful Screen Presence Award- Karan Tacker
Karan Tacker’s transition into more intense and character-driven roles has proven that he is much more than a chocolate boy, but rather, he is an actor with a powerful and impactful presence.
34. Unlimit Promising Actress of the Year- Avneet Kaur
A true Gen-Z icon, Avneet Kaur has successfully transitioned from a social media sensation to a promising film actress, bringing a fresh and unlimited energy to the industry.
35. Unlimit Emerging Talent Award- Shalini Pandey
With a string of impressive performances that showcase her raw talent and dedication, Shalini Pandey is recognised as the most emerging talent in Indian cinema today.