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Wednesday brought great news for the hospitality industry in India. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, on 12 March 2025, announced the restaurants that had made the cut in the 51-100 list for this year. 7 Indian restaurants offering exceptional gastronomical experiences were included in the list.
Naar, Kasauli ranked highest among the Indian establishments at #66, followed closely by Farmlore, Bengaluru at #68. Mumbai eatery Americano bagged the #71 spot, Delhi’s new entry Inja landed at #87, The Table from Mumbai made a re-entry to the list at spot #88, followed by ITC Maurya’s iconic Dum Pukht at #89. Lastly, much loved eatery The Bombay Canteen landed at #91.
But what is The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy?
If you work with, or are well aware of how the hospitality industry works, you’d know about the academy. For the uninitiated, however, the academy was launched in 2013 to celebrate gastronomical experiences from across the region and help diners better understand the nuances of the food in Asian countries.
How is this list created, you ask? The influential group of over 300 leaders in the restaurant industry across the continent that make up the academy are put through a well-structured voting system for the best of the establishments to emerge as winners.
The continent is divided into six regions for easier working. Each region has a chairperson who selects a voting panel of 53 experts, including them. This panel includes a balanced selection of chefs, restaurateurs, food/restaurant journalists and gourmets, making sure the process is fair, and the best eateries get the chance they deserve to shine.
#66 Naar, Kasauli
A new entry to this list, Chef Prateek Sadhu’s Naar is a gastronomical adventure for even the most seasoned of diners. The chef-driven experimental restaurant only caters to 16 people at a time and celebrates the Himalayas with not only the views but also the menu. From foraging herbs nearby to incorporating world techniques in the local cuisine, Naar does it all. And the result is simply exceptional!
#68 Farmlore, Bengaluru
Also the winner of the American Express One To Watch Out For Award 2025, the Bengaluru eatery will satisfy not just your appetite but also your soul. While it isn’t the only farm-to-table restaurant in the region, what makes it stand out is that it actually gets you to experience the farm side of the equation. The immersive experience at Chef Johnson Ebenezer and entrepreneur Kaushik Raju’s 18 seater Bengaluru restaurant will stay with you, long after the flavours subside.
#71 Americano, Mumbai
In Mumbai’s influential Kala Ghoda arts district is this elegant space, headed by Chef Alex Sanchez. Having trained under Chef Daniel Humm of New York’s Eleven Madison Park, Chef Sanchez blends creativity and cooking effortlessly.
The result? Standout pizzas, handmade pasta, great drinks, and oh, did we tell you about the cult following their tiramisu has? Simply too good to miss!
#87 Inja, New Delhi
World’s first Indo-Japanese restaurant, New Delhi’s Inja offers an outstanding culinary experience to the diners of the city. Headed by Chef Adwait Anantwar, Inja seamlessly blends cooking techniques from Japan with bold flavours from India, resulting in stellar dishes like Tempura Fermented Mango Achar, Tantanmen Pandhra Rassa, and more.
A new entry on this list, Inja is a must visit for diners looking for a feast like no other.
#88 The Table, Mumbai
Making its re-entry to the list at the 88th place is the Colaba restaurant The Table. Think an extensive selection of global food and excellent cocktails, cosy seating, lovely ambience, and you’ll have The Table. As suitable for a casual brunch as it is for an intimate dinner, this eatery absolutely deserves a spot on the list of restaurants in Mumbai you cannot miss.
#89 Dum Pukht, New Delhi
Keeping the tradition of Awadhi Nawabs for over 30 years, ITC Maurya’s Dum Pukht is a name that needs no introduction. In the center of keeping the culinary legacy alive Chef Ghulam Qureshi, who has painstakingly perfected the art of dum cooking at this New Delhi restaurant. The fifth-generation cook, who joined the hotel in 1977, offers a royal culinary experience which you just can’t miss if you’re in Delhi.
#91 The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
Led by Chef Hussain Shahzad, The Bombay Canteen is an essential Mumbai experience. From the interiors that resemble an old-school Bombay bungalow to the menu incorporating local and seasonal produce, there’s plenty to like about The Bombay Canteen. The best part though? The variety of fun options on the menu. Whether it is lunchtime tiffin boxes you like, or quick canteen munchies, the Mumbai eatery is a must visit.
Asia’s best restaurant?
The extended list for Asia’s Best Restaurant, featuring the eateries that won the 51-100 spots, was released on Wednesday. And with 7 Indian restaurants making it there, we are simply delighted. All eyes now, however, are on the 1-50 list all set to release on 23 March 2025. In the past, illustrious restaurants like Indian Accent, Masque, and Avartana have made it to the top ranks, and we’ll be looking forward to more joining them this year!
