Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2026 Categories | ZeeZest
Best Japanese Restaurant
Restaurants that honour the Japanese culinary traditions, flavours, cooking techniques and art of presentation while introducing diners to the simplicity of seasonal ingredients and diverse meal styles.
Mizu Izakaya
Goa
JSan
Goa
Gaijin
Mumbai
Naru Noodle Bar
Bengaluru
Wabi Sabi — Oberoi
Bengaluru
Best Regional Indian Restaurant
RRR - Rich, Regional, Ravishing. Like regional cinema, regional cuisine too is making waves across the country. Restaurants that place value on hyper-local and feature lesser-known regional cuisines
Rynsan
Shillong
Amar Khamar
Kolkata
Rannaghor by Sienna
Kolkata
Ikk Panjab
Chandigarh
OOTA
Bengaluru
Tresind
Mumbai
Best Designed Restaurant
Beauty with function. Design is integral, the first thing we notice, engage with... it tells a story and stays long after we leave a place. From the door to the furnishing to the light fixtures that give you warmth and privacy to the architecture that doesn't disturb the past but merges with the functional needs of the present.
The Sarvato
Jaipur
Primitive
Jaipur
Bastian At The Top
Mumbai
1932 Trevi
Jaipur
Call Me Ten
Delhi
Kalpaney
Bengaluru
Best New Restaurant
When you are not just a 'New' Restaurant but 'Neo' -The One, who despite being less than 6 months old has already grabbed the eyes, ears and tastebuds of the cognoscenti, press, critics and social media.
Samaa, Fairmont
Mumbai
SoBo 20
Mumbai
Farro
Pune
Sarvato
Jaipur
Mister Merchant's
Goa
HOSA
Gurugram
Bang Bang Noodle
Mumbai
Ikk Panjab
Chandigarh
Best Cafe
Deals, dates or diaries - a lot happens over a cuppa here! Apart from offering a variety of options and skilled execution in beverages, the food is well-paired with the beverage menu to offer a complete dining experience in a comfortable and cozy setting.
Madeleine de Proust | Fairmont
Mumbai
Roastery Coffee House
Hyderabad
Farmer's Café
Mumbai
Corridor Seven Coffee Roasters
Nagpur
Nandan coffee
Mumbai
Lento
Goa
Espressos AnyDay
Gurugram
Garrison Hill Centre & Cafe
Kohima
Best Asian Restaurant
A restaurant that celebrates Asian culture in the truest form. From aromatic curries to perfectly grilled meats, the menu is a work of art that tantalises the taste buds and transports diners on a gastronomic journey.
Wabi sabi,Oberoi
Bengaluru
The Spice Route at The Imperial
Delhi
Tsuki
Pune
Oryn | Fairmont
Mumbai
Yazu Pan Asian Supper Club
Mumbai
Best Vegetarian Restaurant
No 'beetling around the bush! Lettuce celebrate the menu with the green dot and find the G.O.A.T. minus the meat!
Agashiye The house of MG
Ahmedabad
Tsas by Dolkhar
Ladakh
Avatara
Mumbai
Soam
Mumbai
Kalpaney
Bengaluru
Street Storyss
Bengaluru
Best Thai Restaurant
A celebration of authentic Thai flavours that transport you straight to Bangkok’s bustling streets and Chiang Mai’s serene kitchens. This category honours a restaurant that masters the balance of spice, sweetness, and soul in every dish. From comforting curries to zesty salads, it’s where Thailand truly comes alive on a plate.
Baan Phad Thai
Bengaluru
Benjarong
Chennai
Khao Man Gai by Seefah
Mumbai
Rim Naam at Oberoi
Bengaluru
Toa 66
Mumbai
Banng
Mumbai
Best European Restaurant
A dining space that captures the rich culinary heritage of Europe with finesse and flair. From rustic Mediterranean fare to refined French classics, this restaurant blends tradition with innovation. A true passport to Europe’s most exquisite flavours.
Le Cirque at The Leela Palace
Delhi
La Panthera
Mumbai
Olive Bar & Kitchen
Mumbai
The Table
Mumbai
Mezzo Mezzo, JW
Mumbai
The Second House
Goa
Best In Dessert
This award honours a bakery or patisserie that crafts irresistible confections with artistry and precision. From delicate pastries to decadent cakes, every bite is a celebration of joy.
Dzurt
Jaipur
Le15 Patisserie
Mumbai
El&N
Mumbai
Bombay Sweet Shop
Mumbai
Lick
Bengaluru
Best Luxury Dining Restaurant
Celebrating the epitome of fine dining where gastronomy meets grandeur. This award recognises a restaurant that redefines indulgence through impeccable service, exquisite plating, and an ambience of sheer sophistication.
Tresind
Mumbai
Primitive
Jaipur
Oryn, Fairmont
Mumbai
The Johri
Jaipur
The Table
Mumbai
The Dining Room at Glenburn Penthouse
Kolkata
Masque
Mumbai
Farmlore
Bengaluru
Best South Indian Restaurant
A restaurant that goes beyond the familiar idli, dosa, and upma to showcase the true depth of South Indian cuisine. From regional delicacies and heirloom recipes to inventive reinterpretations, it’s a journey through the southern states on a single table. A bold, flavourful homage to the South’s culinary diversity.
Restaurant Chef Pillai
Bengaluru
Dakshin at ITC
Mumbai
OOTA
Bengaluru
Carnatic cafe
Gurugram
The Konkan Cafe
Mumbai
Benne
Mumbai
Best Cocktail Bar
Raising the bar - literally! An establishment which focuses on its bar before food. The bar and mixologists should be masters of classic cocktails as well as have an evolving beverage menu that focuses on customization, innovation and exemplary service. There should also be a focus on food that complements the drinks.
Bar Spirit Forward
Bangalore
Nutcase Etc
Kolkata
Slink and Bardot
Mumbai
Hideaway
Goa
Bombay Daak
Mumbai
Boilermaker
Goa
Conversation Room
Kolkata
Best Designed Cocktail Bar
A space where design and drink craft come together in perfect harmony. This award celebrates a bar that captivates with its ambience, thoughtful interiors, mood lighting, and aesthetic storytelling. A place where every sip feels elevated by the art of design.
Bar Outrigger
Goa
The Brook
Gurgaon
Boilermaker
Goa
Nutcase Etc
Kolkata
Hedonist | Fairmont
Mumbai
Bar Spirit Forward
Bengaluru
Best Indigenous Spirit
Celebrating a homegrown spirit that captures the essence of India’s terroir, tradition, and craftsmanship. This award honours a label that redefines local distilling with authenticity, innovation, and character. A true toast to the spirit of India—bottled with pride.
Mikiamo Limoncello
Maya Agavepura Extra Anejo
Six Brothers Mahura
Maya Agavepura Anejo
EL Goonda
Cazulo Feni
Best Indian Whisky
Recognising a whiskey that exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, character, and balance. This award honours a label that delivers depth of flavour, distinction, and a truly memorable drinking experience.
Amrut Expedition
Rampur Asava
Longitude 77
Paul John Oloroso
Godawan 173
Best Indian Craft Gin
Have a Grinder-bender! Only the finest spirits assessed for flavour, quality, aroma, colour, finish and botanicals shall be put to taste and test.
Kumaon & I
Vanaha Gin
Mohulo Craft Gin
Chambal Gin
Cherrapunji Mountan Berry Gin
Best Indian Rum
‘A Royal Rum-ble, this. From the subtle sweetness of molasses to the complexity of oak ageing, an Indian rum brand with a distinctive character that sets it apart.
Camikara 12YO
Idaaya
Old Monk Gold Reserve
Eekh
Maka Zai Gud Rum
Pipa Rum