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.
No Restaurants Found
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
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
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!
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
Best Indian Craft Beer
Ale is well! A craft beer assessed according to parameters of flavour, quality, aroma, colour and mouthfeel.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
Best Boutique Hotel
Quaint over Quantity! A luxurious stay with limited rooms that excels in creating a personalised, immersive and unique experience with its distinct design, intimate atmosphere, and allows guests to savour the local culture through its art, food, culture and community.
No Restaurants Found
Best Wildlife resort
Where the wild things are! A luxurious stay amidst a forest that lets guests experience and appreciate nature and wildlife while prioritising sustainable practices to minimise their impact on the environment.
No Restaurants Found
Best Business Hotel
They mean Business! A hotel that reimagines the concept of hospitality with a distinctive blend of comfort, character, and convenience.
No Restaurants Found
Best Cloud Kitchen
A kitchen that delivers exceptional culinary experiences without a dining room. This category celebrates innovation, consistency, and flavour that travel seamlessly from kitchen to doorstep. A true example of how great food needs no boundaries and only passion and precision.
No Restaurants Found
Best Luxury Resort
Luxe Alert! A resort that excels in every aspect—from personalised service and state-of-the-art amenities to exquisite design and gourmet dining.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
Best Bakery
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.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
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.
No Restaurants Found
Best Vodka
A vodka that stands out for its smooth texture, refined flavour profile, and impeccable distillation. A crystal-clear expression of sophistication, perfect neat or in a timeless cocktail.
No Restaurants Found
Best in Brew
Celebrating the finest in the art of brewing—where passion, precision, and patience create perfection in every pour. This award honours a brand or brewer that elevates the craft through innovation and quality. A true embodiment of brewing excellence, one sip at a time.
No Restaurants Found