Zee Zest Unlimit Awards[object Object] Categories

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2026 Categories | ZeeZest