zeezest

Rebel with a cause! These are culinary establishments who offer a modern take of traditional Indian fare. Innovation means separating genius from the gimmicky. Shedding off its old avatar, the dish needs to be creatively reinterpreted and aesthetically presented  without losing its soul.


Best Progressive 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 Regional Indian Restaurant

A restaurant with 5+ years of operations within a five-star hotel that has been a trendsetter and innovator in introducing cuisines with its ever evolving menu and focus on ingredients.

Best Restaurant in a 5 Star

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 Designed Restaurant

Sounds Fishy yet Tasty! A restaurant that consistently delivers fresh, flavourful seafood dishes and not makes any bones about impressing its diners with its commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional service.

Best Coastal 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 New Restaurant 

It's all in the Concept! A restaurant that has made an attempt to attract the audience in a unique manner, through its decor, location and the experience. A distinct idea that could be thoughtful, fancy or utterly shocking.

Best Concept Restaurant

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 Cafe

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 Asian 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 Vegetarian Restaurant

‘Roll the red carpet for the red eyes’. Offering everything from classic comfort food to innovative fusion dishes, a spot that satisfies any craving, any time of day. Their food is delicious, their atmosphere is inviting, and their service is impeccable. It's the place where you can truly enjoy a meal without worrying about the clock.

Best All Day Dining Restaurant

‘Country - cousin no more’. A restaurant that proves great food isn't just for the big city. Showcasing local flavours and innovative techniques, their menu is a delightful surprise and is for anyone who appreciates exceptional dining experiences, no matter where they're located.

Best Restaurant in a Non-Metro

Say Hello to Planet-Positive Plates!  A favourite among eco-conscious foodies, a restaurant that's setting the standard for sustainable dining with their commitment to reducing waste, supporting local farmers, and minimising their environmental impact.


Best Sustainable Restaurant

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 Cocktail Bar

Like the lovable grandparent who tells the finest stories, this restaurant celebrates that old is definitely the gold standard -  in terms of taste, experience and guiding the present to appreciate the past.


Best Legacy Restaurant

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 Craft Gin

‘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.

Best Indian Rum

Ale is well! A craft beer assessed according to parameters of flavour, quality, aroma, colour and mouthfeel. 

Best Indian Craft Beer 

Luxe Alert! A resort that excels in every aspect—from personalised service and state-of-the-art amenities to exquisite design and gourmet dining.

Best Luxury Resort

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. 

Best Boutique Hotel

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. 

Best Wildlife resort

They mean Business! A hotel that reimagines the concept of hospitality with a distinctive blend of comfort, character, and convenience. 

Best Business Hotel

Riaan George is a Mumbai-Colombo-based digital creator and influencer, recognized for his compelling work in the world of travel and tourism. Voted as India’s New Age Tourism Ambassador, George has gained widespread acclaim for his unique travel experiences, cultural explorations, and insights from both India and Sri Lanka. Through his dynamic digital content, he encourages audiences to discover hidden gems, indulge in local cultures, and appreciate the beauty of diverse landscapes, all while promoting responsible travel. 

Riaan George

Shagun has earned significant recognition in the culinary world, being named one of the Top Five Craft people of India in Luxury Fortune magazine for her profound impact on the wine scene in India. She was also recently listed among the 50 Most Powerful Women in Luxury by LuxeBook magazine. As one of India's most prominent chefs and sommeliers, Shagun is known for her expertise in plant-based and pescatarian cuisine, skillfully blending unique aromas, spices, and seasonal ingredients sourced from local communities. Passionate about empowering women in the culinary industry, she is actively involved in initiatives that support ‘Women in Gastronomy’. Shagun is also developing a remarkable series, Dishes from Elephant Lands, designed to spotlight the communities living around wild elephants in India and showcase their rich culinary traditions.

Shagun Mehra

Sumona Chakravarti is a popular Indian actress, best known for her versatile performances across television and film. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the hit comedy show The Kapil Sharma Show, where she has been a prominent part of the ensemble cast, charming audiences with her wit and humour. With a career spanning multiple TV shows, movies, and web series, Sumona has showcased her range as an actress, effortlessly shifting between comedy, drama, and heartfelt performances. Beyond acting, she is an avid traveler and food enthusiast, often sharing her love for exploring new destinations and savoring diverse cuisines on her social media. Sumona’s passion for travel was also showcased in the Zee Zest show Travel West Bengal with Sumona Chakravarti on Shonar Bengal, where she explored the rich culture, delectable food, and natural beauty of West Bengal. 

Sumona Chakravarti

Varun Sharma is a renowned Indian mixologist and the Head of Bars at several esteemed establishments, including Indian Accent in Mumbai, Comorin, Hosa Goa, Fireback Restaurant, and Chor Bizarre. With a passion for innovative mixology and a deep appreciation for traditional Indian flavors, Varun crafts unique cocktail experiences that delight the palate. Known for his creative spirit and commitment to excellence, Varun continues to elevate the art of bartending, earning accolades and inspiring fellow mixologists across the country.

Varun Sharma

Priya runs Red Scarab Travel & Media with her husband Anurag Mallick and creates content for the tourism and hospitality industry as a travel influencer and consultant. As a writer, she contributes to various​ leading national and international publications and has also co-authored several travel books and guides such as Michelin, Rough Guides, and for Outlook Traveller.

Priya Ganapathy

With a career spanning two decades, Anurag is one of the leading travel writers in India and the founder of Red Scarab Travel & Media. His contributions as a travel writer and co-author of reputable travel guides have undoubtedly enriched the travel community by providing valuable travel advice, recommendations, and insights for a diverse range of travellers. Some of his co-authored Outlook Traveller guides include 52 Weekend Breaks from Bangalore, Kerala Guide, 100 Holidays in the Hills & Trekking Guide to India.

Anurag Mallick

Chef Kunal is a renowned Indian chef, food columnist, and television personality, celebrated for his vibrant approach to Indian cuisine. Known for his charismatic on-screen presence and deep culinary expertise, he has become a familiar face on popular food shows, where he combines his passion for cooking with his sharp sense of humor. Chef Kunal’s culinary journey spans across a variety of roles, from restaurant management to becoming a trusted voice in the food industry, offering a unique blend of traditional and contemporary takes on Indian dishes. Through his YouTube channel Khaane Mein Kya Hai?, he takes viewers on a journey to explore the world, one bite at a time, uncovering diverse flavors and culinary stories from across the globe. 

Kunal Vijjayakar

With an experience that spans from Michelin-starred restaurants across the globe to The Oberoi, Delhi, Avinash Martins is one of the most talented chefs in India at the moment. At present, he runs Cavatina Cuchina in Benaulim, south Goa. After being part of kitchens around the world, Martins chose a path that led him to unravel the various culinary secrets from the Saraswat and Portuguese communities in order to present his perspective on a plate. A big believer of "source locally", Martins's aspirations lie in taking Goan food to the rest of the world.

Avinash Martins

Malini Agarwal is among the first globally recognised Indian influencers, as well as the Founder & Creative Director of MissMalini Entertainment & Co-Founder of Good Creator Co. She is also the Founder of a community for women called Girl Tribe by MissMalini, which was created to serve as a safe place for women to talk, share, support, empower, network, and inspire each other to live their best lives. Her greatest achievement is building a legacy brand in entertainment that stands for substance and positivity. Through her achievements, experiences, and the platform she has built over the last two decades, she seeks to inspire and provide practical tools for young women to pursue their dreams and make the most of their potential.

Miss Malini

"Chef Niyati Rao has quickly emerged as one of India’s most exciting culinary talents, with her restaurant Ekaa making waves by securing the 93rd spot on Asia’s 50 Best list just 14 months after its launch. Renowned for her innovative approach to fine dining with Indian flavours, Rao has earned her a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2023 list. Not one to rest on her laurels, she’s now channelling her creativity into building India’s first ‘daru-chakna’ inspired bar in Mumbai, showcasing her versatility and passion for redefining India’s food and beverage scene.
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Niyati Rao

After spending many years shaping the culinary landscape in the U.S., Saran returned to India in 2017 to reignite his culinary passion and embark on a new chapter of his career. Today, he serves as the chef behind several notable ventures including Cold Love Ice Cream, one8 Commune, Te Amo Bistro and Bar, Gurgaon, and Murphies Bistro & Bar. Saran is also a TEDx speaker, a regular columnist, and the author of four acclaimed cookbooks. 

Suvir Saran

"As the founder of several acclaimed restaurants, such as Masque and ARAKU, Dugar made history as the first Indian female restaurateur to be featured on Asia's 50 Best list. Her innovative approach has garnered widespread recognition, solidifying her status as one of India’s foremost voices in the dynamic and evolving world of gastronomy."

Aditi Dugar

Chartered-accountant-turned-chef, Shri has been cooking ever since she was a child. She has turned her passion into a profession and conducts food promotions at various five-star properties across the country. Today, she is one of the most significant voices and chroniclers of South Indian culinary history.

Shri Bala

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With over 40 books to her name, Rashmi Uday Singh has established herself as a leading authority on food writing and is a familiar face as a TV anchor, sharing her insights on global cuisine. A recipient of prestigious accolades, including the Chevalier Knighthood and the World Gourmand Award, Singh’s influence extends beyond her writing and television work. She is also the founder of Hospitality Hope, a nonprofit global job portal aimed at empowering the hospitality industry, further showcasing her dedication to both food and social impact.
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Rashmi Uday Singh

Chef Chintan Pandya is a trailblazing Indian chef based in New York City, celebrated for his bold take on provincial Indian cuisine. His restaurant Dhamaka, located in the city’s Essex Market, was hailed as the best restaurant by The New York Times just 10 months after its opening in 2021, earning rave reviews for its unapologetically authentic and daring dishes. Beyond Dhamaka, Pandya is the visionary behind several other notable establishments, including Adda Indian Canteen, Biryani Bol (a delivery kitchen), Semma (a Southern Indian heritage restaurant), Rowdy Rooster (Indian fried chicken), and Masalawala & Sons (focused on bold Bengali cuisine).

Chintan Pandya

"Chef Rakhee Vaswani is a culinary educator and the founder of Palate Culinary Academy, India’s premier boutique centre for culinary arts and patisserie. With a passion for nurturing culinary talent, Vaswani has built a reputation for offering world-class training, blending traditional techniques with modern culinary trends. As an expert in both Indian and international cuisine, she has empowered aspiring chefs and home cooks alike to hone their skills and pursue their culinary dreams. Through her academy, Vaswani continues to inspire the next generation of chefs."

Rakhee Vaswani

"Chef Sandhu is widely recognized for her deep passion for open-fire cooking. A National Award winner for Best Lady Chef, presented by the Ministry of Tourism, she also made history as the only Indian chef to compete on the Netflix series The Final Table. In addition to her accolades, she is the co-founder of Bawrii and a founding partner of dining experiences at Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries, further showcasing her culinary expertise and innovative approach to dining.
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Amninder Sandhu

Priyanko Sarkar is a beverage expert known for his storytelling-focussed approach towards drinks. An avid bar enthusiast, Sarkar is often found travelling the breath of the country to try the best food and cocktails that the country has to offer. He also conducts beverage-themed heritage walks primarily in Mumbai with a wide variety of audiences in attendance. Sarkar is also the person behind the drinks programme by Mumbai-based Chrome Hospitality's properties such as Gigi, Lyla and Donna Deli along with an upcoming new bar at Todi Mills. 

Priyanko Sarkar

Saransh Goila is a celebrated Indian chef and co-founder of Goila Butter Chicken, renowned for his innovative approach to traditional Indian cuisine. His engaging personality shines through not only in his cooking but also in his vibrant social media presence, where he shares his culinary adventures and travels. Outside the kitchen, Saransh enjoys acting and playing pickleball, showcasing his multifaceted talents and passion for life.

Saransh Goila

From travel to tech, Ashwin has over 20 years of experience as a content specialist and journalist. His expertise lies in food and travel content. He’s a specialist in communicating across cultures and boundaries, and has written for several leading publications.

Ashwin Rajagopalan

Chef Tejasvi Chandela is a master at the intersection of Indian and modern pastry, carving a niche with her innovative creations. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, she founded Dzurt Patisserie & Cafe in Jaipur at just 22, earning recognition as one of the world’s finest pastry shops by La Liste. She further honed her skills with a Master’s in Chocolate Making in Barcelona and co-founded All Things Chocolate, specializing in Bean to Bar chocolates using Indian cacao. As a guest judge on Masterchef India 2023 and host of Zee Zest’s The Bakers Table, Chef Chandela travels worldwide to share her unique fusion of Indian traditions and modern pastry through workshops, aspiring to establish her academy as a culinary hub.

Tejasvi Chandela

Chef Natasha Gandhi, a dynamic culinary talent and cocktail enthusiast, gained widespread recognition as a Top 5 finalist on MasterChef India Season 6. With a passion for blending traditional and contemporary flavours, she is the founder of House of Millets, a platform dedicated to promoting nutritious, millet-based dishes, and Drinks with Nats, where she creatively crafts cocktails with a distinct Indian twist. Natasha’s innovative approach to both food and drinks celebrates the richness of Indian ingredients, offering an exciting fusion of flavours that highlight her expertise in the culinary world and her flair for mixology.

Natasha Gandhi

A storyteller in his own right, Rakesh is best known for taking people on a journey through his culinary and travel explorations. His interests lie in food history and practices and its interaction with socio-cultural norms. He is also a Zee Zest host for two successful shows—Highway Dreams and 100% South Indian.

Rakesh Raghunathan

Chef Jasleen Marwah, a celebrated home chef turned restaurateur, is renowned for her ability to weave stories through food. Known for her deep understanding of Kashmiri cuisine, she captivated audiences as one of the Masala Mantris on Zee Zest's India's 50 Best Dishes. With a passion for preserving culinary heritage, Chef Jasleen brings the rich flavors and cultural nuances of her homeland to life, creating dishes that are both a feast for the senses and a window into the soul of Kashmir. Now the proud owner of Folk, a restaurant in Mumbai, she celebrates traditional Indian regional meals from across the country, offering a menu that reflects her dedication to reviving and honoring India’s diverse culinary traditions.

Jasleen Marwah

Ajay is a chef and food consultant. He’s the managing director of Zion Hospitality which is involved in content, culinary training and mentoring food brands. He is also a host of Zee Zest’s shows, India’s 50 Best Dishes, Papad Pickle Aur Pyala and Pattay Ki Baat.

Zee Zest Unlimit Awards

Jury Panel