Indian restaurant crowned best in Asia. Another makes it to top 20 — Check location, signature dishes

Mumbai’s Masque has once again been recognized as the best restaurant in India, securing the 19th position on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list. Meanwhile, New Delhi’s Indian Accent has also made its mark, ranking at number 46. The announcement was made during the annual awards ceremony held in Seoul, South Korea, on March 25, celebrating excellence in the Asian culinary scene.

Masque: India’s Best Restaurant for 2025

Masque, a contemporary fine-dining restaurant in Mumbai, continues to push the boundaries of Indian cuisine. Helmed by restaurateur Aditi Dugar and chef Varun Totlani, the restaurant is known for its innovative use of local ingredients, offering a meticulously curated tasting menu that brings out the depth of Indian flavors. It is located in a repurposed textile mill, adding a rustic charm to its modern approach.

“One of India's most forward-thinking restaurants, Masque’s raison d'etre is to show off the wealth of India's produce, extracting maximum flavour from local ingredients in a tasting menu served in a stylish former Mumbai textile mill,” reads an official statement on Instagram.

Masque has consistently earned accolades since its inception in 2016, reflecting its commitment to redefining Indian gastronomy on the global stage.

Indian Accent: A Culinary Staple in New Delhi

Joining Masque in the top 50 list is New Delhi’s Indian Accent, ranked 46th. Led by Executive Chef Shantanu Mehrotra and owned by Rohit Khattar, Indian Accent is celebrated for its fusion of traditional Indian flavors with modern techniques. The restaurant has remained a staple on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 13 consecutive years.

“We are extremely proud and grateful that Indian Accent has made it to Asia's 50 Best Restaurant list for the 13th consecutive year. We would like to salute the hard work and dedication of our entire team and the love and support of all our regular guests,” said Chef Mehrotra.

Indian Accent’s inventive tasting menus continuously impress food critics and diners alike, offering a fresh perspective on Indian cuisine while maintaining a deep connection to its roots.

Gaggan Tops the List

While India secured two spots in the rankings, the top honor for 2025 went to Gaggan, a Bangkok-based restaurant that redefines Indian cuisine with an experimental approach. Founded by Chef Gaggan Anand, it has reclaimed the number one position after several previous wins between 2015 and 2018.

“When we started as a restaurant, it was not about me but it was about Asia. Everyone in this room is a winner. Today, I’m taking the podium, but that doesn’t mean that one of us from Asia will not take it next time,” Anand said while accepting the award in Seoul.

Gaggan’s innovative dishes, combined with theatrical presentation, have made it a standout in Asia’s culinary landscape.

Other Indian Restaurants on the Extended List

Apart from Masque and Indian Accent, several other Indian restaurants featured on the extended list (ranks 51-100). These include:

• Naar, Kasauli (Rank 66)
• Farmlore, Bengaluru (Rank 68, also received the 'One To Watch' award)
• Americano, Mumbai (Rank 71)
• Inja, New Delhi (Rank 87)
• The Table, Mumbai (Rank 88)
• Dum Pukht, New Delhi (Rank 89)
• The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai (Rank 91)

With increasing recognition on the global stage, Indian restaurants are proving that the country’s diverse and rich culinary heritage continues to captivate food lovers worldwide.