1. Gaggan Anand, Bangkok
Ranked an astonishing No. 3 in Asia, Gaggan Anand’s eponymous Bangkok restaurant isn’t just a meal; it’s a theatrical, multi-sensory journey. The original Gaggan was a four-time winner of the top spot, and after a brief hiatus, the chef returned with
this reinvention. Known as the rockstar of progressive Indian cuisine, Anand deconstructs classic flavors with molecular gastronomy, creating dishes that are as witty as they are delicious. Dining here involves emojis instead of a written menu and an experience that challenges every preconception you have about Indian food. It’s a testament to an Indian chef’s vision shaping global haute cuisine from a hub outside India.
2. Masque, Mumbai
Climbing to No. 23 on the list, Masque is a champion of India’s indigenous ingredients. Located in a former textile mill in Mumbai, the restaurant operates on a fierce farm-to-fork philosophy. Head Chef Varun Totlani, who took over from founder Prateek Sadhu, crafts a ten-course tasting menu that is a moving tribute to the Himalayas and the bounty of the subcontinent. There's no à la carte menu, only a blind tasting experience that changes seasonally. Masque focuses on forgotten produce and traditional techniques, presenting them in a sleek, globally relevant format that feels both rustic and refined.
3. Indian Accent, New Delhi
A perennial favorite, Indian Accent sits comfortably at No. 26. For many, this restaurant is the gold standard of modern Indian dining. Chef Manish Mehrotra masterfully blends global ingredients and techniques with the authentic, nostalgic flavors of Indian home cooking. The result is inventive and surprising, yet deeply comforting. Dishes like blue cheese naan or meetha achaar pork ribs have become modern classics. With outposts in New York and Mumbai, Indian Accent has long been an ambassador for inventive Indian food, proving that tradition and innovation can create something truly spectacular.
4. Avartana, Chennai
Making its mark at No. 64, Avartana, housed in the grand ITC Grand Chola hotel, is redefining South Indian cuisine. Moving far beyond the familiar idli and dosa, the restaurant presents southern flavors in a stunning, artistic format. Imagine a delicate rasam served in a martini glass or a pan-seared fish with a butter-garlic-pepper emulsion. Avartana offers multiple tasting menus of varying lengths, each dish a miniature work of art that is complex in flavor but light on the palate. It’s a sophisticated and powerful statement on the versatility and elegance of South India’s culinary heritage.
5. Comorin, Gurugram
From the same team behind Indian Accent, Comorin (No. 79) offers a more casual but equally thoughtful experience. Part restaurant, part cocktail bar, and part marketplace, it’s a vibrant and bustling space just outside New Delhi. The menu features familiar Indian dishes with a creative twist, like a green chili prawn curry or a Champaran meat curry cooked in a clay pot. It’s less about deconstruction and more about thoughtful elevation. Comorin’s cocktail program is also a major draw, featuring unique house-made liqueurs and infusions that make it a go-to spot for a complete, modern Indian night out.
6. The Bombay Canteen, Mumbai
At No. 80, The Bombay Canteen is a celebration of India’s regional diversity. With a fun, retro-cafe vibe, it reimagines seasonal, regional specialties for a modern audience. The menu is a delightful journey across the country, showcasing dishes you might not find outside a local home, but presented with flair. Think Chettinad-spiced fried chicken or a Goan-style pulled pork vindaloo. It’s a place that feels both nostalgic and utterly current, capturing the spirit of Mumbai itself: a melting pot of traditions served with a generous dose of contemporary cool.
7. Americano, Mumbai
Rounding out the highlights at No. 81 is Americano, a restaurant that showcases how India’s dining scene has become a global destination. Helmed by Chef Alex Sanchez, a veteran of San Francisco’s famed La Folie, Americano serves rustic, Italian-inspired fare in a chic Mumbai setting. While not an Indian restaurant, its inclusion on this list of highlights from India speaks volumes. It represents the maturity of the country's culinary landscape, where world-class restaurants of any cuisine can thrive, driven by local talent and a discerning audience. It’s a buzzy, ingredient-driven spot that feels right at home in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
