The search for one of the best eating places in India is again with the Condé Nast Traveller x District Top Restaurant Awards 2026. Restaurants and bars that opened earlier than 1 January 2026 qualify for this version of the awards (learn on for the eligibility standards).
A jury comprising India’s prime meals critics, writers, cooks, and tastemakers vote for the nation’s finest eating places via a rigorous, two-phase course of, with an unbiased consulting agency as the method advisors.
The outcome? A definitive rating of India’s prime 50 eating places.
“India’s F&B scene is more rich, varied, dynamic and exciting than almost anywhere on the globe. The Top Restaurant Awards will, yet again, show us who discerning diners consider the best. The reach of Condé Nast Traveller’s global network takes this list of India’s finest restaurants to travellers across eight regions, from the US and Europe to the Middle East and China, spotlighting our deserving winners and truly putting them on the map. I, for one, can’t wait to eat my way across India once this list is out in October,” says Divia Thani, Global Editorial Director, Condé Nast Traveller.
“Our voting process is clean, meticulous and rigorous, which is why these awards matter to everyone–from the teams in the kitchen to the diners out front. Each year sees a sizable churn in the rankings, which is proof that the taste and mood of the Indian diners is changing very quickly. I expect this year to be no different–bet there will be a few surprises,” says Salil Deshpande, Head of Editorial Content, Condé Nast Traveller India.
Why this record issues
Winning eating places typically describe a spot on the TRA record as a turning level for their manufacturers.
In 2025, Rynsan from Shillong, Meghalaya was the primary restaurant from the Northeast to ever make it to the record. “Being the first restaurant from the Northeast of India to make it to the Top 50 list is a real honour, not only for us at Rynsan but everyone involved in sharing, preserving and pushing forward the stories, flavours and traditions of the region’s cuisine. Making it to the list has definitely brought a lot more attention. We’ve now had bookings made months in advance. A lot of tourists are very eager to include a meal at Rynsan in their itinerary. Expectations are high and the team is working really hard to ensure that everyone has a wonderful experience,” says proprietor Hammarsing Kharhmar.