TOP RESTAURANT AWARDS 2023

The ranking of India's 50 most exciting restaurants was revealed at a glittering ceremony at the Taj Lands End, Mumbai. Returning after a three-year hiatus, the event was a true celebration of the industry and the brightest stars of the fraternity showed up to support and cheer each other on!

1 INDIAN ACCENT, THE LODHI NEW DELHI

This institution has been India's best restaurant three times over, but that's not what drives Manish Mehrotra.

The chef, who launched an inventive approach with legendary dishes like Meetha Achaar Pork Ribs and the Blue Cheese Naan, has inspired a new generation of award-winning chefs-from Trèsind's Himanshu Saini to Revolver's Saurabh Udinia to explore their roots, and champion flavour that's true to the soul of India. "Our food may not look like something you've ever eaten, but the minute it hits your tongue, it should taste of home."-Smitha Menon

2 BOMRAS GOA

Famously reticent, restaurateur and owner Bawmra Jap is proof that sometimes the best restaurants are those where the food speaks for itself. While Jap's food is influenced by his early life in Myanmar, to label it Burmese cuisine would be doing it a disservice as it also draws inspiration from his travels around Asia and his kitchen garden in Anjuna. "It's my secret weapon that enables me to ensure the authenticity of my plates," says Jap, who grows Burmese coriander, mango ginger, and more. Go for this Goan-Burmese cuisine that takes playful leaps across dishes and ingredients to delight diners. - SM

3 MASQUE MUMBAI