These Two Indian Restaurants Are A Part of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2025

It’s a proud moment for India’s culinary scene as two of the country’s finest restaurants—Masque in Mumbai and Indian Accent in New Delhi—have earned their place on the much-celebrated Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list.. Announced on 25 March at a glittering ceremony in Seoul, South Korea. Mumbai’s Masque bagged the 19th spot and was also crowned Best Restaurant in India 2025. Meanwhile, New Delhi’s Indian Accent, the only other Indian entry, secured the 46th position. Bangkok and Tokyo dominated the list, with an impressive nine entries each.

Indian Accent, New Delhi – Ranked #46 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025

Indian Accent remains one of India’s most iconic dining destinations. The restaurant’s consistent presence on Asia’s 50 Best list is no surprise, and this year is the 13th consecutive year on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List.

First opened in 2009, the restaurant has long been known for reshaping how the world sees Indian cuisine. Even years later, it’s still leading the charge, proving that reinventing classics can be just as exciting as creating something entirely new. Located at The Lodhi in New Delhi, Indian Accent offers a refined yet inviting atmosphere where each dish is a blend of tradition and innovation. Under the culinary leadership of Chef Shantanu Mehrotra, the menu plays with familiar Indian flavours but presents them in new, unexpected forms. From blue cheese naan to soy keema with quail eggs, every bite tells a story.

A must-try? The meetha achaar pork ribs – a delightful balance of sweet and sour, served with green apple and mango pickle sauce. Another standout is the house-made tikka chaat, featuring a khakhra mille-feuille and a bell pepper mayo. While the full tasting menu is an experience in itself, there’s also a vegetarian version, a four-course lunch, and a well-curated à la carte selection.

Big changes are underway at Indian Accent, with long-time head chef Manish Mehrotra stepping down in 2024. Taking over the reins is executive chef Shantanu Mehrotra (no relation!), who has been part of Old World Hospitality since 1999, working across some of its most iconic establishments, from Delhi ‘O’ Delhi to Chor Bizarre.

Indian Accent has long been a crowd-pleaser, blending creative modern dishes with warm hospitality. Year after year, its inventive tasting menus reimagine the classics of the Indian subcontinent with a fresh twist and it continues to be so.

Address: The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, 110003

Masque, Mumbai – Ranked #19 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025

4 years in a row! At number 19 on the list, Masque continues to wow diners with its bold, experimental approach to Indian ingredients. Set in a repurposed mill compound in Mumbai, the restaurant offers a sleek, minimalistic setting that lets the food do all the talking. Chef Varun Totlani, who stepped into the spotlight following Prateek Sadhu’s departure, has done a stellar job of maintaining the restaurant’s core philosophy while adding his own flair. Head chef Varun Totlani, who worked his way up from commis chef to the top spot, has been leading the kitchen since 2022. His love for the grill shines through in the menu, which is all about showcasing India’s rich culinary diversity.

Masque is all about ingredient-driven dining. They work closely with farmers and foragers across India, sourcing everything from Himalayan grains to coastal seafood, ensuring each dish celebrates the country’s biodiversity. The 15-course tasting menu changes with the seasons and leans heavily into regional produce, but with modern techniques and beautiful plating that could rival any global fine-dining destination. It’s Indian food, but not as you know it, playful, precise, and packed with soul.

Expect dishes like prickly pear with nagphani (hawthorn) and coconut malai, or smoked pork with Kashmiri chilli and poha (spiced flattened rice). If you’re after something truly special, the dosa with koji and the burnt ghee with saffron and pear toast are absolute must-tries.

Adding another feather to its cap, Masque opened The Masque Lab in 2020 – an R&D space where the team experiments with ageing ingredients, contrasting flavours, and new ways to bridge food cultures. With just 12 seats around an open kitchen, the lab hosts exclusive experimental dinners, giving diners a glimpse into the future of Masque’s gastronomic journey.

Address: NIT G3, Laxmi Woollen Mill, Shakti Mills Lane, Off Dr. E. Moses Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai 400011

Both Masque and Indian Accent continue to push the boundaries of Indian cuisine on the global stage, and if you haven’t tried them yet, it’s about time you did!