NDTV Food Awards 2025: Full List Of Categories Revealed

CategoriesThe NDTV Food Awards 2025 is here, and it is bigger and better than ever! Celebrating the finest restaurants, bars, chefs, and food innovators, this prestigious event aims to recognise excellence across various categories. Whether it is a luxurious fine-dining restaurant, a cosy bakery, or an emerging food trendsetter, these awards highlight the best in the business.

With a growing food culture and evolving dining experiences, the NDTV Food Awards 2025 acknowledges establishments and individuals who have set new standards in quality, service, and innovation. The categories cover everything from regional specialities to concept bars, ensuring that every aspect of the food and beverage industry gets the spotlight it deserves.

NDTV Food Awards 2025: Here's A Full List of Award Categories:

1. Best 5-Star Nightclub    
   Recognising high-end nightclubs in 5-star hotels that offer top-tier entertainment, service, and a luxurious environment for a vibrant nightlife experience.
2. Best All-Day Casual Dining Restaurant    
   Recognising casual dining venues offering diverse, high-quality all-day menus in a relaxed environment, providing exceptional value and service. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
3. Best All-Day Premium Dining Restaurant    
   Recognising premium dining establishments that offer high-quality meals throughout the day, with outstanding service and a sophisticated atmosphere. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
4. Best Asian Specialty Casual Dining Restaurant    
   Recognising casual dining establishments that specialize in a specific Asian cuisine (such as Thai, Japanese, Korean, etc.), excluding Indian and Chinese. These restaurants offer a relaxed yet high-quality dining experience, featuring authentic flavours, fresh ingredients, and flavourful dishes at an affordable price. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
5. Best Asian Specialty Premium Dining Restaurant    
   Recognising premium dining establishments that specialize in a specific Asian cuisine (such as Thai, Japanese, Korean, etc.), excluding Indian and Chinese. These restaurants deliver an exceptional culinary experience, with high-quality ingredients, expert preparation, and exquisite presentation. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
6. Best Casual Bakery And Patisserie    
   Recognising casual bakeries and patisseries that offer delicious and wholesome baked goods with a focus on quality and great customer service. (Average price for two up to Rs 1499, without alcohol)
7. Best Casual Cocktail Bar    
   Recognising casual bars that serve creative and well-crafted cocktails in a relaxed, friendly environment with a focus on great customer experience. (Average price for two up to Rs 3499, including food and alcohol)
8. Best Chinese Casual Dining Restaurant    
   Recognising casual Chinese restaurants that provide flavourful dishes, excellent service, and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere at an affordable price point. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
9. Best Chinese Premium Dining Restaurant    
   Recognising fine dining Chinese establishments that offer an exceptional menu, top-tier service, and an upscale dining environment. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
10. Best Concept Bar    
    Recognising bars with unique concepts or themes that stand out for their creativity in offering memorable experiences and exceptional drinks.
11. Best Farm To Fork Restaurant    
    Recognising restaurants that emphasize locally sourced, fresh ingredients in their dishes, offering high-quality food with a focus on sustainability.
12. Best Italian Casual Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising casual Italian dining establishments that offer high-quality, wholesome and hearty Italian food in a friendly and comfortable setting. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
13. Best Italian Premium Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising Italian restaurants that provide an extraordinary fine dining experience with gourmet Italian cuisine, exceptional service, and an elegant atmosphere. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
14. Best Microbrewery    
    Recognising microbreweries that offer unique, high-quality craft beers with a focus on creativity, quality brewing practices, and a welcoming environment.
15. Best Modern Indian Casual Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising casual dining spots serving modern Indian cuisine with fresh, creative twists on traditional flavours in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
16. Best Modern Indian Premium Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising premium restaurants offering a contemporary twist on Indian cuisine, with innovative dishes, exceptional service, and a luxurious dining experience. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
17. Best North Indian Casual Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising casual dining establishments that serve authentic North Indian dishes, offering high-quality food in a warm, inviting, and relaxed atmosphere. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
18. Best North Indian Premium Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising high-end North Indian restaurants that offer exceptional North Indian dishes, providing an outstanding culinary experience with premium service and a refined, luxurious setting. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
19. Best Pan Asian Casual Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising Pan Asian restaurants that feature at least three Asian cuisines (excluding Indian), offering a casual yet high-quality dining experience with a diverse menu, welcoming atmosphere, and affordable prices. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
20. Best Pan Asian Premium Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising premium dining establishments that feature at least three Asian cuisines (excluding Indian), offering exceptional culinary experiences, sophisticated service, and a luxurious ambience. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
21. Best Premium Bakery And Patisserie    
    Recognising upscale bakeries and patisseries that offer a variety of high-quality baked goods, exceptional craftsmanship, and a luxurious experience. (Average price for two up to Rs 1500/- and above, without alcohol)
22. Best Premium Cocktail Bar    
    Recognising upscale cocktail bars known for exceptional cocktail creativity, top-quality ingredients, and impeccable service. (Average price for two: Rs 3500/- and above, including food and alcohol)
23. Best Regional Indian Casual Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising casual dining restaurants that specialize in distinctive regional Indian cuisines (excluding North and South Indian), offering authentic dishes with quality ingredients, friendly service, and a comfortable ambience while maintaining high standards of taste and value. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
24. Best Regional Indian Premium Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising premium restaurants that specialize in distinctive regional Indian cuisines (excluding North and South Indian), offering exceptional dishes made with quality ingredients, top-tier service, and a refined dining environment for a luxurious and authentic culinary experience. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
25. Best South Indian Casual Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising casual dining restaurants that specialize in South Indian cuisine, offering authentic dishes, friendly service, and a comfortable ambience while maintaining high standards of quality and value. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
26. Best South Indian Premium Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising premium restaurants that specialize in South Indian cuisine, offering high-quality dishes, exceptional service, and a luxurious ambience for a refined dining experience. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
27. Best Standalone Nightclub    
    Recognising standalone nightclubs offering a fun and lively atmosphere, great music, and excellent service for a vibrant nightlife experience.
28. Chef Of The Year    
    This award recognises an outstanding chef. The recipient of this award has demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skills and showcased his or her mastery by leading the way with kitchen management skills and food innovation.
29. Emerging Casual Bar   
    Recognising new casual bars that have quickly gained popularity for their great drinks, casual atmosphere, and exceptional service. The bar must have begun operations after December 31, 2023. (Average price for two up to Rs 3499, with food and alcohol)"
30. Emerging Casual Dining Restaurant  
    Recognising new casual dining establishments that have made a significant impact with their creative menus, exceptional service, and warm atmosphere. The restaurant must have begun operations after December 31, 2023. (Average price for two up to Rs 1999, without alcohol)
31. Emerging Premium Bar    
    Recognising new premium bars that stand out for their exceptional cocktails, high-quality drinks, and luxurious atmosphere. The bar must have begun operations after December 31, 2023. (Average price for two: Rs 3500/- and above, including food and alcohol)
32. Emerging Premium Dining Restaurant    
    Recognising new fine dining restaurants that have quickly gained recognition for their high-quality offerings, exceptional service, and luxurious ambience. The restaurant must have begun operations after December 31, 2023. (Average price for two: Rs 2000/- and above, without alcohol)
33. Food Content Creator Of The Year    
    Recognising individuals who create outstanding food content with creativity, expertise, and storytelling finesse. This award celebrates those who captivate audiences through visually appealing, informative, and engaging content.
34. Mixologist Of The Year     
    This award recognises the mixologist who has demonstrated the best overall knowledge of the premium spirits category and displays innovation and creativity when making cocktails. The recipient of this award also has extensive knowledge of spirits categories and a deep understanding of the cocktail sector.
35. Restaurateur Of The Year    
    This award honours the restaurateur because of his or her cumulative achievements and financial success. The recipient of this award has not only consolidated the company's position but also significantly grown the business with outstanding leadership qualities.
36. Rising Star Chef Of The Year    
    This award honours the most talented young chef in India. The recipient of this award is both innovative and creative, showcasing extraordinary culinary skills and an excellent understanding of ingredients, making his or her mark in the kitchen.

The NDTV Food Awards 2025 aims to honour the best in the industry and set new benchmarks in food, drink, and hospitality. If you are a food enthusiast, restaurateur, chef, or mixologist, this is your chance to be a part of something extraordinary.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates, nominee announcements, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of food and dining!