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The landscape of the Indian bar industry has witnessed a monumental shift in its latest rankings, with the sixth edition of the 30 Best Bars India awards unveiling a list that redefines the geography of liquid craftsmanship in the country. For the first time in the history of these prestigious awards, the traditional powerhouses of Mumbai and New Delhi have been unseated from the top positions by a surge of innovation from Bengaluru and Goa. This transition marks a new era where independent spirit and regional storytelling take precedence over the sheer scale of the metros. At the heart of this revolution is Bar Spirit Forward in Bengaluru, which has been crowned the best bar in India for 2025, a testament to the city’s evolving palate and the relentless pursuit of excellence by its hospitality professionals.
The Decentralisation Of Talent
The announcement, made during a grand ceremony at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, revealed a top five that reflects a significant decentralisation of talent. For years, the conversation around Indian mixology was dominated by a handful of legendary establishments in the national capital and the financial hub. However, the current rankings tell a different story, one where the focus has moved toward intimate, minimalist spaces that prioritise the purity of the spirit and the technical precision of the pour. This year, neither Mumbai nor Delhi found a place in the top four, a statistic that has sent ripples through the industry and highlighted the rapid growth of the bar scenes in Karnataka and Goa.
Bengaluru Takes The Crown
Taking the top spot, Bar Spirit Forward in Bengaluru has achieved a historic win. Founded by industry veteran Arijit Bose and located on the ground floor of the Hotel Southern Star, this venue represents a departure from the high-glamour, high-volume models of the past. Its philosophy is rooted in minimalism and a deep respect for the base spirit. The bar team here focuses on the nuances of flavour, often eschewing over-the-top garnishes in favour of perfectly balanced, spirit-centric cocktails. By winning both the top national rank and the award for the best independent bar, Bar Spirit Forward has proven that a clear, focused vision can resonate more deeply with connoisseurs than a wide-reaching, generic appeal.
Image credit: 30 Best Bars India
The Intensity Of Soka
Following closely in the second position is another Bengaluru gem, Soka. Situated in the bustling neighbourhood of Indiranagar, Soka is a masterclass in the use of small spaces to create a large impact. Known for its bold, high-proof cocktails and a vibe that feels both exclusive and welcoming, it has quickly become a favourite for those who appreciate intensity in their glass. The success of Soka alongside Bar Spirit Forward cements Bengaluru as the new capital of Indian mixology, with the city boasting four entries in the top ten and six in the final thirty.
Image credit: Soka
Goa Shakes Up The Top Five
The third and fourth spots on the list highlight the extraordinary rise of Goa as a serious destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Bar Outrigger made a stunning debut at number three, also earning the title of the highest new entry. It embodies the modern Goan spirit, blending coastal relaxation with a high level of technical sophistication. Right behind it at number four is Boilermaker, another new entry from Goa that has captured the imagination of the jury. These venues represent a move away from the traditional beach shack culture toward world-class beverage programmes that utilize local botanicals and artisanal techniques. The fact that two Goan bars have broken into the top five within their first year of entry is a clear signal that the state is no longer just a holiday destination but a laboratory for liquid innovation.
Image credit: Outrigger
Delhi Maintains A Presence
Rounding out the top five is Lair from New Delhi. While it fell from its previous position at number one, Lair remains the standard-bearer for the capital’s nightlife. Located in Vasant Vihar, it continues to offer a moody, sophisticated atmosphere paired with some of the most experimental drinks in the country. Its persistence in the top tier of the rankings suggests that while the competition has intensified, the quality of Delhi’s elite bars remains exceptionally high.
Image credit: 30 Best Bars India
The Surge Of New Entries
The 2025 list is notable not just for its leaders but for the sheer number of new entries that have disrupted the status quo. This year saw seven new establishments entering the top thirty for the first time, with several others returning after a brief hiatus. Dali and Gala in Bengaluru made a significant impact by debuting at number nine, further bolstering the city’s dominance. Kolkata also saw a remarkable resurgence with three new entries: Nutcase Etc. at number fifteen, Conversation Room at twenty-six, and Little Bit Sober at twenty-seven. This performance represents the strongest showing for Kolkata in years, suggesting a growing appetite for craft cocktails in the east.
Image credit: Dali and Gala
Shifting Tides For Industry Giants
The rise of these new venues has inevitably meant a shift for some of the industry’s most established names. Sidecar in New Delhi, long considered the gold standard of Indian bars, moved to the eighth position this year. While it remains a foundational pillar of the community and a globally recognised brand, its movement reflects the incredible pressure from a new generation of bars that are pushing boundaries in design and service. Similarly, Mumbai’s top-ranked venue, Americano, placed at number ten, highlighting the fact that even the most acclaimed restaurants are finding it harder to compete with specialized cocktail dens that focus solely on the bar experience.
Image credit: 30 Best Bars India
Recognising Excellence Beyond The List
Beyond the numerical rankings, the special awards provided further insight into the trends shaping the industry. The award for the best hotel bar went to ZLB23 at The Leela Palace in Bengaluru, a Kyoto-inspired speakeasy that has redefined luxury drinking. Muro, another Bengaluru establishment, was named the best restaurant bar, further validating the city’s clean sweep of major honours. In the category of design, Conversation Room in Kolkata was recognised for its aesthetic brilliance, proving that the visual narrative of a bar is becoming just as important as the menu itself.
Image credit: 30 Best Bars India
Sustainability And Local Craft
Sustainability also remains a key focus for the industry, with the Colony Bar at the Grand Hyatt Kochi receiving accolades for its environmental initiatives. This focus on ethical operations, from waste reduction to local sourcing, is a heartening sign that Indian bar owners are looking toward the long-term health of the planet alongside their profit margins. The recognition of Fort City Brewing in New Delhi as the best microbrewery shows that the craft beer movement is also evolving, moving toward more complex and experimental brews that appeal to a discerning audience.
