The Indian Dining Renaissance

Introduction

When people search for an “Indian restaurant near me,” what they usually mean is a place that delivers familiar flavors and comforting classics. But the world of Indian cuisine has evolved far beyond that — it now includes ultra‑fine dining, global acclaim, and even historic Michelin recognition. In this article, I’m going to take you on a journey through some fascinating facts: from the first-ever three‑Michelin‑star Indian restaurant to what “10 top” means in restaurant lingo. By the end, you’ll appreciate just how dynamic and globally respected Indian food has become.

Which Indian Restaurant Has 3 Michelin Stars?

The only Indian restaurant in the world that currently holds three Michelin stars is Trèsind Studio, located in Dubai.
This is historic: it’s the first time Indian cuisine has been awarded the maximum three-star honor.
Chef Himanshu Saini, under 40, leads the kitchen at Trèsind Studio, delivering a creative, modern tasting-menu experience rooted in Indian flavors. 
The restaurant is tiny (only about 20 seats), which makes the achievement even more remarkable.

Is There a Michelin-Star Restaurant in India?

Interestingly, there is no Michelin Guide for restaurants in India, so Indian restaurants inside India cannot earn Michelin stars in the same way.
That means domestic Indian fine-dining institutions, no matter how good, do not appear in Michelin’s star roster — yet, several Indian restaurants abroad have achieved Michelin status.
For example:

• Gymkhana, in London, has two Michelin stars.

• Junoon, in New York City, is also a Michelin‑starred Indian restaurant.

• Gaa, in Bangkok, serves modern Indian cuisine and holds two Michelin stars.

Which Are the Top 5 Restaurants in the World?

According to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, these are the top five globally:

1. Maido, Lima, Peru — Known for its Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian ingredients + Japanese technique)

2. Asador Etxebarri, Atxondo, Spain — A Basque grill mastery

3. Quintonil, Mexico City, Mexico — Innovative Mexican dining

4. DiverXO, Madrid, Spain — Bold, theatrical tasting menus

5. Alchemist, Copenhagen, Denmark — Experimental and conceptual cuisine

Also noteworthy: Gaggan, the Indian-inspired restaurant in Bangkok, ranks 6th in the same list.

What Is the Best Indian Restaurant Name?

If by “best name” you mean most prestigious or well-known Indian restaurant, a few come to mind:

• Trèsind Studio (Dubai) — because of its historic three Michelin stars.

• Gymkhana (London) — known for its refined North Indian fare and elegant club‑style ambiance.

• Junoon (New York) — founded by Vikas Khanna, this restaurant helped elevate Indian fine dining in the U.S.

• Masque (Mumbai) — though not Michelin-starred, many consider it among India’s best; it offers a 10-course tasting menu.

So, “best” depends on what you mean — prestige, innovation, or personal flavor preferences.

What Is the Only “7-Star” Restaurant?

There is a common misconception around “7‑star” hotels and restaurants. Officially, there is no legitimate “7‑star” rating system in hospitality — the star rating typically goes up to five.
The term “7‑star” is used more as a marketing gimmick than a formal classification. For example, the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is often called “7‑star” because of its ultra-luxury positioning, but that’s more branding than a real rating.
In the context of restaurants, there is no recognized “7-star” restaurant in any credible guide. That title is not meaningful in Michelin or other major restaurant rating systems.

What Is a “10 Top” in a Restaurant?

In restaurant lingo, a “10-top” refers to a table that seats ten people.
The term “top” comes from “table top”: so a “2‑top” is a table for two, a “4‑top” is for four, and so on. > As one Reddit user explained:

“a 2 top is a table for 2, a 4 top is a table for four … table tops are sized to fit a certain number of people … so a 10 top is 10 people.”
Staff often use this shorthand when seating guests or taking reservations. It’s just restaurant jargon, not anything to do with rating or quality.

Significance & Implications

• Recognition of Indian Cuisine: The fact that Trèsind Studio has three Michelin stars marks a turning point for Indian cuisine on the global fine‑dining map. Its win suggests that haute Indian cooking can compete with the best in the world.

• Absence of Michelin in India: Because Michelin doesn’t operate in India, some of the country’s top restaurants don’t get star recognition. That doesn’t mean they’re less capable — just that they’re not on that particular radar.

• Global Landscape: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list shows a mix of regional powerhouses, and while Indian-inspired spots are featured (like Gaggan), Indian cuisine is still underrepresented at the absolute top.

• Terminology Understanding: Knowing terms like “10-top” helps you navigate restaurant bookings more intelligently — especially in fine dining or busy restaurants.

• Marketing vs Reality: The “7-star” myth is a reminder that not all luxury claims are standardized; always check credible sources when evaluating prestige.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an “Indian restaurant near me,” chances are you’re thinking of the warm, spicy, familiar place down the street — but it’s inspiring to know that Indian food now thrives even in the rarefied world of three-Michelin-star dining. From Trèsind Studio’s groundbreaking achievement in Dubai to the iconic names making waves in London and New York, Indian cuisine has truly earned its place on the global stage.

Meanwhile, understanding terms like “10-top” can help you in real life when booking large groups, and recognizing that “7-star” is more marketing than meaningful will keep your expectations grounded.

The rise of Indian fine dining is not just about flavor — it’s about respect, innovation, and recognition. And as the culinary world continues to evolve, I’m excited for what’s next.