India in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025: Full List of Top-Ranked Indian Bars

Lair in Delhi hits #8 in Asia, leading five Indian bars into the global spotlight. Here’s the full story.

India’s Big Win at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025

India just raised the bar — literally.

The prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list is out, and this year marks a historic win for Indian cocktail culture. Five Indian bars have made it to the official Top 50, with Lair in New Delhi ranking #8, making it India’s highest placement ever.

From sleek speakeasies to laid-back dive bars, these bars showcase India’s growing influence in the global bar scene — and the rise is anything but accidental.

Quick Glance: India’s Best Bars in Asia’s 50 Best 2025

Rank Bar Name City Known For Founders
#8 Lair New Delhi Speakeasy-style with tiered cocktail journeys Jairaj Singh Solanki, Dhruv Raj Vij
#28 Soka Bengaluru 38-seat space, no menu, bartender-curated drinks Sombir Choudhary, Avinash Kapoli
#30 Boilermaker Goa Goa’s favourite dive bar with creative boilermakers Nakul Bhonsle, Pankaj Balachandran
#31 ZLB23 Bengaluru Japanese-influenced speakeasy inside The Leela Team Leela Palace
#37 Bar Spirit Forward Bengaluru Classic cocktails with a twist in a relaxed setting Arijit Bose, Guru Shivaram

#8 – Lair, New Delhi: India’s Best Bar in 2025

Located in the heart of New Delhi, Lair is a modern speakeasy inspired by the prohibition-era 1920s.

With dim lighting, earthy décor, and a three-level cocktail menu, the bar takes guests on a flavour journey that grows in complexity — beginner, intermediate, and superior.

Founded by Jairaj Singh Solanki and Dhruv Raj Vij, Lair climbed from #68 in 2024 to #8 in 2025, the highest-ever rank for any Indian bar on this list.

“It’s not just about drinks; it’s about the feeling you leave with,” says Jairaj.
“Lair was created as a space where time slows down and flavour takes the lead.”

#28 – Soka, Bengaluru: The 38-Seat Wonder

Soka is proof that small spaces can leave a big impression.

This intimate 38-seater in Bengaluru serves up bespoke cocktails without a menu. The bartenders here prefer conversations over printed lists. They tailor drinks to your vibe, your mood, your night.

Founders Sombir Choudhary and Avinash Kapoli have created a place that feels like old Bangalore meets global cocktail culture — unassuming but unforgettable.

#30 – Boilermaker, Goa: Big Flavours, No Fuss

If you’ve partied in Goa, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled into Boilermaker — or heard stories about it.

It’s a no-frills dive bar serving killer boilermaker combos (whisky + beer) along with elevated bar bites and bold cocktails.

Created by Nakul Bhonsle and Pankaj Balachandran, Boilermaker blends Goan chill with international flavour power.

#31 – ZLB23, Bengaluru: Zen Meets Booze

Hidden inside The Leela Palace Bengaluru, ZLB23 is all about quiet precision.

Think Japanese minimalism, clarified cocktails, and a setting that’s equal parts opulent and calm. The team focuses on technique, clarity, and subtlety.

ZLB23 held the title of India’s best bar in 2024 — and continues to make waves with its unique approach.

#37 – Bar Spirit Forward, Bengaluru: Where Technique Meets Vibe

With Arijit Bose and Guru Shivaram at the helm, Bar Spirit Forward delivers drinks with depth and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.

The menu reimagines classics — Negronis, Old Fashioneds, and highballs — with their own house blends, tinctures, and bitters.

What to expect: High-level bartending in a no-pressure atmosphere.

India Bar Scene Is Rising — Fast

Let’s compare the numbers.

Year Indian Bars in Top 50 Highest Rank Growth Highlight
2024 1 (ZLB23) #45 Sole representation
2025 5 #8 (Lair) Major leap across cities

This isn’t a fluke. From Bengaluru to Goa to Delhi, India’s bar scene is now globally respected. The bars aren’t just good — they’re varied, creative, and driven by visionaries.

Extended List Mentions: India in the 51–100 Rankings

Beyond the main list, four more Indian bars featured in the extended 51–100 list:

Rank Bar Name City
#55 Bar Outrigger Goa
#62 Sidecar New Delhi
#69 The Bombay Canteen Mumbai
#94 Hideaway Goa

Sidecar and The Bombay Canteen have long been respected in India’s bar circuit — and their global recognition continues to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the top Indian bars in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025?

India’s top-ranked bars for 2025 include:

  • Lair (Delhi) – #8

  • Soka (Bengaluru) – #28

  • Boilermaker (Goa) – #30

  • ZLB23 (Bengaluru) – #31

  • Bar Spirit Forward (Bengaluru) – #37

Q2: Which is the best bar in India in 2025?

Lair in New Delhi is ranked #8 in Asia, making it the best bar in India for 2025.

 

Q3: What cities in India had bars featured on the 2025 list?

  • New Delhi – Lair, Sidecar

  • Bengaluru – Soka, ZLB23, Bar Spirit Forward

  • Goa – Boilermaker, Bar Outrigger

  • Mumbai – The Bombay Canteen

 
 
 
 
 
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Final Thoughts

India’s strong showing in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 proves one thing — this is just the beginning.

Whether you're a cocktail fan, a bar owner, or someone curious about India’s evolving nightlife scene, this list is your guide to the best places to raise a glass in 2025.

Read also: 8 Best BYOB Places in Delhi NCR (2025) – Sip, Savor, and Save!

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