EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: FILMFARE MIDDLE EAST RESTAURANTS’ NIGHT 2025

The Filmfare Middle East Restaurant’s Night 2025 held on 1st October 2025 at Atlantis, The Palm honored excellence in gastronomy with a glittering celebration of culinary brilliance. A spectacular event where gourmet met glamour, it was an evening that celebrated not just cuisine, but culture, creativity, and the culinary stars who elevate dining into an art form.

The event also marked the introduction of the brand’s dynamic new leadership — Mr. Kris Ankem and Mr. Lalit Tayal — who addressed the gathering and shared their inspiring vision for the future.

Their message centered on innovation, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to excellence. Both leaders emphasized the importance of building on the brand’s legacy while embracing bold strategies to drive growth and transformation. Their presence energized the evening, setting a positive tone for the exciting journey ahead.

With over hundreds of entries, and 62 finalists, 14 coveted awards were presented to the most innovative and beloved names in the food and hospitality industry, recognizing talent across a spectrum of categories. From fine dining to street food, and sustainability to innovation, the winners showcased the diversity and dynamism of the region’s culinary landscape.

Check out the complete list of the winners:
Favourite South Indian Restaurant 2025

Winner: Bengaluru Tiffany’s
Award Presented by: Mr Lalit Tayal – President, Bharath Group

Favourite North Indian Restaurant 2025


Winner: B-Town Restro
Award Presented by: Mr Kris Ankem – CEO, Filmfare Middle East

Favourite Chocolatier 2025


Winner: Aaraya Chocolatier
Award Presented by: Zenofar Fatima – CEO, Zen Films

Favourite Debutant Restaurant 2025

Winner: Lavang
Award Presented by: Ms Aakanksha Naval-Shetye – Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare Middle East

Favourite Caterer 2025

Winner: Patiala House Restaurant
Award Presented by: Mr Shamim Yousuf – GM, Emirates Gulf Group

Favourite Indian Fusion Restaurant 2025

Winner: The Permit Room
Award Presented by: Mr Prasad T – Head of Operations, Emirates Gulf Group

Special Recognition – Culinary Delight 2025

Winner: 971 Hospitality
Award Presented by: Ms Swati Tayal – VP, Bharath Group

Best Decor / Interior Restaurant 2025


Winner:
Bollywood Treats
Award Presented by: Mr Chetan Tayal – Chairman, Bharath Group

Favourite Fine Dining Restaurant 2025

Winner: Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
Award Presented by: Mr Lalit Tayal – President, Bharath Group

F&B CEO of the Year 2025

Winner: Anmol Mehta – Kailash Parbat, Oudh Metha
Award Presented by: Mr Venkat – Executive VP, Danube Group

Favourite Indian Night Club 2025


Winner:
Tashan 2
Award Presented by: Mr Varun Tuli – Chief Business Officer, Doctor Kitchen & Mr Irfan – Head of HR

Favourite Street Food Restaurant 2025

Winner: Puranmal Restaurant
Award Presented by: Mr Varun Tuli – Chief Business Officer, Doctor Kitchen & Mr Irfan – Head of HR

Favourite Casual Dining Restaurant 2025

Winner: The Monk
Award Presented by: Mr Varun Tuli – Chief Business Officer, Doctor Kitchen & Mr Irfan – Head of HR

Restaurant of the Year 2025

Winner: Asha’s Restaurant
Award Presented by: Mr Lalit Tayal – President, Bharath Group

A lucky winner chosen from amongst the guests present also won a round-trip to a destination of their choice sponsored by Emirates Airlines!

EVENT PARTNERS: Emirates, Al Nahda Centre, Doctor Kitchen, Danube Hospitality, Bahar, Bharath Group of Companies

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS: Mamo Pay, Emirates Gulf Group, Indian Harvest, Casa Milano

The event hosted by Mikhayel Kurian also was high on entertainment and saw mesmerising dance performances by Sayali and Shubhankari that celebrated Indian culture beautifully. Other esteemed guests included Mr Syed Irshad Rehman – VP Sales, DAMAC Properties; Ms Neeta Singh – Founder of SAHAS, actress Priyanka Tewari, actor-filmmaker Danish Jalil, amongst several others.