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.