The culinary worlds of Lagos and Abuja came together in a vibrant celebration of food and service as the Awari Restaurant Week Awards 2025 took centre stage. The prestigious ceremony unfolded on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the elegant Rococo Restaurant on Victoria Island, Lagos, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria's dining industry.
A Decade of Culinary Evolution
This year's glittering event represented the 11th edition of the acclaimed Restaurant Week. The initiative has a rich history, having started as a simple city guide named Lost in Lagos. Over the years, it transformed into the Awari platform, dedicated to showcasing and elevating dining culture across Nigeria's major cities.
Tannaz Bahnam, the founder, highlighted the journey, noting that the platform's growth mirrors the dynamic rise of the food scene in Lagos and Abuja. She pointed to the increasing willingness of restaurants to experiment, adapt, and cater to a rapidly expanding community of discerning food lovers.
Recognition for Excellence Across Two Cities
The awards served as the grand finale to a three-week culinary celebration that saw eighty-two restaurants participate. These establishments offered specially curated menus and unique dining experiences to the public. The ceremony honoured those who excelled throughout the event, with winners decided by a combination of diner votes and expert evaluators who assessed participation, customer experience, and execution.
The night's big winners included:
- Mr. Panther, which clinched both the Best in Service Award and the coveted People’s Choice Award.
- Z Kitchen, recognized for crafting the Best ARW Menu.
- Lalas Bistro, which was named the Top Performing Restaurant of the Year.
Fostering Community and Shaping Tourism
Beyond the competition, Bahnam emphasised the event's core mission: to build a stronger sense of community within the food industry. By spotlighting local talent and encouraging collaboration, Awari aims to strengthen the cultural and economic ecosystem surrounding dining in both Lagos and Abuja.
The awards also drew attention to the powerful role of food in tourism and city identity. As interest in diverse dining experiences grows in both capitals, events like Restaurant Week help fuel this momentum. The platform actively drives residents and visitors to explore new menus, neighbourhoods, and concepts, thereby supporting local businesses and encouraging investment in the sector.
As the 2025 edition concluded, participants and organisers reflected on the progress made and the potential for future expansion. The event stands as a testament to the importance of creativity, exceptional service, and customer engagement in Nigeria's ever-evolving and competitive restaurant landscape.
