And Sabbir Karim, who owns Namaaste in South Grove, earned a double honour with a special gong for his outstanding charity and community service.
The awards were handed out on Sunday night (November 16) at a glittering ceremony at Grosvenor House in Mayfair.
Sabbir and his wife Aneela accepted the award from The Lord Mayor of Westminster Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg and awards host, broadcaster Samantha Simmonds.
Yawar Khan from the Asian Catering Federation, which runs the awards, was also there to congratulate the winners.
Sabbir is a former British Airways cabin crew worker turned chef and restaurateur, who prides himself on serving vibrant Indian street-food and modern home-style cooking at his Highgate Village restaurant.
With its warm service and elegant decor and upscale contemporary Indian cuisine it has drawn both celebrities and top politicians.
Sabbir said: “Namaaste Highgate was created with heart, creativity, and a belief in honest cooking.
“This award is a tribute to our team and our community.”
He was also honoured with a special award for Outstanding Contribution to Charity and Community Service, celebrating his long-standing project to fund a free medical clinic for thousands of families in rural Bangladesh.
He added: “I am very honoured and accept this award with humility. Giving back has always been part of my life. Our clinic is modelled on the NHS, which doesn’t exist in Bangladesh.
“Access to healthcare is a basic entitlement for everyone.”
Launched during the Covid pandemic, Namaaste Highgate won Best Newcomer in London at the awards in 2023
The Asian Catering Federation has been running the awards for 15 years and represents 30,000 Asian and Oriental restaurants across the UK.
Earlier this year they named Namaaste in their guide to the UK’s top 100 curry restaurants citing their menu of “Indian street food with delicious home-style cooking and a modern twist”.
They also mentioned the chutneys and cocktail menu featuring the likes of Ginger watermelon Martini and Himalayan Margarita.
