Salman Khan’s sister Arpita Khan sparks outrage with sky-high prices at her restaurant. Arpita Khan’s Restaurant Sparks Controversy Over ₹8,500 Pasta & ₹1,100 Pizza

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Arpita Khan’s Luxury Restaurant ‘Mers’ in Mumbai Sparks Controversy Over Sky-High Prices

In the bustling city of Mumbai, where food culture is as vibrant as its skyline, a new name has been making waves — Mers, a high-end European restaurant owned by Arpita Khan, sister of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Since its grand opening in December 2024, Mers has become the talk of the town, not just for its luxurious ambiance and authentic European cuisine, but also for its astonishingly steep prices that have left many patrons and netizens stunned.

This article explores the rise of Mers as a fine dining hotspot, the extravagant pricing that has sparked debate, and the public’s mixed reactions to Arpita Khan’s venture into the world of haute cuisine and hospitality.

The Birth of Mers: A Lavish Dining Experience

Arpita Khan, well-known not only for her connection to the Khan family but also for her entrepreneurial spirit, ventured into the food and hospitality industry with the launch of Mers in Santa Cruz West, Mumbai. The restaurant was inaugurated in December 2024 and quickly gained attention for its European fine dining concept, which blends authentic European flavors with subtle Asian and Indian influences.

Mers was conceived as a partnership project, with Arpita playing a prominent role in shaping its vision. The restaurant boasts an opulent interior design, featuring elegant décor, a sophisticated bar area, a DJ setup, and a private dining space that can accommodate up to 30 guests for exclusive parties. This private area has reportedly become a favorite venue for the Khan family’s gatherings and celebrations, adding a celebrity allure to the establishment.

The combination of high-class ambiance and carefully curated dishes has positioned Mers as a premium destination for Mumbai’s elite and those seeking an upscale dining experience.

The Menu That Raised Eyebrows

While Mers offers an exquisite culinary journey, it is the pricing of its menu items that has captured the public’s attention — and not always in a positive way. The menu features a variety of European classics, including pizzas, pastas, and signature dishes that reflect a fusion of tastes.

One of the most talked-about items is Arpita Khan’s personal favorite: the Four Cheese Pizza, priced at ₹1,100. While this might seem reasonable in some upscale circles, it pales in comparison to other offerings on the menu. For instance, the restaurant’s priciest dish is the Herb Lab, a signature creation that costs a staggering ₹10,000. Equally eyebrow-raising is the Truffle Pasta on Wheel, priced at ₹8,500, a dish that has become synonymous with the restaurant’s luxury branding.

Another popular dish, the Taro Yar Salmon, is priced at ₹4,000, further emphasizing the premium nature of the menu. Beyond food, Mers offers an extensive selection of wines and cocktails, with prices ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,88,555 for a bottle of French Champagne — a price tag that is almost unheard of in typical dining establishments.

Cocktails at Mers also carry hefty price tags, typically between ₹900 and ₹1,100, aligning with the restaurant’s upscale positioning but raising questions about accessibility for the average diner.

Public Reaction: Luxury or Loot?

The exorbitant prices at Mers have sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms and food forums. Many users expressed shock and disbelief at the cost of simple items like pizza and pasta, which are generally considered affordable comfort foods.

Some critics have gone as far as to accuse Arpita Khan of “openly looting” customers, suggesting that the pricing is a deliberate attempt to capitalize on her celebrity status and the affluent clientele she attracts. Comments like “Even having tea has become difficult for the common man” and “Prices that make people sweat just looking at the menu” have been widely shared, reflecting frustration over the perceived exclusivity and inaccessibility of the restaurant.

Others, however, defend the pricing by highlighting the quality of ingredients, the premium dining experience, and the exclusivity that Mers offers. They argue that luxury dining naturally comes with high costs and that the restaurant caters to a niche market willing to pay for such experiences.

Arpita Khan’s Lavish Lifestyle and Business Ventures

Arpita Khan’s foray into the restaurant business is just one facet of her broader lifestyle, which has often been under media scrutiny for its opulence. Known for maintaining a lavish lifestyle, Arpita has been involved in various business ventures and is frequently in the news for her high-end tastes and extravagant hobbies.

The opening of Mers aligns with her image as a businesswoman who is not afraid to invest in premium projects that reflect her personal brand and lifestyle choices. The restaurant’s high prices are seen by some as a reflection of her ambition to establish a top-tier dining destination in Mumbai’s competitive culinary scene.

The Culinary Landscape of Mumbai: Where Does Mers Fit In?

Mumbai is home to a diverse range of dining options, from affordable street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants. The city’s food lovers are accustomed to a wide spectrum of price points and cuisines, making it a challenging market for any new entrant.

Mers positions itself at the very high end of this spectrum, targeting affluent customers and those looking for an exclusive, luxury dining experience. Its European menu with Indian and Asian influences offers something unique, but the pricing places it out of reach for many regular diners.

This exclusivity has contributed to the debate about whether Mers is a genuine culinary gem or simply a high-priced establishment riding on celebrity fame.

The Role of Celebrity in Restaurant Branding

Celebrity-owned restaurants often attract attention due to the star power behind them. Arpita Khan’s association with the Khan family undoubtedly adds glamour and curiosity to Mers. However, celebrity involvement is a double-edged sword — while it can draw initial crowds and media buzz, it also raises expectations and scrutiny.

In the case of Mers, the high prices have led some to question whether the restaurant’s value proposition matches its cost or if it relies too heavily on Arpita’s name to justify its premium pricing.

Looking Ahead: Can Mers Sustain Its Popularity?

The initial buzz around Mers has been a mix of admiration and criticism. The restaurant’s future success will depend on its ability to deliver exceptional culinary experiences that justify its prices and build a loyal customer base beyond the celebrity fanfare.

If Mers manages to consistently impress with its food quality, service, and ambiance, it could establish itself as a staple in Mumbai’s luxury dining scene. However, if the public perception of overpriced offerings persists, it may struggle to maintain long-term relevance.

Conclusion: Luxury Dining in the Age of Accessibility

Arpita Khan’s Mers represents a slice of luxury dining that caters to a select clientele in Mumbai. Its high prices have sparked debate about affordability, exclusivity, and the role of celebrity in the hospitality industry. While some see it as a symbol of opulence and fine taste, others view it as an example of how luxury can alienate the average consumer.

In a city known for its culinary diversity and vibrant food culture, Mers stands as a testament to the growing appetite for premium experiences, even as it highlights the ongoing tension between luxury and accessibility.

For now, Mers continues to attract attention, both for its sumptuous offerings and its sky-high prices, making it one of the most talked-about dining destinations in Mumbai.

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