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UAE’s culinary scene shines with 22 restaurants in MENA’s 50 Best list
The 50 Best Restaurants awards celebrate culinary excellence, diversity, and innovation of the MENA region’s vibrant gastronomic landscape.
On Tuesday, visionaries and restaurateurs from the culinary world gathered in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the fourth edition of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. Held at Erth Abu Dhabi and in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), the awards recognized top dining establishments across 11 regional cities.
The evening’s highlight was the announcement of Orfali Bros Bistro as the region’s No.1 restaurant for the third year in a row. Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, the Dubai-based bistro offers a mix of Aleppian traditions and the city’s vibrant food scene. Under the leadership of head chef Mohammad Orfali, the restaurant is known for standout dishes like OB croquettes, shish barak à la gyoza, and the corn bomb. Pastry chefs Wassim and Omar also create unique desserts from their dedicated pastry kitchen, providing a distinctive culinary experience. After securing No.46 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list, this latest accolade further solidifies Orfali Bros Bistro’s place on the global culinary map.
William Drew, Director of Content for Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, credited the “independent, chef-driven establishment [Orfali Bros Bistro] for pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation, redefining modern Middle Eastern cuisine with its bold flavors and impeccable presentation.”
Other top restaurants included Trèsind Studio, an upscale Indian dining destination in Dubai, which retained its No.2 position. Dubai’s Kinoya followed closely at No.3, while Cairo’s Khufu’s secured the No.4 spot and earned the title of The Best Restaurant in Egypt.
The UAE led the rankings with 22 restaurants featured, including three from the host city of Abu Dhabi. Egypt followed with seven establishments, and Jordan saw six, with Shams El Balad (No.8) named The Best Restaurant in Jordan. Saudi Arabia and Morocco were also well represented, with five restaurants each. Marble (No.16) was recognized as The Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia, and La Grande Table Marocaine (No.22) was named The Best Restaurant in Morocco. Bahrain’s Fusions by Tala claimed the No.6 spot and was awarded The Best Restaurant in Bahrain, while Lebanon’s Em Sherif in Beirut secured No.9 and was named The Best Restaurant in Lebanon. Tunisia debuted with Le Golfe (No.44), named The Best Restaurant in Tunisia.
Several prestigious awards were also presented. Tala Bashmi received the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award for her innovative take on Bahraini cuisine. Boca in Dubai won the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its zero-waste initiatives and support for regional farmers. Carmen Rueda Hernandez was named MENA’s Best Pastry Chef for her work at Brix and 3 Fills in Dubai. Yasmina Hayek of Em Sherif group earned the Best Female Chef Award, and Ossiano in Dubai received the Art of Hospitality Award. Casablanca’s Table 3, led by Fayçal Bettioui, won the American Express One To Watch Award.
The 50 Best Restaurants awards highlight both culinary excellence and the innovation shaping the MENA region’s food scene. The event brings together chefs, gourmets, and food media to celebrate the region’s rich culinary traditions and modern twists.
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