The culinary stars of the restaurant industry gathered in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the fourth edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. Restaurants from 11 cities across the Middle East and North Africa were recognized as the region’s 50 best dining destinations. Held at Erth Abu Dhabi on January 28, the event was hosted in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) to celebrate culinary excellence.
Orfali Bros Bistro crowned number one for third consecutive year
The ceremony concluded with Orfali Bros Bistro being named the top restaurant for the third consecutive year. It consequently reaffirms its regional dominance.
Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim and Omar Orfali, the Wasl 51 hot spot seamlessly blends Aleppian heritage with Dubai’s dining scene. Led by head chef Mohammad Orfali, the bistro is famous for its signature dishes.
Dubai’s Trèsind Studio retains second place
Trèsind Studio, a fine-dining Indian restaurant in Dubai, remains second, while Kinoya follows in third place and Khufu’s ranks fourth in the region.
Egypt’s Khufu’s named best restaurant in Egypt
Khufu’s earns additional recognition as the best restaurant in Egypt, showcasing its excellence in Egyptian fine dining.
UAE dominates the list with 22 restaurants
The UAE leads with 22 restaurants on the list, including three from Abu Dhabi, while Egypt follows with seven and Jordan with six.
Saudi Arabia’s Marble named best restaurant in the kingdom
Saudi Arabia and Morocco each claim five spots, with Marble (No.16) named the best restaurant in Saudi Arabia and La Grande Table Marocaine (No.22) leading Morocco.
Bahrain’s Fusions by Tala takes best restaurant in Bahrain award
Bahrain’s Fusions by Tala (No.6) is named the best restaurant in Bahrain, while Em Sherif (No.9) is named Lebanon’s best dining destination.
Tala Bashmi receives the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award, recognizing her impact on the region’s culinary landscape and gastronomic innovation.
Tunisia’s Le Golfe enters the list at number 44
Tunisia joins the list with a new entry, Le Golfe (No.44), located in La Marsa, securing its title as the best restaurant in Tunisia.
Sustainability Champion: Boca named most sustainable restaurant
In additional, The Sustainable Restaurant Award is presented to Boca (No.12) in Dubai, highlighting its leadership in sustainability and commitment to ethical dining practices.
Omar Shihab wins icon award for sustainable gastronomy
Meanwhile, Boca’s visionary leader, Omar Shihab, wins the Icon Award for his commitment to sustainability and responsible dining in the region.
Best Pastry Chef award goes to Carmen Rueda Hernandez
Furthermore, Spanish pastry chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez, executive pastry chef at Brix and 3 Fills, wins MENA’s Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona.
Yasmina Hayek wins MENA’s Best Female Chef Award
Moreover, notable winners include Yasmina Hayek, named MENA’s Best Female Chef, and Ossiano, recipient of the Art of Hospitality Award.
Table 3 in Casablanca Earns One to Watch Award
Casablanca’s Table 3 was founded by head chef Fayçal Bettioui. The restaurant earns the American Express One To Watch Award for its innovative culinary approach.
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