BAHRAIN
FUSIONS BY TALA
Offers innovative and creative dishes that merge modern culinary techniques with Middle Eastern flavors, showcasing local ingredients in a contemporary context. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
@fusions-by-tala-bahrain
CUT BY WOLFGANG PUCK
Celebrity chef’s American steakhouse with a sleek bar and lounge. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
wolfgangpuck.com
SACHI CAIRO
Sachi Heliopolis provides a warm and inviting ambiance, offering guests the opportunity to savor a carefully curated menu of Mediterranean and Asian flavors. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
sachirestaurant.com
IZAKAYA
The menu here is a faithful representation of what Nikkei cuisine is known for: texturally complex Japanese-Peruvian preparations. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
izakayacairo.com
REIF KUSHIYAKI CAIRO
The first franchise of the Dubai-born, Japanese-inspired outlet known for skewered grills (kushi being the Japanese word for skewers). (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
reifkushiyakiegypt.com
EGYPT
KHUFU’S
An avant-garde fusion restaurant blending global flavors with locally sourced ingredients, set against the backdrop of the pyramids. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
khufus.com
OVIO
A European restaurant/café providing quality Artisan food. The fresh bread, delicious patisserie products and flavorsome dishes are rooted in European heritage.
ovio.eu
ZOOBA (ZAMALEK)
Known for serving hallmark Egyptian dishes cooked in homes across the country and by the vendors that line the roads and markets of the capital. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
zoobaeats.com
KAZOKU
Located in the upscale neighborhood of New Cairo, east of the Nile, Kazuko offers delicately prepared contemporary Japanese cuisine. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
kazokuegypt.com
JORDAN
ALEE
Chef Ali Ghzawi’s dishes reimagine the everyday flavors of his childhood, turning them into nostalgic, yet modern culinary experiences. (Source: MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2025).
alee.group
BOULOS Y. ZUMOT
Family-run vintners that have been operating since 1954, producing wines naturally that are rich in flavour, depth and complexity. The company is also known for its pairing creations.
zumot-wines.com
DARA DINING BY SARA AQEL
Part of Dara Wine, Dara Dining offers honest, wholesome Mediterranean cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients. (Source: MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2025
dara.jo
DAIMEH
Daimeh is an eatery experience offering traditional and modern cuisine served with homemade sourdough bread.
@daimeheatery
FAKHRELDINE
Fakhreldine offers fine Levantine cuisine, together with a warm hospitable welcome and a highly personalized service, ensuring a memorable dining experience for customers. (Source: MENA 50 Best Restaurants)
fakhreldin.com
MAJÖRA JORDAN
A culturally diverse dining experience created by three friends blending Italian, Hawaiian and Jordanian influences.
@majorajordan
ROMERO RESTAURANT
A longstanding and popular restaurant, Romero has been serving diners dishes full of authentic Italian flavors in an elegant, but warm setting since 1979. Managed by Romero group.
romerogroup.jo
SHAMS EL BALAD
Having begun life as a small flower shop, the space has, over time, transformed into a distinctive family-run cultural space, concept store and restaurant, offering creative, seasonal, comforting dishes. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
shamselbalad.com
SUFRA
Serving traditional Jordanian home-made dishes, Sufra is set in an early 20th-century villa in one of Amman’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
@sufrarestaurant.jo
13C BAR IN THE BACK
Inspired by the Mediterranean with hints of the Levant, this restaurant offers small izakaya-style plates, in a modern and minimalist setting. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
13cwine.com
LEBANON
ABD EL WAHAB
Offers a special oriental experience that includes traditional Lebanese specialties.
ghiaholding.com
AHWAK
Serves traditional Lebanese food with a contemporary twist, using authentic recipes.
ghiaholding.com
ANTIKA BAR
A Lebanese entertainment destination combining classic music with live shows, featuring bands, singers and DJs, and a diverse menu spanning tantalizing mezze and flavorful main courses.
7management.me
AMALEEN
A Lebanese restaurant offering dishes with international twists, including sushi and fusion presentations.
amaleenrestaurant.com
BARTARTINE
Home to French artisanal bread and pastries, offering diverse dishes ranging from tartines to steaks.
bar-tartine.com
BAB IDRIS
A casual dining experience featuring authentic Lebanese cuisine in a modern setting.
antventures.com
BABEL
A high-end destination for progressive Lebanese cuisine in a luxury setting.
afkarholding.com
BBQ BROS
Known for our bold, open-fire cooking and dynamic energy, BBQ Bros is ready to light up the scene with our signature flavor-packed dishes and hyperactive vibe.
@bbqbros_mario
BEBABEL
A Lebanese bistro concept with a new take on classical dishes. Offers Lebanese breakfast and all-day dining in a chic and modern atmosphere.
afkarholding.com
BARON
Located in the Armenian Mar Mikhael sector of Beirut, Baron is known for its chef counter and bar, where customers can eat and drink with the venue’s chefs. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
eatdrinkbaron.com
BATCHIG
Light, casual ambiance offering modern Armenian-Lebanese mezze specialties.
figholding.com
BOUBOUFFE
A Lebanese brasserie with a menu that includes both Lebanese and international dishes.
@boubouffebrasserie
CAFÉ YOUNES
An expert coffee concept with eight decades of experience catering to coffee aficionados.
cafeyounes.com
CASPER & GAMBINI’S
All-day restaurant-café delivering diverse, natural flavors in an elegant environment.
antventures.com
CLAP
A high-end contemporary Japanese restaurant offering an elegant fine-dining experience.
addmind.com
DUNYA BEIRUT
Offers a Lebanese fine-dining experience with live entertainment.
handfulmanagement.com
HABIB BEIRUT
Serves traditional Lebanese cuisine, including a large selection of breakfast, mezze and barbecue items.
Founding date: 2017
Type of franchise: Lebanese food
Number of local outlets: 15
Number of outlets in the Middle East region: 13
Locations available for expansion: Baghdad, Paris, Egypt and Africa Approximate investment size: USD 1.2 million
Initial franchise fee: depending on the location
Royalty fee: 5%
Franchise owner: B&K HOLDING
Contact email: Franchise@habibbeirut.com
IRIS CAFE
A modern lounge with an elegant, natural, sensuous and free-spirited vibe, offering international cuisine.
addmind.com
KABABJI GRILL
A fast-casual chain specializing in authentic mezze and grills, with an open kitchen concept.
kababji.com
KAFFEINE
A restaurant and coffee shop offering international cuisine in a full-service format.
mec-concepts.com
LEILA MIN LEBNEN
A fusion of traditional Lebanese culture and modern-day dining that gives authenticity a contemporary twist.
leilarestaurant.com
LE SUSHI BAR
A pioneer in Japanese cuisine, featuring an eclectic menu and one of the largest selections of signature dishes.
lesushibar.com
MARROUCHE – RAFIC MARROUCHE RESTAURANTS
Revitalizing the heritage of Rafic Marrouche and embodying its historic roots, this franchise concept offers authentic Lebanese favorites, including breakfast dishes.
marroucherestaurants.com
MAISON PRUNELLE
Known for its culinary artistry, Maison Prunelle is a renowned Lebanese bakery specializing in exquisite, French-inspired offerings.
@maisonprunelle.lb
MAYRIG
A fine dining experience offering traditional and revisited Armenian dishes, full of the rich aromas of Silk Road spices and fresh Mediterranean ingredients.
figholding.com
MALAK AL TAWOUK
A Lebanese quick-service chain known for its tawouk recipes, professional management and excellent service.
malakaltawouk.com
SANDWISH W NOSS
Offering authentic Lebanese street food in a special format – a sandwich and a half – for the ideal portion.
chaptertwo.me
MOROCCO
+61
A contemporary restaurant in Marrakech that offers a menu inspired by Mediterranean and Australian cuisines, using fresh, seasonal ingredients, served in a modern setting.
plus61.com
LA GRANDE TABLE MAROCAINE
Situated within the Royal Mansour Marrakech and known for its authentic Moroccan cuisine, the restaurant offers a fine dining experience that honors the kingdom’s culinary heritage. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
lesgrandestablesdumonde.com
LA GRANDE BRASSERIE BY HÉLÈNE DARROZE
Located within the Royal Mansour Marrakech and helmed by multi-Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze, this restaurant reinvents the traditional French brasserie concept, with a menu that gives classic dishes contemporary flair. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
royalmansour.com
LE PETIT CORNICHON
A French bistro in Marrakech that offers classic French dishes in an intimate setting. The restaurant is known for its attention to detail and a menu that highlights traditional French culinary techniques. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
lepetitcornichonmarrakech.com
SESAMO
Located in the Royal Mansour Marrakech, Sesamo offers a menu inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Italy. Provides an elegant dining experience by blending Italian flavors with Moroccan hospitality. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
royalmansour.com
OMAN
OMNY – GRAND HORMUZ
Fine dining restaurant offering a menu that includes a rich array of French-inspired classics, Oman’s renowned seafood and
a carefully selected choice of grilled meats in an atmosphere that blends classic glamour with modern elegance.
hormuzgrandhotel.com
RAMSSA RESTAURANT
Offers diners authentic, traditional, freshly cooked Omani dishes that highlight the rich flavors of the region in a delightful setting.
@ramssa_restaurantoman
ZAHR EL LAYMOUN
A celebrated Lebanese restaurant, offering a rich array of traditional and modern dishes.
@zahrellaymounoman
QATAR
IDAM – AN ALAIN DUCASSE RESTAURANT
This fine dining destination by Alain Ducasse combines French culinary excellence with Middle Eastern influences, while offering diners breathtaking views of Doha’s skyline. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
idam.com
SPICE MARKET
A vibrant culinary journey, complete with a menu that pays homage to the rich, bold flavors of Southeast Asia. Delivers a feast for the senses in a chic and lively setting. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
spicemarketdoha.com
SAUDI ARABIA
AMMARIA
Offers traditional Saudi cuisine as part of an overnight experience with Bedouin-style camping, in a setting inspired by nature.
ASEEB RESTAURANT
Promoting local culinary heritage, including dishes inspired by authentic Najdi cuisine, offered in a traditional setting, the space also showcases traditional antiques and collectibles. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
aseeb.com.sa
FLAMINGO ROOM BY TASHAS (BUJAIRY TERRACE)
Offers iconic and classic dishes that are elevated and invigorated with a contemporary twist, served in a glamorous, flamboyant setting inspired by Africa and in keeping with the venue’s name.
flamingoroombytashas.com
GINGER LEAF INDIAN RESTAURANT
Takes the form of an epic journey of culinary delights where a mélange of effervescent flavors and exotic ingredients come together in an authentic regal spread.
thegingerleaf.com
KUURU
Offers a culinary experience that harmoniously combines the vibrant flavors of Peru with the precision and artistry of Japanese culinary techniques.
kuururestaurant.com
LUNCH ROOM
A go-to brunch and all-day food destination in Riyadh known for its communal-dining atmosphere and innovative dishes. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
lunchroom.sa
MARBLE
Well known for its excellent butchery and craftsmanship, Marble is a popular farm-to-table grill in Riyadh. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
marblecuisine.com
MYAZU
Offers contemporary Japanese cuisine, including sushi, seafood and Wagyu beef dishes, to create memorable fine dining experiences in a chic atmosphere. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
myazu.com
PAMPAS RESTAURANT
Brings exceptional Latin American cuisine to Jeddah, with premium steaks grilled over Acacia woodfire, using top quality ingredients.
@pampas_jeddah
SARAYA LATIF
A popular and authentic Turkish restaurant offering freshly baked bread and a variety of kebabs, among other dishes, made using traditional hand-made techniques, served in a warm atmosphere.
@sarayalatif
SAKURA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Serving high quality, authentic Japanese dishes, ranging from sushi and sashimi to tempura and teppanyaki. Diners have a view of the team creating the artistic dishes in the kitchen.
sakurasteakhouse.com
SILK ROAD RESTAURANT
Offers diners a feast of East meets West favorites, combining local classics and modern international cuisine, inspired by the ancient Silk route.
silkroadrestaurantnj.com
TAKYA
Celebrating modern interpretations of traditional Saudi cuisine, Takya offers refined dishes that blends innovative techniques with authenticity. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
takya-sa.com
THREE CUTS
A renowned premier steakhouse and bar, offering an upscale dining experience. Diners can look forward to premium cuts of steak and expertly crafted cocktails
threecuts.co
LPM – LA PETITE MAISON
Celebrated for its French-Mediterranean menu, LPM delivers vibrant dishes that are as fresh as they are flavorful. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025 and MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
lpmrestaurants.com/dubai
LUCIA’S
Lucia’s offers an immersive and memorable festive Italian dining experience, making it the ideal destination for
diners looking for an authentic taste of Italy, complete with entertainment, high-quality food and exceptional service. Founding date: 2022
Type of franchise: Fine dining
Number of local outlets: 1 in Dubai, UAE
Number of outlets in the Middle East region: 2 (1 in Dubai and 1 in Doha, Qatar)Locations looking for expansion: Athens, Greece
Franchise owner: 7 Management
Contact email: wael@7management.me and sarah.maria@7management.me
MARMELLATA BAKERY
Marmellata Bakery is a casual, no-reservation pizzeria, offering a rotating menu of five pizzas, focaccia and stuffed focaccia sandwiches. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
marmellatalove.com
MIMI KAKUSHI
Traditional Japanese cuisine is given a contemporary twist in a menu that is both innovative and authentic, served in a setting that reflects a fusion of Eastern and Western design elements. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
mimikakushi.ae
MOONRISE
An ‘omakase’ restaurant atop Eden House, offering authentic Japanese dining with meticulously crafted sushi, sashimi and seasonal dishes, spotlighting premium ingredients. (Source: MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
moon-rise.xyz
ORFALI BROS BISTRO
Established by siblings Mohammad, Wasim and Omar, this restaurant clinched the top spot in the MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2025 thanks to its cuisine, which mixes traditional Syrian staples with pan-regional favorites, and is offered in a setting known for its nostalgic, whimsical charm. (Source: MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
orfalibros.com
OSSIANO
This underwater restaurant immerses diners in a magical ambiance while serving exceptional seafood dishes.
(Source: La Liste 1000, 2025 and MENA 50 Best Restaurants)
@ossianodubai
ROW ON 45
Located on the 45th floor of Grosvenor House Hotel, with panoramic city views, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Jason Atherton offers a 17-course tasting
menu that blends fine Japanese ingredients with French techniques. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
rowon45dubai.com
SALMONTINI
Having welcomed diners since 2005, Salmontini is today a firm favorite on the UAE restaurant scene. Its varied menu includes high-quality salmon, meat, sushi and much more.
salmontini.com
SMOKED ROOM
An intimate dining venue, Smoked Room offers discerning diners smoked and grilled dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere. Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
@smokedroom.dubai
STAY BY YANNICK ALLÉNO
Overseen by the three-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, this destination offers elevated French cuisine in a suitably elegant, high-ceilinged setting. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
@stay_dubai
TRÈSIND STUDIO
A trailblazer in modern Indian cuisine, Trèsind Studio is famed for its avant-garde approach and theatrical presentation.
(Source: La Liste 1000, 2025 and MENA 50 Best Restaurants)
tresindstudio.com
ZUMA
Situated in the heart of Dubai, Zuma is renowned for its contemporary Japanese izakaya-style dining. The menu features modern interpretations of traditional Japanese dishes in a sophisticated ambiance. (Source: Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025)
@zumadubai
REST OF THE WORLD
FRANCE
GUY SAVOY
A cornerstone of Parisian gastronomy, Guy Savoy serves refined French classics in a luxurious setting. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
guysavoy.com
LA VAGUE D’OR
Nestled in Saint-Tropez, this Mediterranean retreat combines elegance with creative French cuisine. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
lavaguedor.fr
GERMANY
SCHWARZWALDSTUBE
Located in the Black Forest region, this culinary treasure combines traditional flavors with contemporary techniques. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
traube-tonbach.de
HONG KONG
LUNG KING HEEN
Set in the Four Seasons, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant offers high-end Cantonese dishes, from marinated red jellyfish to double-boiled sea cucumber soup. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
fourseasons.com/hongkong/dining/restaurants/lung_king_heen
JAPAN
MATSUKAWA
This exclusive Tokyo kaiseki restaurant celebrates the essence of Japanese culinary traditions through simple, yet extraordinary dishes. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
unagi-matsukawa.co.jp
SWITZERLAND
CHEVAL BLANC BY PETER KNOGL
Located in Basel’s Grand Hôtel Les Trois Rois, this three-Michelin-starred masterpiece blends French haute cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
chevalblancbasel.com
UNITED KINGDOM
L’ENCLUME BY SIMON ROGAN
This Cumbrian gem elevates local, seasonal ingredients to an art form with its innovative farm-to-table menu. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
lenclume.co.uk
UNITED STATES
LE BERNARDIN
Located in the heart of New York City, this seafood-focused French restaurant has been a benchmark of excellence for decades. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
le-Bernardin.com
SINGLETHREAD
A farm-driven restaurant in California’s wine country, SingleThread blends sustainability with exceptional creativity. (Source: La Liste 1000, 2025)
singlethreadfarms.com
About author
Rita Ghantous
Rita Ghantous is a hospitality aficionado and a passionate writer with over 9 years’ experience in journalism and 5 years experience in the hospitality sector. Her passion for the performance arts and writing, started early. At 10 years old she was praised for her solo performance of the Beatles song “All My Love” accompanied by a guitarist, and was approached by a French talent scout during her school play. However, her love for writing was stronger. Fresh out of school, she became a freelance journalist for Noun Magazine and was awarded the Silver Award Cup for Outstanding Poetry, by The International Library of Poetry (Washington DC). She studied Business Management and earned a Masters degree from Saint Joseph University (USJ), her thesis was published in the Proche-Orient, Études en Management book. She then pursued a career in the hospitality industry but didn’t give up writing, that is why she launched the Four Points by Sheraton Le Verdun Newsletter. Her love for the industry and journalism led her to Hospitality Services - the organizers of the HORECA trade show in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, as well as Salon Du Chocolat, Beirut Cooking Festival, Whisky Live and other regional shows. She is currently the Publications Executive of Hospitality News Middle East, Taste & Flavors and Lebanon Traveler. It is with ultimate devotion for her magazines that she demonstrates her hospitality savoir-faire.
