The 2026 edition of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants recognises 50 venues across 14 cities as the leading places to eat in the region. The list, compiled by a regional voting academy of chefs, writers and industry experts, highlights how dining is evolving across the Middle East and North Africa, from long-established hubs to emerging destinations.
Who Tops the 2026 List
At No.1 on the 2026 list is Khufu’s in Giza, Egypt. The restaurant is founded on a close engagement with Egyptian culinary heritage, with a menu that reinterprets the flavours and traditions of the Nile Valley through a modern lens. Set near the Giza Plateau, Khufu’s combines contemporary Egyptian gastronomy with one of the most recognisable historical backdrops in the world.
Following Khufu’s, three Dubai restaurants hold the next positions: Kinoya at No.2, Trèsind Studio at No.3 and Orfali Bros at No.4. All three have become fixtures in the regional conversation, known respectively for Japanese-inspired dining, modern Indian cuisine and an inventive approach to Middle Eastern flavours. Rounding out the top five is Beihouse in Beirut at No.5, which enters the list directly in a high position.
How Countries Rank in 2026
The United Arab Emirates leads the 2026 list in terms of volume, with 25 restaurants included. Dubai accounts for a large share, with names such as Sufret Maryam (No.7), Jun’s (No.8), Manāo (No.9), Moonrise (No.10) and Kokoro (No.15) all appearing in the top 15. Abu Dhabi also makes a strong showing, with Marmellata Bakery (No.16), Niri (No.38), 3 Fils Abu Dhabi (No.42) and LPM Abu Dhabi (No.47) contributing to the capital’s growing profile.
Egypt records a landmark year. In addition to Khufu’s at No.1, Reif Kushiyaki Cairo reaches No.20, while Kazoku (No.25), Zooba Zamalek (No.32) and Sachi Cairo (No.37) underline the country’s expanding restaurant landscape. Together, they reflect a broad spectrum of styles, from Japanese-influenced dining to contemporary takes on Egyptian and international cuisines.
Saudi Arabia continues to build its presence on the list. Kuuru ranks at No.6 and is recognised as The Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia 2026. Marble (No.12) and Myazu (No.45) also feature, reflecting the Kingdom’s ongoing investment in restaurants and hospitality.
Lebanon maintains a visible position through Beihouse (No.5), Em Sherif (No.13) and Buco (No.39). These entries highlight Beirut’s sustained influence on Levantine and regional dining, with concepts that range from refined, contemporary menus to more classic expressions of Lebanese cuisine.
Morocco records another notable year, particularly through Marrakech. La Grande Table Marocaine at Royal Mansour ranks No.19 and is further recognised for its service, while Le Petit Cornichon (No.21), Sesamo (No.24), +61 (No.31) and Farmers (No.49) offer a cross-section of Moroccan and international approaches.
Jordan is represented by Shams El Balad (No.26), Alee (No.28) and Dara Dining by Sara Aqel (No.30). These restaurants contribute to Amman’s growing profile as a destination where locality, seasonality and regional ingredients are central.
The list also features entries from Kuwait, Tunisia, Qatar and Bahrain. Cantina (No.18) and Matbakhi (No.50) in Kuwait City, Idam (No.44) in Doha and Le Golfe (No.46) in La Marsa, Tunisia, underline the spread of recognised restaurants across the wider region.
Bahrain’s Entry
Ranked at No.48 on the 2026 list, Lyra is featured as Bahrain’s best restaurant. It’s the only restaurant from the Kingdom included in MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants for this year. The Greek restaurant, located at Vida Beach Resort Marassi Al Bahrain and operated by the Amriya Group, focuses on balance and a relaxed, coastal setting, with a dining room that shifts naturally from daytime to evening service.
Lyra’s position at No.48 gives Bahrain a returning presence within the 2026 rankings and places the restaurant alongside some of the region’s most closely followed dining destinations.
Special Awards
Beyond the numerical rankings, the 2026 edition includes a series of special awards that highlight particular achievements.
Beihouse in Beirut is this year’s Highest New Entry, for its debut at No.5. The restaurant is noted for its refined Levantine expression, detailed craftsmanship and modern interpretation of Beirut’s culinary traditions. Reif Kushiyaki Cairo is named the Highest Climber after rising 27 places to reach No.20, recognised for its dynamic reinterpretation of Japanese street-style dining within an Egyptian context.
Several individual honours spotlight regional talent. Sara Aqel of Dara Dining in Amman is named MENA’s Best Female Chef, recognised for her precise technique and strong connection to regional ingredients. Wassim and Omar Orfali, behind Orfali Bros and Three Bros, have been named MENA’s Best Pastry Chef Award for their work in redefining pastry through the combination of Middle Eastern flavours and contemporary methods.
Salam Dakkak is named the Sevenrooms Icon Awardee for her contribution to Levantine home-style cooking through Sufret Maryam and Bait Maryam, and for her role as a mentor and cultural ambassador. Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio has been voted the winner of the Estrella Damm 0.0% Chefs’ Choice Award, an accolade determined by fellow chefs, recognising his influence on modern Indian cuisine in the region.
Farmers in Marrakech is the recipient of the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its emphasis on environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing and close collaboration with local producers. Muna Haddad, founder of Baraka Destinations in Jordan, is named a Champion of Change in recognition of her community-focused approach to tourism and hospitality.
How the 2026 List Is Decided
The MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list is compiled by the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a voting body made up of 250 members from 19 countries across the region. The academy is divided into six regions, each led by an Academy Chair. Members include chefs, food writers, critics, restaurateurs and experienced diners.
For the 2026 ranking, each academy member could vote for up to 10 restaurants, with at least four of those votes required to go to restaurants outside the voter’s home country. All restaurants in the region are eligible for consideration, and to appear on the list, a venue must receive votes from at least two different countries. Sponsors of the awards have no role in the selection or voting process.
With this structure, the 2026 edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants serves as both a snapshot of the current regional dining landscape and a guide to the restaurants, chefs and food cultures shaping how the Middle East and North Africa eat today.
READ MORE: World’s 50 Best Restaurants To Host Fifth MENA Awards in Abu Dhabi
