The fourth edition of the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards brought together culinary stars from across the region in Abu Dhabi, celebrating a diverse gastronomic landscape. Hosted at Erth Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), the event highlighted the top 50 restaurants from 11 cities.
Topping the list for the third year in a row was Orfali Bros Bistro, a Dubai gem founded by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali.
Manama Gems Featured
Bahrain made its mark with Fusions (formerly known as Fusions by Tala), ranked No. 6 and named The Best Restaurant in Bahrain. CUT by Wolfgang Puck, represented by Chef Brian Becher returned to the list on No. 43.
Bahraini Chef Tala Bashmi’s reimagined heritage dishes have redefined modern Middle Eastern gastronomy, earning her the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award. This prestigious accolade, voted by her peers, highlights her positive impact on the region’s culinary community.
Em Sherif’s Yasmina Hayek Recognised
Another standout was Yasmina Hayek, Executive Chef of the Lebanon-based Em Sherif Group, who won the Middle East & North Africa’s Best Female Chef Award. Her work with Em Sherif, particularly at its flagship restaurant in Beirut (ranked No. 9 and named The Best Restaurant in Lebanon), has set new standards for Lebanese fine dining, blending tradition with innovation.
Regional Highlights
The list showcased a wealth of culinary diversity across the region. The UAE dominated with 22 entries, including Trèsind Studio (No.2), known for Chef Himanshu Saini’s inventive Indian cuisine, and Kinoya (No.3), celebrated for its soulful ramen and izakaya dishes. Khufu’s in Cairo secured No.4 and the title of The Best Restaurant in Egypt, while Shams El Balad in Amman, at No.8, earned Jordan’s top spot.
Saudi Arabia and Morocco each had five entries. Riyadh’s Marble (No.16) was crowned The Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia, while Casablanca’s La Grande Table Marocaine (No.22) took the same honour for Morocco. Tunisia also made a notable debut with Le Golfe in La Marsa (No.44), named The Best Restaurant in Tunisia.
Special Awards Celebrate Sustainability and Innovation
Dubai’s Boca (No.12) won the Sustainable Restaurant Award, recognised for its eco-conscious practices, from zero-waste initiatives to ethical sourcing. Under the leadership of Omar Shihab, who received the Icon Award, Boca has set a benchmark for responsible dining in the region.
Carmen Rueda Hernandez, Executive Pastry Chef at Brix and 3 Fils in Dubai was honoured with MENA’s Best Pastry Chef Award for her inventive chocolate artistry and technical brilliance.
Other accolades included the Art of Hospitality Award for Ossiano in Dubai and the One To Watch Award for Table 3 in Casablanca, led by Chef Fayçal Bettioui.
MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants
