Celebrating CulinaryEXCELLENCE

Restaurants from across 14 cities within the Middle East and North Africa were announced as the 50 best places to eat in the region at an event held in Conrad Abu Dhabi, Etihad Towers. Hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, the event culminated in the announcement of the region’s No.1 restaurant, Orfali Bros Bistro, whose team took to the stage to receive the award.

Orfali Bros Bistro, an unlicensed gastronomic bistro and test kitchen located in Dubai’s buzzing contemporary Wasl 51 neighbourhood, was founded in 2021 by three brothers originally from Syria: Mohammad, Wassim and Omar Orfali. The menu features dishes with a core Middle Eastern theme paying homage to the brothers’ Aleppian roots, while capturing the multiculturalism and avant-garde spirit of Dubai. Their OB croquettes, shish barak à la gyoza and corn bomb all serve to push the boundaries of culinary creativity, ensuring a thrilling dining experience, which is led by charismatic head chef Mohammad Orfali. Brothers Wassim and Omar are both top-level pastry chefs and work from an elevated pastry kitchen which overlooks the main dining room. One of the most distinctive restaurants in the UAE, Orfali Bros Bristro has now earned the highly coveted ranking as the best restaurant in the MENA region.

The fne dining Indian restaurant Trèsind Studio in The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, headed by chef Himanshu Saini, claims the (No.2) spot. It is followed by Fusions by Tala in Manama (No.3), which is also named The Best Restaurant in Bahrain and takes home the Highest Climber Award 2023, while Dubai’s Ossiano (No.4) is awarded the Highest New Entry prize, sponsored by Aspire Lifestyles. theworlds50best.com

The United Arab Emirates is the country that tops the list with an impressive 18 restaurants featured, including three from host city Abu Dhabi, while Israel follows with six establishments, one of which is in the top 10: George & John (No.6), winner of The Best Restaurant in Israel. Following close behind are Egypt and Jordan with fve restaurants each, with Fakhreldin (No.8) named The Best Restaurant in Jordan, while Zooba (Zamalek) (No.9) is named The Best Restaurant in Egypt.

Riyadh’s Myazu (No.18) is the winner of The Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia title. Morocco is also well-represented with four restaurants featured in the ranking including La Grande Table Marocaine (No.27), making it The Best Restaurant in Morocco. Lebanon also has a player in the top 20 with Baron (No.16) in Beirut named The Best Restaurant in Lebanon.

Tunis restaurant La Closerie (No.34) claims the title of The Best Restaurant in Tunisia, while the anime-inspired Japanese eatery White Robata in Kuwait City comes in at (No.42), making it The Best Restaurant in Kuwait.

Chef Moustafa Elrefaey, executive chef and co-founder of falafel specialist Zooba, is honored with the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award. Designed to give recognition to a chef who has had a positive impact on the regional culinary community, the award is peer-voted by chefs of the restaurants on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

Elrefaey’s passion for unearthing Egypt’s culinary history and using it to bring back ancient recipes has earned him a range of accolades, culminating in this prestigious award.

The Sustainable Restaurant Award, sponsored by Arla Pro, honors the establishment in the list with the highest sustainability rating, as audited by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. This award is presented to OCD Restaurant (No.14) in Tel Aviv, a methodical kitchen birthed from Chef Raz Rahav’s impeccable attention to detail and complex artistic plating. He and his team place signifcant importance on sourcing their produce locally to bring out the artisanal favors of the region and altering their menus according to the country’s seasons, all to ensure zero food waste.

As a recognition of excellence in restaurant service and dining experiences, the Art of Hospitality Award is presented to Beirut’s Em Sherif (No.20). The restaurant is honored for its personalized style where the guest’s experience is tailored to their individual preference, all while embodying the spirit of Lebanese generosity.

The Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants event program, including the awards ceremony and unveiling of the list, provides a unique opportunity for chefs, gourmets and food and travel media from all over the region to gather and celebrate food and hospitality, whilst also promoting the culinary strength and diversity of the region to a global audience.