Abu Dhabi hosted an unforgettable night of culinary triumphs as the prestigious Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants awards unveiled its 2025 rankings. Sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna and organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the event crowned Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai as the No.1 restaurant in the region for the third consecutive year.
Orfali Bros Bistro: A Culinary Powerhouse
Founded in 2021 by visionary Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros Bistro has carved out a reputation for seamlessly blending traditional Aleppian heritage with Dubai’s cutting-edge dining scene. Following its ranking at No.46 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023, this latest accolade cements its status as a global gastronomic force.
“We are honored to be recognized once again as the best in MENA,” said Mohammad Orfali, co-founder of Orfali Bros Bistro. “This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the growing appreciation for Middle Eastern cuisine worldwide.”
Diverse Representation Across 11 Cities
This year’s prestigious list features winners from 11 cities across the MENA region, showcasing an eclectic mix of flavours and cultures from Marrakech and Beirut to Riyadh and Manama. Dubai’s dominance in the rankings remains unshaken, with multiple restaurants cutting, reaffirming its status as a global dining hub.
Key Highlights from the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 Awards
- Trèsind Studio (Dubai) retains the No.2 spot, maintaining its reputation for avant-garde Indian cuisine.
- Kinoya (Dubai) secures No.3, reinforcing its status as the go-to destination for elevated Japanese dining.
- Khufu’s (Cairo) lands at No.4 and is named The Best Restaurant in Egypt.
- Row on 45 (Dubai) wins the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Ceder’s, soaring 24 spots to No.17.
- Dara Dining by Sara Aqel (Amman) earns the Highest New Entry Award, sponsored by Lavazza, debuting at No.18.
- Omar Shihab of Boca (Dubai) receives the Icon Award, recognizing his significant contributions to regional cuisine.
- Boca (Dubai) also secures the Sustainable Restaurant Award, highlighting its commitment to eco-friendly dining practices.
- Tala Bashmi takes home the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award, cementing her status as one of the region’s most influential chefs.
- Carmen Rueda Hernandez is named MENA’s Best Pastry Chef, an award sponsored by Valrhona.
A Growing Culinary Movement in MENA
The Director of Content for MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, William Drew, praised the remarkable talent that continues to emerge from the region:
“We are delighted to celebrate the exceptional work of Orfali Bros Bistro once again. Their unwavering dedication has earned them a loyal following both locally and globally. It is also inspiring to see restaurants from 11 different cities making it to the list, highlighting the diverse and dynamic nature of MENA’s culinary landscape.”
Looking Ahead: MENA’s Fine Dining Future
As the Middle East and North Africa’s gastronomic scene continues to evolve, these rankings signal a new era of culinary excellence. The region is no longer just a destination for traditional Middle Eastern flavours but a hotbed of innovation where chefs push boundaries and redefine fine dining.
With more diners seeking exceptional and sustainable food experiences, the future looks incredibly bright for MENA’s culinary pioneers. Whether you’re a gourmet enthusiast or an industry insider, the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list is your ultimate guide to the region’s top-tier dining establishments.
Written by: Octavia Koo