It’s no secret that the UAE dominated the second edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023. With six of the top ten being from Dubai, take a look at the restaurants.
Abu Dhabi recently hosted the second edition of one of the most prestigious award ceremonies in the F&B sector, the Middle East & North Africa’s (MENA) 50 Best Restaurants 2023 awards.
Spanning 19 countries in the MENA, the awards celebrate the very best of what the culinary world has to offer. With over a hundred judges having eaten their way across different restaurants, industry leaders including chefs, restauranteurs, food writers and well-travelled gourmets have all put their brains and palates together to deliver the ultimate epicurean list.
This time around, restaurants across Dubai and Abu Dhabi snagged multiple awards, with the former slaying it. The night culminated with a big win for the Orfali Bros. Bistro, reigning supreme at the number one position.
Additionally, six of the top ten ranks were awarded to various outlets in Dubai, making it a must-visit spot for gourmands globally. How many of these restaurants have you ticked off your must-visit list?
No. 1 – Orfali Bros Bistro
Authenticity and a passion for culinary adventure are what keep these three immigrant chef brothers together. Mohammed, Wassim and Omar have worked together to transform food into a genuinely unique dining experience.
Touting food as their language, the brothers have broken all rules, remade dishes umpteen times, and triumphed against all odds to create a cult following of sorts. Running a two-storey test kitchen in Dubai, the brothers bring out their Syrian roots in highly elevated and equally delicious plates.
The Bistronomy, as it is known, uses the best produce from local farmers to evolve into works of gastronomical art. Ever since its inception, the Orfali Bros Bistro has captured the imagination of all, earning everything from local acclaim to a Michelin nod. And now, they are officially the best in the MENA region for 2023.
For bookings and more information, call 04 259 2477
No. 2 – Tresind Studio
The only Indian restaurant in the country to boast a Michelin star, Tresind Studio is known for earnest flavours enhanced by sleek theatrics. Helmed by Chef Himanshu Saini, the restaurant celebrates modern Indian gastronomy in the UAE. Contrary to the general chicken tikka rigamarole, the chef has been careful to curate dishes that take diners on a trip around the Indian subcontinent. From the most intricate pani-puri to the sumptuous elevation of the humble khichdi, it is an unmissable experience, to say the least.
For bookings and more information, call 058 895 1272
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No. 4 – Ossiano
Located in the iconic Atlantis The Palm, Ossiano has always fascinated for creating an ambience in sync with the menu. With an almost aquarium-like vibe, the dramatic surroundings only enhance the meal further. A newcomer to the list and winner of the Highest New Entry Award, the restaurant led by chef Gregoire Berger is a bucket list spot for any seafood lover.
For bookings and more information, call 04 426 0770
No. 5 – 3FILS
The winner of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants award last year, 3FILS made quite a splash as the first-ever winner of the title. Chef Shun Shiroma’s winning combination of Asian fusion dishes, an unflashy and unlicensed venue and super-casual dining style have all gone a long way in making the restaurant a definite stop for any foodie. Since opening its doors in late November 2016, 3FILS offers harbour-side community-style dining, essentially premium Asian dishes with a Japanese twist as its focus.
For bookings and more information, call 056 273 0030
No. 7 – Kinoya
All things ramen and izakaya thrive at this restaurant, but Chef Neha Misra’s speciality will always be the former. Following the roaring success of her supper club concept, A Story of Food, she opened Kinoya in 2021 and has continued to make history since then. Which of course now, is validated as some of the best ramen in the region.
For bookings and more information, call 04 220 2920
No. 10 – Moonrise
Japanese seems to be the cuisine of the moment, with so many traditional and contemporary versions of the same gracing the tops of so many lists. The Omakase restaurant sits atop the luxury Eden House, making for arguably the hottest reservation ticket in the city.
Conceptualised by Chef Solemann Haddad, the menu brings out the best combination of Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisine with seasonal ingredients. Combining global culinary heritages and explosive flavours, the 26-year-old, primarily self-taught chef is making waves across Dubai. Given the limited seating and now MENA-wide acclaim you should hurry and book your spot right away!
For bookings and more information, call 050 697 2946
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Image source 3Fils, Tresind, Mohamed Orfali, Himansu Saini
