The MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2024 have been unveiled, and the UAE stands tall with an impressive lineup, capturing the top four spots and showcasing the region’s diverse and flourishing gastronomic scene. Here are all the UAE restaurants that made the list.
#1 Orfali Bros Bistro
Leading the charge and claiming the coveted number-one spot for the second year in a row is the illustrious Orfali Bros Bistro. Nestled in the heart of Wasl 51, this fabulous bistro is a testament to the formidable trio of talented brothers who run the show. Every dish served at Orfali Bros Bistro is a symphony of flavors, ingredients, and techniques, striking the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. It’s not just about a happy belly; it’s about experiencing a passion project fueled by three men who genuinely love what they do. Nice people, good prices, and great food – six words that capture the essence of Orfali Bros Bistro.
#2 Trèsind Studio
Hot on its heels, claiming the well-deserved second spot, is Trèsind Studio, led by the visionary Chef Himanshu Saini. Perched on the rooftop of Nakheel Mall, this intimate dining experience is a culinary journey that elevates modern Indian cuisine to new heights. With an ever-evolving menu that reflects the genius ambition of Chef Saini, Trèsind Studio has already garnered two Michelin Stars in May 2023, and now the coveted number two spot on the MENA 50 Best Restaurants list for the second consecutive year.
#3 Ossiano
Securing the third spot and making a grand entrance onto the list is Ossiano, a fish-focused haven nestled within a functioning aquarium. Chef Grégoire Berger’s ingenuity, combined with a narrative approach to reimagining French cuisine, has not only earned Ossiano a Michelin Star but also the Highest New Entry Award on the MENA 50 Best Restaurants list. With a luxurious setting surrounded by 65,000 marine life and an exquisite presentation of seafood specialties, Ossiano promises an unparalleled dining experience.
#4 Moonrise and #6 3 Fils
As we descend down the list, each spot reveals a unique story of culinary prowess and innovation. From Moonrise, where the self-taught 26-year-old chef Solemann Haddad crafts a grilled cheese that could be Dubai’s finest dish, to 3 Fils, an unpretentious, unlicensed gem serving up delicious food in a super-casual setting.
#11 Kinoya and #13 Zuma
Further down the ranks, Kinoya, despite dropping four spots to number 11, continues to shine as Chef Neha Mishra’s ramen-centric haven gains international acclaim with its first outpost in Harrods, London. Meanwhile, Zuma holds its ground at number 13, maintaining its status as a true dining institution in Dubai, paving the way for DIFC’s evolving food scene.
#17 BOCA and #19 Mimi Kakushi
Boca, a fabulous Mediterranean restaurant in DIFC, secures the 17th spot with its Green Michelin star from 2023, emphasizing sustainability in every aspect of its operations. Mimi Kakushi, making a triumphant return at number 19, captivates diners with its experimental Japanese cuisine and creative cocktails.
#21 Jun’s and #23 LPM Dubai
LPM Dubai, a stalwart in DIFC’s dining scene, remains timeless at number 23, while Jun’s climbs 23 places to the 21st spot, offering a creative menu with a nostalgic narrative on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
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#28 Bait Maryam and #30 Reif Kushiyaki
Bait Maryam, a new entry at number 28, earns its place as a homegrown Levantine gem, showcasing Chef Salam Dakkak’s authentic flavors and home-style cooking. Reif Kushiyaki, known for its legendary Wagyu katsu sando, drops to number 30, still enchanting foodies with inventive plates and playful Japanese dishes.
#32 21 Grams and #35 Gaia
21 Grams, a foodie favorite debuting at number 32, serves up Balkan soul food and baked goods, inviting diners to experience the flavors of the Balkan Peninsula. Gaia, the Greek Mediterranean gem in DIFC, holds the 35th spot, captivating diners with its consistently recognized excellence.
#37 Lowe and #39 LPM Abu Dhabi
Lowe, leading the way in sustainable dining, drops to number 37, applying an experimental approach to its menu while remaining committed to sustainability. LPM Abu Dhabi, a refined French restaurant, secures the 39th spot, offering an elegant dining experience on the waterfront at the Galleria Al Maryah Island Mall.
#41 Row on 45 and #48 Talea by Antonio Guida
Row on 45, Jason Atherton’s Dubai venture into tasting menu experiences, debuts at number 41, enticing diners with a 17-course gastronomic adventure. Talea by Antonio Guida, a regal spin on upscale Italian dining at Emirates Palace, claims the 48th spot with a menu centered around the theme of “Cucina di Famiglia.”
With these announcements, the UAE’s hospitality industry and its homegrown talents have much to celebrate. From the regal elegance of Talea to the intimate genius of Trèsind Studio and the underwater enchantment of Ossiano, each restaurant on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2024 list adds a unique flavor to the vibrant tapestry of the UAE’s culinary landscape.
