• Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai, is named the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa 2025
• The list includes restaurants from eleven different cities in the MENA region, from Marrakech and Beirut to Riyadh and Manama
• Omar Shihab from Boca wins the Icon Award and Boca is honoured with the Sustainable Restaurant Award
• Tala Bashmi is chosen by her colleagues as the winner of the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice Award
• Carmen Rueda Hernandez takes home the award for Best Pastry Chef in the Middle East and North Africa
• Row on 45 in Dubai wins the Highest Climber Award and rises 24 places to 17th place
• Dara Dining by Sara Aqel in Amman in 18th place is the recipient of the Highest New Entry Award

The culinary stars of the restaurant world from North Africa and the Middle East gathered in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, on 28 January 2024 for the fourth edition of the "50 Best Restaurants of the Middle East and North Africa" awards. The event, held at Erth Abu Dhabi, recognised restaurants from eleven cities in the Middle East and North Africa as the 50 best restaurants in the region. The ceremony, organised in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT), culminated in the announcement of the region's best restaurant, Orfali Bros Bistro, for the third year running.

Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim and Omar Orfali, the Wasl 51 hotspot combines Aleppo's heritage with Dubai's dynamic dining scene. Under the direction of head chef Mohammad Orfali, the bistro is known for standout dishes such as OB croquettes, shish barak à la gyoza and the corn bomb, while pastry chefs Wassim and Omar create inventive desserts in their own patisserie overlooking the dining area. Having been ranked 46th on the 2023 World's 50 Best Restaurants list, this latest accolade further cements Orfali Bros Bistro's status as a global culinary powerhouse.

Upscale Indian restaurant Trèsind Studio in The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, led by Chef Himanshu Saini, retains second place. It is followed by Kinoya in Dubai in third place and Khufu's in Cairo in fourth place, which was also named the best restaurant in Egypt.

William Drew, Director of Content for the 50 Best Restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa, says: "We are delighted to recognise Orfali Bros Bistro as the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for the third year running. This independent, chef-driven restaurant continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, redefining modern Middle Eastern cuisine with its bold flavours and impeccable presentation. Its continued success is a testament to the talent and passion of the Orfali brothers, whose dedication has earned them a loyal following both locally and internationally. We are also delighted to see restaurants from 11 cities represented on this year's list, showcasing the rich diversity of cuisines across the region."

The United Arab Emirates tops the list with an impressive 22 restaurants, including three from the host city of Abu Dhabi, followed by Egypt with seven restaurants and Jordan with six, one of which is in the top 10: Shams El Balad (8th place), winner of the title "Best Restaurant in Jordan". Saudi Arabia and Morocco follow close behind with five restaurants each. Marble (16th place) was named the best restaurant in Saudi Arabia, while La Grande Table Marocaine (22nd place) is listed as the best restaurant in Morocco.

Bahrain's Fusions by Tala (6th place) is the winner of the "Best Restaurant in Bahrain" award. Lebanon is also represented in the top 10: Em Sherif in Beirut (9th place) was named Lebanon's best restaurant. Tunisia is also represented in the ranking with a new entry, Le Golfe in La Marsa (44th place), making it the best restaurant in Tunisia.

Tala Bashmi is honoured with the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice Award. The award is intended to honour a chef who has had a positive impact on the regional culinary community. It is awarded by the chefs of restaurants on the Middle East's 50 Best Restaurants list. Bashmi's commitment to redefining Bahraini cuisine through innovative interpretations of traditional dishes has positioned her as a pioneer of modern Middle Eastern gastronomy and earned her this well-deserved recognition.

The Sustainable Restaurant Award is presented to Boca (No. 12) in Dubai, which has been recognised as the restaurant on the list with the highest sustainability rating, as verified by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Boca is a pioneer in Dubai's eco-conscious dining scene and is being recognised for its commitment to zero-waste initiatives, ethical sourcing and supporting local farmers and fishermen. Its Mediterranean-inspired menu highlights seasonal ingredients from the UAE, emphasising its commitment to sustainability while offering a bold and innovative culinary experience.

Meanwhile, Omar Shihab, the pioneering force behind Boca, will be honoured with the Icon Award, which recognises outstanding food industry figures in the Middle East and North Africa and acknowledges individuals who use their platform to raise awareness and drive positive change. Under his leadership, Boca has set new standards for responsible eating, seamlessly blending culinary excellence with environmental stewardship and inspiring a more sustainable approach to gastronomy across the region.

Spanish pastry chef and chocolatier Carmen Rueda Hernandez, head pastry chef at Brix and 3 Fills in Dubai, takes home MENA's Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona. She trained at the Culinary and Tourism Institute in Madrid and honed her craft in Barcelona and France before working with world-renowned establishments such as El Bulli and The Fat Duck. Specialising in chocolate artistry and modern pastry techniques, she has been recognised for her innovative approach, combining technical precision with creativity.

Other special award winners who received their trophies on stage included: Yasmina Hayek, chef of Em Sherif Group, as winner of the award for Best Female Chef in the Middle East and North Africa; renowned progressive restaurant Ossiano in Dubai is honoured with the Art of Hospitality Award; and Casablanca's culinary gem, Table 3, receives the American Express One To Watch Award, presented by its founder and chef Fayçal Bettioui.

The 50 Best Restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa event programme serves as a dynamic platform for chefs, foodies and food and travel media from across the region to come together to celebrate culinary excellence and hospitality. In addition to honouring the best in the industry, the event also shines a spotlight on the region's rich gastronomic landscape and cultural diversity, sharing its culinary strength with a global audience.