(7 February 2026) - Middle Child restaurant in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has been named a "One To Watch" in the Middle East and North Africa's "50 Best Restaurants 2026" list. This award recognises restaurants that are gaining popularity and will shape the culinary landscape of the region. Middle Child was recognised for its potential to feature in future editions of the MENA list.

Opened in September 2025, Middle Child is a small 40-seat restaurant in the heart of Alserkal Avenue, Dubai's leading arts and culture district. Founded by Lynn Hazim, it was designed to feel warm, cosy and inviting – a place where guests will want to return again and again. Middle Child is more than just a restaurant; it functions as a hybrid meeting place that blurs the boundaries between gastronomy, retail and community.

Alongside the tables are shelves stocked with carefully selected cookbooks, gourmet staples and artisanal spices – a reflection of Hazim's personal taste and culinary curiosity. This reflects her vision of creating a neighbourhood gathering place that is both elegant and inviting, where guests can come together over good food, browse cookbooks, and feel part of a close-knit community. The kitchen focuses on hearty, seasonal dishes with a thoughtfully curated menu that emphasises the quality of the ingredients and careful preparation. Specialities include aubergine caponata with creamy mozzarella and warm focaccia; a playful, nostalgic sour cream and onion dip with Ritz crackers; and tender sea bass crudo, simply dressed with lime, olive oil and fresh coriander. Those who prefer something more hearty can enjoy the pappardelle Bolognese with fresh pasta in a rich, slow-braised beef ragout, while the beef fillet is served with sweet, jammy onions.

Lynn Hazim's path to gastronomy was unusual. She worked at Google for ten years before realising that her true passion lay in bringing people together for unforgettable meals. What began as cosy get-togethers at home evolved into "Dinner Mondays," a series of carefully curated communal dinners that quickly gained a loyal following. The pandemic marked a turning point and reinforced her desire for a more fulfilling path. Hazim left the corporate world behind to devote her energy entirely to gastronomy, and Middle Child was born.

A spokesperson for the "50 Best Restaurants" in the Middle East and North Africa commented: "We are proud to recognise Middle Child as an exciting new restaurant in the region. Thanks to Lynn Hazim's vision, the restaurant has created something truly special. It is a community-oriented concept that combines high-quality, hearty cuisine with genuine warmth and character. Middle Child embodies the spirit of neighbourhood dining at its finest."

Lynn Hazim, founder of Middle Child, said: "The 'One To Watch' award means so much to us. Middle Child was built with a lot of passion, a small team, a small space and a firm belief in a place that feels like home. Receiving recognition at this stage is both humbling and inspiring, and it motivates us to keep evolving while staying true to our roots."

Launched in 2022, the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants list celebrates the culinary excellence, diversity and creativity of the region. The awards bring together leading chefs, industry leaders and international media to highlight the transformative power of gastronomy. Each year, the list is compiled by the Voting Academy – a jury of experts consisting of restaurant critics, chefs, restaurateurs and gourmets, which ensures its credibility and prestige.