• Khufu's in Giza, Egypt, was named the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa in 2026 (sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna) and is also the best restaurant in Egypt.
• The list includes 16 new entries and winners from 14 different cities in the MENA region, from Dubai and Marrakesh to Giza, Casablanca, Doha and Amman.
• Reif Kushiyaki in Cairo wins the award for the biggest climber, jumping 27 places to 20th.
• Beihouse in Beirut receives the award for the biggest new entry after debuting at number 5.
• Sara Aqel of Dara Dining by Sara Aqel is named Best Female Chef in the MENA region.
• Omar and Wassim Orfali, executive pastry chef and development pastry chef at Orfali Bros, receive the award for best pastry chef in the MENA region.
• Salam Dakkak, chef and founder of Sufret Maryam and Bait Maryam, wins the Icon Award.
• Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio is voted the winner of the Chefs' Choice Award by his peers.
• Farmers in Morocco wins the Sustainable Restaurant Award.

(9 February 2026) - The Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants list features establishments from 14 cities across the region. Khufu's in Egypt tops the list.

Founded on a deep respect for Egypt's culinary heritage, Khufu's celebrates the flavours and traditions of the Nile Valley in a modern way. Its rise to the top is thanks to its elegant reinterpretation of regional dishes, its exceptional selection of ingredients and its sophisticated yet soulful storytelling. Nestled in the shadow of the pyramids, the restaurant offers a culinary experience that combines contemporary Egyptian gastronomy with one of the most iconic backdrops in the world. Khufu's embodies modern Egyptian cuisine that appeals to both local and international palates. Three restaurants from Dubai follow closely behind: Kinoya (2nd place), Trèsind Studio (3rd place) and Orfali Bros (4th place), which previously held the top spot for three years in a row. The Beirut restaurant Beihouse (5th place) completes the top five, underscoring Lebanon's continued importance in the regional gastronomic scene. A spokesperson for the "50 Best Restaurants" in the Middle East and North Africa explains: "We are delighted to award Khufu's the title of best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for 2026 – this is the first time an Egyptian restaurant has taken the top spot. Its culinary philosophy, deeply rooted in Egyptian culture and at the same time executed with contemporary finesse, represents the best the region has to offer. This year's list showcases the breadth of culinary creativity in the MENA region and the rise of destinations such as Cairo, Marrakesh, Amman and Beirut. We recognise both established greats and new talents who are shaping the next era of gastronomy in the Middle East and North Africa."

The United Arab Emirates once again leads the region, occupying 25 places on the list. Dubai stands out with prominent placements such as Sufret Maryam (7th place), Jun's (8th place), Manāo (9th place), Moonrise (10th place) and Kokoro (15th place). Restaurants in Abu Dhabi are also well represented: Marmellata Bakery (No. 16), Niri (No. 38), 3 Fils Abu Dhabi (No. 42) – a new entry – and LPM Abu Dhabi (No. 47) underscore the growing gastronomic appeal of the capital. Egypt is celebrating a milestone this year: in addition to Khufu's top spot, the country has received further accolades on the list. Reif Kushiyaki Cairo (No. 20), a big climber, joins favourites such as Kazoku (No. 25), Zooba (Zamalek) (No. 32) and Sachi Cairo (No. 37), signalling Egypt's continued rise as a culinary destination.

Saudi Arabia also continues its upward trend with a strong restaurant presence on the list. Kuuru (No. 6) was named Saudi Arabia's best restaurant in 2026, while Marble (No. 12) and Myazu (No. 45) confirm their growing influence on the regional gastronomic scene. Lebanon's resilience and celebrated culinary heritage are reflected in restaurants such as Beihouse (No. 5), Em Sherif (No. 13) and Buco (No. 39), underscoring Beirut's role as a defining voice in Levantine cuisine. Morocco delivers another outstanding year, with Marrakesh impressing with La Grande Table Marocaine (No. 19), winner of the 2026 Art of Hospitality Award. The city is also represented by Le Petit Cornichon (No. 21), Sesamo (No. 24), +61 (No. 31) and Farmers (No. 49), winner of the illy-sponsored Sustainable Restaurant Award, which demonstrate the diversity and creativity of Moroccan gastronomy. Restaurants in Jordan are also prominently featured: Shams El Balad (No. 26), Alee (No. 28) and Dara Dining by Sara Aqel (No. 30) all secured spots on the list, reflecting Amman's growing culinary identity.

The list is rounded off by notable new entries from Kuwait, Bahrain, Tunisia and Qatar, including Cantina (No. 18) and Matbakhi (No. 50) in Kuwait City, Lyra (No. 48) in Manama, Le Golfe (No. 46) in La Marsa and Idam (No. 44) in Doha, which together highlight the diversity of culinary expression across the region.

Special awards

Beihouse celebrates a remarkable debut this year at No. 5, receiving the award for highest new entry. The restaurant has quickly distinguished itself through its refined Levantine cuisine, meticulous craftsmanship and contemporary interpretation of Beirut's culinary heritage. The menu highlights regional flavours with modern clarity, resonating strongly with guests and positioning Beihouse as one of the most compelling new additions to the list.

Reif Kushiyaki Cairo climbs an incredible 27 places to number 20, receiving the award for the biggest climber. This success reflects the restaurant's growing influence and its dynamic reinterpretation of Japanese street food cuisine. Chef Reif Othman's signature techniques harmonise with the local flavour of Cairo, creating a culinary experience that feels both globally oriented and deeply rooted in its surroundings.

Sara Aqel is awarded the "Best Female Chef in the MENA Region" prize, sponsored by Elle & Vire Professionnel, for her management of the Dara Dining by Sara Aqel restaurant in Amman. Known for her precise technique, refined creativity and deep connection to regional ingredients, she has created a culinary identity that combines memory, craftsmanship and contemporary expression. Her work continues to inspire young chefs throughout the region, embodying the award's mission to shine a spotlight on exceptional female talent.

Wassim and Omar Orfali receive the Valrhona-sponsored MENA Award for Best Pastry Chef for redefining the region's pastry scene with their innovative approach at Orfali Bros and Three Bros. Their creations combine nostalgic flavours of the Middle East with modern techniques, resulting in desserts that are visually stunning, technically sophisticated and emotionally touching – all hallmarks of their distinctive style.

Salam Dakkak is honoured with the Sevenrooms Icon Award for her contribution to the culinary identity of the region. With Sufret Maryam and Bait Maryam, she has championed authentic and heartfelt Levantine home cooking and created places that feel both personal and universally welcoming. Her influence extends far beyond her restaurants; she has become a cultural ambassador for Levantine cuisine and a mentor to a new generation of chefs.

Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio was voted by his peers as the winner of the Estrella Damm 0.0% Chefs' Choice Award, a prestigious award for excellence, creativity and leadership in the culinary world. The award, presented by chefs from across the region, recognises Saini's pioneering vision, his redefinition of modern Indian cuisine and his ongoing, profound influence on the region's gastronomic scene.

The Farmers restaurant in Marrakesh, Morocco, was awarded the Sustainable Restaurant Award sponsored by illy. This award recognises the restaurant's outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing and community-oriented practices. The restaurant follows a farm-to-table philosophy and works closely with local producers to celebrate Morocco's rich agricultural heritage while minimising its environmental impact. This year's edition also honours three winners who were announced ahead of the MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2026. The Champions of Change Award was presented to Muna Haddad, founder of Baraka Destinations, for her pioneering, community-focused approach to Jordanian hospitality and tourism. The Art of Hospitality Award went to La Grande Table Marocaine at the Royal Mansour Marrakech, recognising its exceptional service and commitment to fine Moroccan cuisine. The One To Watch Award was presented to Middle Child in Dubai, which was praised for its warm, neighbourly atmosphere and is considered a promising restaurant for inclusion in the MENA 50 Best Restaurants list.

2026	2025	Restaurant	City	Country
1	4	Khufu's	Giza	Egypt
2	3	Kinoya	Dabai	UAE
3	2	Trèsind Studio	Dabai	UAE
4	1	Orfali Bros	Dabai	UAE
5	-	Beihouse	Beirut	Lebanon
6	30	Kuuru	Jeddah	Saudi Arabia
7	-	Sufret Maryam	Dubai	UAE
8	7	Jun's	Dabai	UAE
9	-	Man'o	Dabai	UAE
10	10	Moonrise	Dabai	UAE
11	-	Table 3	Casablanca	Morocco
12	16	Marble	Riyadh	Saudi Arabia
13	9	Em Sherif	Beirut	Lebanon
14	28	11 Woodfire	Dubai	UAE
15	-	Kokoro	Dabai	UAE
16	29	Marmellata Bakery	Abu Dhabi	UAE
17	-	3 Fils Dubai	Dabai	UAE
18	-	Cantina	Kuwait City	Kuwait
19	22	La Grande Table Marocaine	Marrakesh	Morocco
20	47	Reif Kushiyaki Cairo	Cairo	Egypt
21	46	Le Petit Cornichon	Marrakesh	Morocco
22	-	FZN	Dabai	UAE
23	41	TakaHisa	Dabai	UAE
24	32	Sesamo	Marrakesh	Morocco
25	24	Kazoku	Cairo	Egypt
26	8	Shams El Balad	Amman	Jordan
27	23	LPM Dubai	Dabai	UAE
28	13	Alee	Amman	Jordan
29	-	Three Bros	Dabai	UAE
30	18	Dara Dining by Sara Aqel	Amman	Jordan
31	35	61	Marrakesh	Morocco
32	21	Zooba (Zamalek)	Cairo	Egypt
33	25	Gaia	Dabai	UAE
34	19	Zuma	Dabai	UAE
35	37	Mimi Kakushi	Dabai	UAE
36	17	Row on 45	Dabai	UAE
37	27	Sachi Cairo	Cairo	Egypt
38	50	Niri	Abu Dhabi	UAE
39	-	Buco	Beirut	Lebanon
40	-	Chez Wam	Dabai	UAE
41	12	Boca	Dabai	UAE
42	14	3 Fils Abu Dhabi	Abu Dhabi	UAE
43	-	Girl and the Goose	Dabai	UAE
44	-	Idam	Doha	Qatar
45	49	Myazu	Riyadh	Saudi Arabia
46	44	Le Golfe	La Marsa	Tunisia
47	38	LPM Abu Dhabi	Abu Dhabi	UAE
48	-	Lyra	Manama	Bahrain
49	-	Farmers	Marrakesh	Morocco
50	-	Matbakhi	Kuwait City	Kuwait