The second Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants awards ceremony, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, took place yesterday at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. During the ceremony the top 50 places to eat in the Middle East and North Africa were announced: Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai was named MENA’s 50 Best Restaurant 2023!

The capital played host to the event for the second time in two years, following the release of the first MENA list by the World’s 50 Best group last February.

The glittering event, hosted by Egyptian-Australian presenter and entrepreneur Shereen Mitwalli, brought together regional and international chefs — dressed in customary scarlet scarves — restaurateurs, food critics and other culinary experts, who raised a glass to the best in the business.

Orfali Bros was followed by Tresind Studio, also from Dubai; Fusions by Tala from Manama, Bahrain; and Ossiano, Dubai. 3 Fils, which won top honors in the previous list, came in at No 5 this year.

Click the link below for the full list:

https://www.theworlds50best.com/stories/News/mena-50-best-restaurants-2023-list-in-pictures.html

• Middle East & North Africa’s Best Pastry Chef 2023, sponsored by Valrhona: Karim Bourgi, Dubai – a force to be reckoned with in the region’s pastry scene.

• Highest New Entry Award 2023, sponsored by Aspire Lifestyles: Ossiano, Dubai, exquisitely executed seafood-focused dishes served in subaquatic spot.

• Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award 2023: Elrefaey, Zooba, Cairo – the chef flying the flag for Egypt and nurturing the next generation.

• Foodics Icon Award 2023: Anissa Helou, Cook and food writer –  the prolific writer educating the world on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food cultures.

• Middle East & North Africa’s Best Female Chef 2023, sponsored by Nespresso Professional: Salam Dakkak, Bait Maryam, Dubai -Palestinian chef championing homely Levantine cuisine.

• Art of Hospitality Award 2023: Em Sherif, Beirut – relaxed yet refined Lebanese masterpiece.