The UAE boasts an enviable culinary scene, and the newly released list of the Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 is proof enough! This year's list marked the highest number of UAE restaurants ever featured. The ranking was revealed at a live awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
Khufu’s in Giza, Egypt, was awarded the Best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for 2026. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the pyramids, Khufu's is no stranger to world wonders. Led by chef Mostafa Seif, Khufu's is the first restaurant in Egypt to be awarded the coveted No.1 spot on the Middle East and North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants list.
Dubai Restaurants On MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 List
Dubai secured 21 spots, including seven new entries for 2026. From homegrown favourites to internationally recognised dining destinations, the list reflects the depth and diversity of the city's dining scene. Below are the top 5 Dubai restaurants featured this year.
Number 2: Kinoya
Kinoya was named the best restaurant in the UAE and was ranked No. 2 on the list. The restaurant opened in 2021 in Onyx Tower in Dubai, followed by a branch in Harrods, London, in 2023.
Number 3: Trèsind Studio
Led by chef Himanshu Saini, Trèsind Studio was named the second-best restaurant in the UAE for the third year running. Located at St. Regis Gardens, the restaurant is especially known for its tasting menus.
Number 4: Orfali Bros
Orfali Bros in Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, continued to retain its place in the top 5 for 2026. A vision of three brothers, the menu reflects the Orfali brothers’ distinctive approach to flavour and storytelling.
Number 7: Sufret Maryam
At No. 7 is Dubai's newbie, Sufret Maryam owned by chef Salam Dakkak. Located in Wasl 51, the homegrown restaurant offers an elevated take on Levantine food, reimagining familiar flavours through locally sourced ingredients and contemporary techniques. Carrying forward the spirit of JLT’s beloved Bait Maryam, the menu draws deeply from tradition and nostalgia.
Number 8: Jun’s
Holding steady in Dubai’s top 10 for 2026, Jun’s combines French technique, Canadian sensibility, and Asian depth. Set in Downtown Dubai with views of the Burj Khalifa, this locally rooted restaurant serves globally inspired comfort food presented with elegance and creativity.
New Entries In Dubai
Sufret Maryam, Dubai
The sister restaurant of Bait Maryam, Sufret Maryam translates as 'Maryam's dining table', and it's a name befitting of what this forward-thinking yet heritage-led restaurant stands for.
Manao, Dubai
In May 2025, just five months after opening, Manao received a Michelin star, which is no mean feat for a restaurant lacking the clout of a celebrity chef at the helm. Located in Wasl Vita Mall, Jumeirah 1, Manao, is dedicated to delivering a uniquely Emirati version of Thai cuisine.
Kokoro, Dubai
The passion project of American chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee, the original Kokoro was born in Houston, Texas, with an intriguing aim to turn sushi on its head. The concept was brought to Dubai's arts district by the team behind FiyaIYA, Pinza, and Bake My Day in 2024.
FZN, Dubai
Located at the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort, it's a modern European restaurant with more than a hint of Japanese flair, known for its high-end dishes, a legendary nine-course tasting menu, and soul-stealing views of Dubai's shimmering skyline.
Three Bros, Dubai
Founded by Mohamad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, the Syrian brothers behind Orfali Bros, this little restaurant is big on character. Cosy and social, the compact spot has a distinctly 1970s feel, and serves the best crispy, crunchy OB croquettes, made with mature comté cheese and served with truffle aioli.
Chez Wam, Dubai
Located in St Regis Gardens, The Palm Jumeirah, the happening affair is led by Chef Hadrien Villedieu. Must-try a la carte options include wagyu boeuf tartare and foie gras bao buns, followed by Hokkaido scallops, truffle gorgonzola gnocchi, and slow-cooked beef short rib wrapped in lettuce and papaya.
Girl And The Goose, Dubai
Housed within the Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel, Girl And The Goose is where you must head if you wish to savour salvadoran pupusas (corn masa cakes stuffed with cheese and chorizo), miso seabass ceviche, and clay pot slow-cooked short ribs in a toasted cornmeal sauce.
Dubai Restaurants On The MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 List
Kinoya (Best Restaurant in the UAE) at number 2
Trèsind Studio at number 3
Orfali Bros at number 4
Sufret Maryam at number 7
Jun’s at number 8
Manao at number 9
Moonrise at number 10
11 Woodfire at number 14
Kokoro at number 15
3 Fils at number 17
FZN at number 22
TakaHisa at number 23
LPM at number 27
Three Bros at number 29
Gaia at number 33
Zuma at number 34
Mimi Kakushi at number 35
Row on 45 at number 36
Chez Wam at number 40
Boca at number 41
Girl and The Goose at number 43
Abu Dhabi Restaurants On The MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 List
Marmellata Bakery at number 16
Niri at number 38
3 Fils Abu Dhabi at number 42
La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi at number 47
In Saudi Arabia, Marble in Riyadh was ranked at number 12, followed by Juuru in Jeddah at number 5, and MYAZU in Riyadh at number 45. Bahrain's Fusions by Tala was at number 6, followed by Cut by Wolfgang Puck at number 43.
In Jordan, the highest-ranked restaurant was Shams El Balad at number 26, followed by Alee at number 28, and Dara Dining by Sara Aqel at number 30. Beihouse in Lebanon was ranked at number 5.
Visit www.theworlds50best.com for more information.