Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai celebrated a historic achievement by being named the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for the third consecutive year. This announcement was made with great enthusiasm during the Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 ceremony, held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The event, part of the prestigious global ranking The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, highlights the best dining experiences from various regions around the world, and Orfali Bros Bistro’s win further solidifies Dubai’s reputation as a world-class culinary destination.
This is an impressive feat, as Orfali Bros Bistro has been recognized for its ability to blend traditional Syrian cuisine with contemporary Mediterranean and Arab culinary techniques and influences, creating a unique experience that honors the cultural roots of its owners while offering an innovative perspective on gastronomy.
Founded in 2021 by brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros Bistro is located in the vibrant Wasl 51 area in Dubai. Head chef Mohammad Orfali created a menu that celebrates his Syrian heritage, but in a way that reflects the cultural and culinary changes in the region. The restaurant quickly became a reference point, not only for its authentic flavors but also for the Orfali brothers’ interpretation of Arabic and Mediterranean cuisine with an innovative and bold perspective.
Orfali Bros Bistro’s concept is unique: a menu that mixes traditional ingredients like eggplant and walnuts with contemporary touches, creating dishes that are both familiar and surprising. One example is the Orfali Bayildi dish, which combines eggplant, walnut sauce, and nasturtium in a way that elevates the typical Syrian flavors to new heights. Another standout is the Kebab with sour cherries and Wagyu beef, a sophisticated reinterpretation of a traditional dish that combines the juiciness of premium meat with the tartness of cherries, creating a perfect contrast between sweet and salty.
In addition to Mohammad, his brothers Wassim and Omar Orfali play crucial roles in the restaurant experience, with Omar and Wassim being the pastry chefs responsible for the desserts, which have become a sensation in their own right. The fusion of Eastern flavors with modern pastry techniques has earned the restaurant a loyal following, with diners returning to explore new takes on traditional sweets, always with a touch of sophistication.
The 2025 ceremony highlighted Dubai’s growing importance on the global culinary stage. Of the 50 best restaurants on the list, 22 are located in the United Arab Emirates, with 19 in Dubai and 3 in Abu Dhabi, a clear reflection of the city’s rise as a world-class gastronomic hub. Furthermore, Dubai has become known for its culinary diversity and ability to host restaurants ranging from traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to bolder, modern innovations. The city has become a true paradise for food lovers, offering options for all tastes and budgets, but always with a focus on quality and unique experiences.
In addition to Orfali Bros Bistro, Trèsind Studio, also located in Dubai, was one of the major winners, securing second place. The restaurant, led by chef Himanshu Saini, offers a bold and modern take on Indian cuisine. Trèsind Studio stands out for its fusion of contemporary techniques with traditional flavors, creating a unique and experimental dining experience. Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah island, the restaurant is a prime example of what’s cutting-edge in Indian gastronomy, combining rich flavors with sophisticated and innovative presentations.
Kinoya, led by chef Neha Misra, came in third place, also in Dubai. The restaurant specializes in ramen but with a unique twist: deep broths, fresh ingredients, and a modern interpretation of Japanese street food, as well as typical izakaya snacks (Japanese pubs). The combination of authentic flavors and a more casual, welcoming approach makes Kinoya a favorite among Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
Among the other winners, Khufu’s in Cairo, Egypt, took fourth place, marking one of Egypt’s most notable representations on the list. The restaurant stands out for how it blends traditional Egyptian cuisine with modern techniques and refined presentations.
Ossiano, in Dubai, which ranks fifth, also received the Art of Hospitality title. Located at Atlantis The Palm, the restaurant offers an underwater dining experience where customers can enjoy sophisticated dishes while observing marine life around them, creating one of the city’s most exclusive and impressive experiences.
The awards ceremony did not only honor the best restaurants. Chef Omar Shihab, from Boca restaurant in Dubai, received the Icon of the Year award for his ongoing contribution to regional gastronomy. Boca also won the Sustainability Award, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, such as using local ingredients and reducing food waste.
Chef Tala Bashmi from Fusions by Tala in Bahrain won the Chef’s Choice Award, a prize voted by fellow chefs in the region, demonstrating the respect and admiration she has earned among her peers. The Best Female Chef Award went to Yasmina Hayek, executive chef of the Lebanese restaurant Em Sherif, who was recognized for her skill in transforming traditional Lebanese cuisine into an exquisite and modern experience.
Pastry chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez, from Brix and 3 Fills restaurants in Dubai, was named the Best Pastry Chef in the region, acknowledging her ability to create desserts that are true works of art. Her approach to pastry is innovative and full of sensitivity, mixing traditional techniques with contemporary presentations.
Additionally, Table 3 in Casablanca, Morocco, received the One To Watch award, highlighting emerging restaurants with great potential for growth and innovation.
The list of the 50 best restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa results from a rigorous voting process. The Voting Academy consists of 250 industry leaders, including specialized journalists, renowned chefs, and restaurant owners. To ensure the list’s impartiality and diversity, each member can vote for up to ten restaurants, with at least four selections coming from restaurants outside their country of residence. This process is designed to provide a broad and comprehensive view of the region’s culinary scene, ensuring that the final list represents the best dining experiences across a variety of styles and influences.
With the growing popularity and gastronomic diversity of the region, especially in Dubai, it’s clear that the Middle East and North Africa are becoming must-visit destinations for food lovers. The blend of centuries-old traditions with contemporary innovations is creating a vibrant culinary scene, where restaurants like Orfali Bros Bistro continue to redefine local and global gastronomy. As more chefs and culinary entrepreneurs push the limits of creativity, the future of cuisine in the region looks brighter than ever.
