22 UAE Restaurants on The Mena's 50 Best Restaurants List of 2025
The Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2025, one of the most prestigious culinary awards in the region, was announced this year in a grand ceremony celebrating the finest dining establishments. The event, which brought together top chefs, industry leaders and culinary enthusiasts, revealed the growing gastronomic excellence across the Middle East and North Africa.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to dominate the rankings. For the third consecutive year, Dubai's Orfali Bros Bistro secured the number one spot, solidifying its reputation as the region's leading restaurant. Other standout mentions include Trèsind Studio and Kinoya, redefining Indian and Japanese cuisines, respectively.
The 2025 list also honours establishments that have demonstrated innovation, sustainability and exceptional hospitality. Boca, which ranked 12th, was awarded the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its commitment to eco-friendly sourcing and sustainable dining practices. Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm, known for its immersive underwater dining experience, was recognised with the Art of Hospitality Award.
With a mix of new entrants and established names, the UAE's representation showcases an ever evolving culinary landscape…
Orfali Bros Bistro (Dubai)
Founded by the Syrian Orfali brothers, this Dubai-based bistro is a celebration of modern Middle Eastern cuisine blended with global influences. Signature dishes like the OB croquettes, OB cheeseburger and the shish barak à la gyoza make it a must-visit destination. Trèsind Studio (Dubai)
Trèsind Studio continues to redefine Indian fine dining. Helmed by Chef Himanshu Saini, this intimate dining space offers a progressive tasting menu that reinvents Indian flavours through a modern lens. Kinoya (Dubai)
Known for its soul-warming ramen and authentic izakaya dishes, Kinoya provides an immersive Japanese dining experience that stays true to its roots while thriving in the cosmopolitan setting of Dubai. Ossiano (Dubai)
Located in Atlantis, The Palm, Ossiano offers progressive seafood-centric cuisine inspired by the ocean. Diners enjoy their meals while being surrounded by the ethereal presence of marine life swimming in the Lost Chambers Aquarium, creating an atmosphere that is as mesmerising as the food itself. In 2025, Ossiano was also awarded the Art of Hospitality Award. Jun's (Dubai)
Jun's brings an exciting fusion of Asian and North American flavours to the region. The restaurant has become a favourite among those who appreciate inventive, borderless cuisine. Moonrise (Dubai)
A contemporary 12-seater chef's table concept led by Chef Solemann Haddad, Moonrise seamlessly fuses Japanese and Middle Eastern flavours. Boca (Dubai)
A commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients has earned Boca the Sustainable Restaurant Award for 2025. Located in the heart of Dubai's financial district, Boca's Spanish-inspired dishes are crafted with ingredients sourced from regional farmers and fishermen. 3 Fils (Dubai)
Nestled in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour, this casual yet refined eatery specialises in Asian fusion, particularly seafood. With a loyal following and dishes like chargrilled octopus and salmon carpaccio consistently earning rave reviews, 3 Fils remains an integral part of the city's culinary fabric. Bait Maryam (Dubai)
Celebrating the flavours of the Levant, Bait Maryam brings the warmth of home-style Levantine cuisine to Dubai. Founded by Palestinian chef Salam Dakkak, Bait Maryam serves traditional dishes like musakhan and maqluba. Row on 45 (Dubai)
Row on 45 climbed an impressive 24 spots this year to secure the title of Highest Climber of 2025. A modern European fine dining experience. Zuma (Dubai)
Iconic Japanese izakaya Zuma continues to be a staple in Dubai's fine dining scene. It is known for its contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine, with signature dishes including miso-marinated black cod and exquisite sushi selections. LPM Dubai (Dubai)
French Mediterranean sophistication by LPM Dubai. Inspired by the cuisine of the French Riviera, LPM Dubai offers classic dishes such as burrata with tomatoes and basil, and grilled lamb cutlets with smoked aubergine, combining elegance with a relaxed atmosphere. Gaia (Dubai)
Gaia brings the flavours of Greece to Dubai, offering a menu that celebrates traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant's ambiance and culinary offerings have made it a popular dining destination. 21 Grams (Dubai)
This urban Balkan bistro offers a menu inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Balkan region. Dishes are crafted with a focus on authenticity and flavour, providing a unique dining experience in Dubai. 11 Woodfire (Dubai)
Specialising in wood-fired cooking techniques, 11 Woodfire offers a menu that highlights the natural flavours of high-quality ingredients. The rustic yet refined dishes have made it a notable addition to Dubai's dining scene. Marmellata Bakery (Abu Dhabi)
Marmellata Bakery has brought a new wave of artisanal baking to the UAE capital. Offering a selection of handcrafted pastries, breads, and gourmet treats, this bakery has quickly gained recognition for its dedication to high-quality ingredients and authentic baking techniques. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (Dubai)
Bringing the innovative culinary approach of Heston Blumenthal to Dubai, this restaurant offers a menu inspired by historic British gastronomy. Dishes are reimagined with modern techniques, providing a unique dining experience. Mimi Kakushi (Dubai)
Mimi Kakushi offers a sophisticated take on Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on traditional flavours and modern presentation. The ambiance and artistic plating make it a standout destination in Dubai's vibrant dining scene. LPM Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi)
Extending the elegance of its Dubai counterpart, LPM Abu Dhabi brings fine French Mediterranean cuisine to the nation's capital, offering a similar menu that highlights delicate flavours and refined presentations in a sophisticated setting. TakaHisa (Dubai)
Known for its luxurious omakase experience, TakaHisa delivers high-quality Japanese cuisine, featuring premium sushi and Wagyu beef selections. Smoked Room (Dubai)
Smoked Room takes an avant-garde approach to open-fire cooking, offering a sensory-driven tasting menu that showcases the art of live-fire cuisine. Niri (Abu Dhabi)
Showcasing the best of Japanese culinary craftsmanship, Niri offers an authentic dining experience in a sleek yet welcoming setting. With a focus on fresh ingredients and traditional preparation methods, Niri has quickly made a name for itself among Abu Dhabi's top dining destinations.
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