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Time Out Dubai
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
10 of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai to visit ASAP
Middle Eastern cuisine has, undoubtedly, won the hearts of food lovers in Dubai. You may be wondering where the best places to book for authentic, not to mention delicious dishes are in Dubai. Check out the full list of Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025 winners here From Palestine to Syria, the UAE to Iraq, here are the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai for 2025. You're in for a real treat. Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here. These are the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai, as recognised by the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025. The best MENA restaurants in Dubai 2025 WINNER Sufret Maryam (Credit: ITP Images, Sufret Maryam) There must be something in the water at Wasl 51. New to Time Out Dubai's top 10 Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai is Sufret Maryam, the latest creation from Salam Dakkak, chef-owner of Dubai institution Bait Maryam. Her new venture is a lot bigger but still cosy, thoughtfully decorated with works from Middle Eastern artists and rustic knick-knacks. Nostalgic Palestinian and Jordanian dishes are elevated to the level you'd expect from such a renowned chef, beautifully presented and executed. Splash out on the La'Moshet Maryam, a slow-cooked lamb shoulder marinated in chef Salam's special spices. It's a taste experience you'll want to repeat again and again. Unlicensed. Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, sufretmaryam (050 417 2272). Check out our full Sufret Maryam review here Highly commended Alaya Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year Credit: Alaya Meaning 'sublime' in Arabic, Alaya comes from acclaimed chef Izu Ani, who's a popular name in Dubai. The Middle Eastern-European restaurant has plenty of flair, as you'd expect, while there's also a 'hidden' underground bar, Ly-La, boasting Bedouin vibes, on-trend tunes and creative mixed drinks for when you want to continue the evening. The restaurant itself is set in a former art gallery, and it's a sleek setup. There's an open kitchen showing off a giant rotisserie, while the menu boasts a selection of classics with Middle Eastern touches. Don't miss the tender, rich lamb shank or indulgent seafood manti, while the kunafa for dessert is excellent, as you'd hope for from one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai. Licensed. Gate Village 4, DIFC, (04 570 6289). Check out our full Alaya review here Orfali Bros Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Orfali Bros Bistro Consistently excellent, Orfali Bros Bistro is renowned as one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai. Helmed by celebrity chef Mohamad Orfali and his siblings Wassim and Omar, the menu here is fresh, fusion and with plenty to talk about, with the Orfali bayildi, umami éclair and OB croquettes being just three of the incredible creations that are in store. Having been named the best Middle Eastern restaurant in the city multiple times by Time Out Dubai, including in 2024, it's an eatery that needs to be visited. Unlicensed. Wasl 51, Jumeirah, (04 259 2477). Check out our full Orfali Bros review here. Shortlisted Al Qbabh Seafood Restaurant Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Instagram @alqbabh A fuss-free Emirati seafood restaurant in Al Awir, this under-the-radar spot serves some of the tastiest Middle Eastern cuisine in town. Go with friends or family and order platters of grilled fish, all spiced and cooked perfectly in a traditional Emirati way. There are mussels, fish, prawns and more, all caught fresh, served with rice and sides. Don't miss the luqaimat for dessert. The décor is quaint and homely, witha comfortable dining area and cute artwork. For a taste of the Emirates, make sure to check out Al Qbabh Seafood Restaurant. Unlicensed. Al Awir (052 370 6894). Bait Maryam Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Bait Maryam A tribute to chef Salam Dakkak's late mother Maryam, cosy Palestinian restaurant Bait Maryam is nestled in a corner of JLT boasting homely flavours and furnishings. Inside it feels like you're stepping into someone's home – and in essence you are, with trinkets and books all owned by Maryam and her family, found about the restaurant. Boasting Middle Eastern comfort food, try silky smooth hummus, muhammara and labneh dipped up with fresh bread, as well as pasta with yoghurt, shakshouka, soujouk, moussaka and kibbeh. There's a wide selection of moreish manakish, plus hearty grills, too. Unlicensed. Cluster D, JLT, (054 704 4774). Check out our full Bait Maryam review here Berenjak Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Berenjak This London-born Iranian restaurant opened in Dubai in late 2023 to much fanfare. Famed in Soho and Borough Market in the UK capital, the Dubai iteration can be found in Jumeirah's Dar Wasl Mall, alongside other top names such as Reif's Japanese Kushiyaki and Philotimos. The Iranian restaurant blends traditional and modern styles, while dishes such as the famed black chickpea hummus and coal-cooked kebabs should not be missed, making it one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai. Unlicensed. Dar Wasl Mall, Al Safa, (04 295 3644). Check out our full Berenjak review here Hadoota Masreya Credit: Hadoota Masreya Craving Egyptian cuisine? Hadoota Masreya has you covered, with both an enormous à la carte menu and a buffet. There are breakfast trays for sharing, multiple variations of feteer (an Egyptian layered pastry), vibrant salads, cold mezze, various meat stews, rice dishes, filled vegetables and more. Stuffed pigeon is a signature and the huge sharing dishes, such as a half duck with oriental rice, are impressive and superb value. Well worth a visit for both home-sick natives and curious newcomers; just be prepared to be rolled out of there. Unlicensed. Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Safa, (04 380 9000). Ninive Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Ninive Billing itself as an 'urban majlis', it's easy to see the appeal of Ninive. Set at the foot of Jumeirah Emirates Towers, with a view of the office blocks of DIFC, the restaurant is kitted out with twinkling lights, plenty of foliage and Middle Eastern furnishings. Food traverses the Middle East and North Africa with influences from Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Morocco. There's plenty of mezze, tagines and grills on the menu. Head here in summer and you'll be delighted by the magical tent, while in winter you can dine under the stars. It's not only one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Dubai, it's also one of the most romantic. Licensed. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, (04 326 6105) Check out our full Ninive review here Shabestan Where to dine for the best Middle Eastern food in Dubai this year. Credit: Shabestan This longstanding Iranian eatery at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek has been delighting loyal diners with its Middle Eastern plates for four decades. Having opened back in 1984, this Iranian restaurant serves authentic, delicious food in a traditional, laid-back setting. Dishes have been passed down over three generations, with mezze, soup, salads and the star dish – flavour-packed and perfectly cooked home-made kebabs to dig into. What's more, there are stunning views of the Creek, making this a top spot to be enjoyed by visitors to Dubai, too. Licensed. Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, @ (04 205 7033). Check out our full Shabestan review here Three by Eva Founded by Eva Halasa and her daughters, Emilie and Lilian, Three by Eva draws on their Jordanian heritage, uses local, seasonal ingredients and experiments with brilliant new ideas. A feta brûlée flavoured with dates and thyme, labneh fused with chilli and charcoal and a deconstructed Jerusalem ka'keh cart (traditional bread) are just some of the creative dishes that fuse tradition with modernity. It's all served up in a beautiful Jumeirah villa, adding weight to the feeling that you're being invited into the family's home. Unlicensed. Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, (04 576 2888). Other award-winning spots in Dubai 10 of the best bar food venues in Dubai (whether you drink or not) Brilliant plates with your drinks 10 of the best European restaurants in Dubai 2025 The unmissable spots that you need to try next Bookmark: the 10 best Italian restaurants in Dubai Transport to the Mediterranean, one plate at a time
Khaleej Times
29-01-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
This Dubai restaurant topped Mena's best list thrice: Brothers share secret of Orfali bistro
Orfali Bros Bistro's founders stumbled upon the food industry after performing poorly in school. Today, they are leading the region's top restaurant, which topped the Middle East and North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants awards for the third year in a row. They also made it to the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list, landing at the 46th place, cementing their status as a global culinary are also introducing two new restaurants and a culinary academy to support young chefs in their home country. The trio spoke to Khaleej Times about how it all came to be. Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, the Wasl 51 hotspot blends Aleppian heritage with Dubai's dynamic dining scene. Led by head chef Mohammad Orfali, the bistro is known for standout dishes like OB croquettes, shish barak à la gyoza, and the corn bomb, while pastry chefs Wassim and Omar craft inventive desserts from their dedicated pastry kitchen overlooking the dining space. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. It all started when the eldest of the three brothers, Mohammad, now 42, scored a low grade in high school, which did not qualify him for higher education back in Aleppo. When the hospitality institute opened its doors in Aleppo in 1995, he directly enrolled in it. A year later, his younger brother Wassim joined him at the institute. 'He told me, 'Wassim, you don't know what the future holds. I will specialise in food and you specialise in sweets. You never know, maybe in the future we could open a restaurant'," said Mohammad. 'Honestly, I wasn't good at studying either,' added the 40-year-old middle brother. 'Like any Arab Syrian family, our parents preferred that their son become a doctor or an engineer. Especially around three decades ago, families did not consider it impressive for their son to become a cook.' Nonetheless, all three siblings paved successful careers in the culinary world. The youngest, Omar, followed their footsteps in 2008, while he was still in ninth grade. His first career attempt was to become a florist, but the job he landed at a neighbouring flower shop only lasted for a day and a half. 'I told the owner I was going out for a break and never came back,' said the 30-year-old. Unlike his brothers, Omar learned the art of pastry-making from working at factories, restaurants, and hotels. It all started after he visited Wassim at the pastry factory he worked for in Aleppo. 'I saw how they made cakes, pouring cream and adding chocolate, and I found it fascinating. I told Wassim I wanted to learn and get into this profession. I thought about it a lot and even dreamed of it.' He started at a factory in Aleppo in 2008, then travelled to Lebanon to study pastry making in 2011, and in 2013, he followed his older brother to Dubai. Two years later, the trio held a three-day masterclass at ICCA in Dubai Knowledge Village. 'Several students asked why we didn't open our own shop or restaurant?' said Wassim. Driven by the profound public demand, they secured a location at Al Wasl 51. 'At first, it was a pastry shop, but then Mohammad decided to expand it to a restaurant after Covid hit. We started by making salads and sandwiches for takeaway. Then we added pizza to our menu,' explained Wassim. Their restaurant did not only evolve to becoming the region's top restaurant, but the brothers are also expanding to new ventures. They are opening a new concept next door called Three Rows. 'It will be more of a bistro-style restaurant, featuring our famous pizza and burger, but not just as a typical burger joint. We are still refining the concept with our R&D team,' explained Mohammad. Furthermore, the Orfali brothers recently launched a Thai concept called Manao just four weeks ago, and they have their eyes set on establishing a culinary school in their hometown to support emerging Syrian chefs. 'The idea is to teach the young generation about our heritage, our food, and everything that comes with it, rather than letting them be influenced by other cuisines,' said Mohammad. 'We feel a responsibility towards our country, Syria, and specifically Aleppo. We want to do this to support the community and the Syrian people.' 'Our food is strong and deeply rooted in our culture. The younger generation interested in the food business should focus on presenting it correctly rather than altering it. Fusion is fine, but the authentic flavours should remain,' added Wassim. Mohammad, formerly a TV chef on Fatafeat culinary channel for almost 11 years, said when he moved to Dubai chasing his dreams, little did he know he would be establishing an award-winning restaurant a few years later. When asked about the secret to their restaurant's continued success after winning the award on Tuesday night, he said: 'I think we love people, and they love us. This is the secret. We are here because people are looking for us. Don't ask me how we do it — I don't know, but we make it possible.' Addressing a common misconception, Mohammad clarified: 'People get confused a little bit. We are not a Syrian restaurant. We are Syrian people, and we are so proud of that. But our restaurant represents Dubai and the UAE.' Their "dream team" which started with just the three brothers, now consists of 60 people. 'We don't work just to be number one. We work to continue. We want this restaurant to be an example for so many chefs in the Middle East. We want this to last for the second and third generations. It is not a short-term endeavour,' he concluded. Dubai's Trèsind Studio, led by chef Himanshu Saini, secured the second spot for the 2025 awards, followed by Dubai's Kinoya at third and Cairo's Khufu's at the fourth spot, which was also named Egypt's best restaurant. Shams El Balad in Amman (eighth) was recognized as Jordan's top restaurant, while Bahrain's Fusions by Tala (sixth) and Lebanon's Em Sherif in Beirut (ninth) took home top honours for their respective countries. Marble in Riyadh (16) was crowned Saudi Arabia's best restaurant, while La Grande Table Marocaine in Casablanca (22) earned Morocco's top spot. Tunisia also made its mark with Le Golfe in La Marsa (44) securing the title of the best restaurant in the country. Special award winners included Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi, who received the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice Award for her contributions to modern Middle Eastern gastronomy, and Dubai's Boca (12), which won the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its eco-conscious practices. Omar Shihab, the visionary behind Boca, was honoured with the Icon Award for his leadership in responsible dining. Spanish pastry chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez was named MENA's Best Pastry Chef, while Yasmina Hayek of Em Sherif group won the Best Female Chef Award. Dubai's Ossiano received the Art of Hospitality Award, and Casablanca's Table 3, led by chef Fayçal Bettioui, was recognised as the American Express One To Watch. Also recognised at the awards was Riyadh's Aseeb Restaurant. Its founder and chef, Abdulrahman Albabtain, spent 25 years in banking before deciding to revive his childhood memories through food. 'I was always with my mother in the kitchen, learning how to cook and exploring the world's exotic spices,' said the 48-year-old Saudi. After marrying his wife, Arwa, the pair decided to open Aseeb, offering traditional Saudi dishes with a modern touch. Aseeb was ranked number 39.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UNVEILING MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS FOR 2025 WITH ORFALI BROS BISTRO SECURING THE NO.1 SPOT
Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai is named The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa 2025, sponsored by & Acqua Panna, and The Best Restaurant in the UAE The list includes winners from 11 different cities across the MENA region, from Marrakech and Beirut to Riyadh and Manama Omar Shihab of Boca wins the Icon Award and Boca is awarded the Sustainable Restaurant Award Tala Bashmi is voted as the winner of the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice Award Carmen Rueda Hernandez claims the Middle East & North Africa's Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona Row on 45 in Dubai wins the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Ceder's, rising 24 spots to No.17 Dara Dining by Sara Aqel in Amman is the recipient of the Highest New Entry Award, sponsored by Lavazza, after landing at No.18 ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The culinary stars of the restaurant world converged in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi this evening for the fourth edition of the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants awards, sponsored by & Acqua Panna. Hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT), the event honoured the region's 50 best restaurants, with Orfali Bros Bistro crowned No.1 for the third consecutive year. Founded in 2021 by Syrian-born brothers Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros Bistro seamlessly blends Aleppian heritage with Dubai's dynamic dining scene. Following its ranking on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list at No.46, this accolade cements the restaurant as a global culinary powerhouse. Trèsind Studio in Dubai retains the No.2 spot and is followed by Dubai's Kinoya at No.3 and Khufu's in Cairo at No.4, which is also named The Best Restaurant in Egypt. The full 1-50 list is available here. William Drew, Director of Content for MENA's 50 Best Restaurants, says: "We are delighted to recognise Orfali Bros Bistro again as the No.1 restaurant in the MENA region. Its enduring success is a testament to the talent and passion of the Orfali brothers, whose dedication has earned them a loyal following both locally and internationally. We are also excited to see restaurants from 11 cities represented on this year's list, showcasing the rich variety of cuisines across the region." Media centre: PDF: SOURCE 50 Best Sign in to access your portfolio
FACT
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
MENA's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 have been revealed
It's a great year for Dubai's dining scene. MENA's 50 Best Restaurants have been unveiled, and Dubai dominates the list once again. Homegrown hotspot Orfali Bros Bistro claims the number-one spot for the third consecutive year. Created in 2021, Orfali Bros Bistro is a homegrown success story with a loyal fan base. Local and international visitors, from the FACT team to Ed Sheeran, love the restaurant. The concept, created by three brothers, pays homage to their Syrian roots. The restaurant also ranked 64th in The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list. The United Arab Emirates dominates the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards. The fine-dining Indian restaurant Trèsind Studio is at number two, Kinoya is at number three, Ossiano is at number five (and also took home the Art of Hospitality Award), Chef Kelvin Cheung's Jun's is at number seven, and Moonrise is at number ten. Dubai restaurants dominating the list also include BOCA at No. 12, 3Fils at No. 14, Bait Maryam at No. 15, Row on 45 at No. 17 (the highest climber on the list), Zuma Dubai at No. 19, La Petite Maison Dubai at No. 23, GAIA at No. 25, 21grams Urban Balkan Bistro at No. 26, 11 Woodfire at No. 29, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at No. 33, Mimi Kakushi at No. 37, TakaHisa at No. 41, and Smoked Room at No. 45. In Abu Dhabi, the restaurants include Marmellata Bakery at No. 29, La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi at No. 38 , and NIRI Restaurant & Bar at No. 50. In Saudi Arabia, the highest-ranked restaurant is Marble Steakhouse at No.16, followed by Kuruu Jeddah at No. 30, Lunch Room at No. 31, Aseeb at No. 39, and MYAZŪ at No. 49. In Egypt, the highest-ranked restaurant is Khufu's at No. 4, followed by Zooba at No. 21, Kazoku at No. 24, Sachi Cairo at No. 27, Izakaya at No. 34, Sachi Giza at No. 40, and Reif Kushiyaki Cairo at No. 47. In Bahrain, the highest-ranked restaurant is Fusions by Tala at No. 6, followed by Cut by Wolfgang Puck at No. 43. In Jordan, the highest-ranked restaurant is Shams El Balad at No. 8, followed by Fakhreldin Restaurant at No. 11, Alee at No. 13, Dara Dining by Sara Aqel at No. 18 (the highest new entry on the list this year), Sufra at No. 20 and 13C Bar In The Back at No. 36. In Lebanon, the highest-ranked restaurant is Em Sherif at No. 9. In Morocco, the highest-ranked restaurant is La Grande Table Marocaine at No. 22. In Tunisia, the highest-ranked restaurant is Le Golfe at No. 44. For the first time since the inception of MENA's 50 Best Restaurants, Kuwait and Qatar did not appear on the list. Chef Carmen Rueda Hernandez of BRIX in Dubai won the Middle East and North Africa's Best Pastry Chef Award, Yasmina Hayek of Em Sherif in Lebanon won the Middle East and North Africa's Best Female Chef Award, Omar Shihab of BOCA Dubai received the Icon Award, and Bahraini Tala Bashmi received the Chef's Choice Award 2025. The World's 50 Best has been compiled by 250 judges who have eaten their way around the region. The judges are made up of industry leaders, including chefs, restauranteurs, food writers and well-travelled gourmets. Now in its fourth edition, the MENA's 50 Best Restaurants ceremony was held at Erth Hotel Abu Dhabi, the same location as our very own FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi 2024. Check in with FACT for the latest restaurant news. GO: Visit for more information.
