Dubai strongly represented in fifth edition of MENA's 50 Best Restaurants

21 restaurants in Dubai have secured a spot on the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants (MENA) list for 2026. The fifth edition of the awards, a key indicator of the region's gastronomy sector, awarded no fewer than seven restaurants from Dubai with a position in the top ten. This underlines the city's ongoing commitment to further developing its culinary offerings, through a wide range of dining experiences and locally developed concepts.

Kinoya highest Dubai restaurant in MENA rankings

Kinoya has been named Dubai's highest-ranked restaurant for the first time, ranking second in the MENA region. Since the restaurant made its debut in the list in 2023 at number seven, it has steadily climbed up the rankings. Moreover, it was already labelled “One to Watch” in 2022. The locally owned Japanese restaurant was founded by renowned, self-taught chef Neha Mishra and has since expanded internationally, with a branch in London's iconic Harrods department store. The venue in The Onyx Tower, The Greens, awarded a prestigious MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, is known for its authentic Japanese izakaya and has attracted a wide range of culinary enthusiasts since opening in 2021.

Multiple Dubai restaurants at top of MENA rankings

Fine-dining Indian restaurant Trèsind Studio (three MICHELIN stars) on Palm Jumeirah, led by chef Himanshu Saini, took third place. Orfali Bros, known for its contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine, finished at number four. Newcomers from Dubai in the top 50 are MANĀO, with Thai-inspired dishes, and Three Bros, a contemporary concept. Both are curated by Mohammad Orfali, one of the three Orfali brothers.

Special awards for Dubai restaurants and chefs

At the MENA's 50 Best 2026 ceremony, several special awards also went to Dubai restaurants and chefs. Middle Child, a popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Alserkal Avenue, received the One to Watch Award. Chef Himanshu Saini was awarded the Chef's Choice Award 2026. Two of the three Orfali brothers, Wassim and Omar, were honoured with this year's award for MENA's Best Pastry Chef. Salam Dakkak, chef and owner of Bait Maryam and Sufret Maryam, received the Icon Award.

MENA's 50 Best Restaurants 2026: Dubai

2. Kinoya  

3. Trèsind Studio  

4. Orfali Bros  

7. Sufret Maryam  

8. Jun's  

9. Manāo  

10. Moonrise  

14. 11 Woodfire  

15. Kokoro  

17. 3 Fils Dubai   

22. FZN  

23. TakaHisa  

27. LPM Dubai  

29. Three Bros  

33. Gaia  

34. Zuma  

35. Mimi Kakushi  

36. Row on 45  

40. Chez Wam  

41. Boca  

43. Girl and the Goose