#United Arab Emirates #Dubai #Orfali Bros #Culinary Excellence

Orfali Bros Bistro: The Crown Jewel of MENA's Restaurant Scene

In an extraordinary showcase of culinary talent, Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai has been named the Best Restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for 2025. Sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna, this prestigious title marks the Bistro's third consecutive year at the top, positioning it as a hallmark of gastronomic excellence in a region rich with diverse culinary offerings.

A Marriage of Cultures

Founded in 2021 by the talented Orfali brothers—Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar—Orfali Bros Bistro artfully marries Aleppian culinary heritage with the vibrant dining landscape of Dubai. This restaurant has not only seized the local palate but has also gained international acclaim, previously ranking 46th on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2023 list. The reputation and skill of the Orfali brothers have led the Bistro to flourish within just a few years, cementing its identity as a global culinary powerhouse.

The Celebration of Culinary Diversity

The announcement was made at the fourth edition of the MENA's 50 Best Restaurants awards, held in Abu Dhabi. During this event, a total of 50 restaurants were celebrated from 11 different cities, highlighting the culinary diversity and richness throughout the MENA region. Other notable establishments in the top tier include Trèsind Studio in Dubai claiming the second spot, Kinoya, also in Dubai, at number three, and Cairo's Khufu's at number four, which is recognized as the Best Restaurant in Egypt.

William Drew, Director of Content for MENA's 50 Best Restaurants, expressed excitement about this year's recognitions, stating, “We are delighted to recognize 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.”

Awards for Culinary Excellence

The awards ceremony also highlighted other achievements in the culinary landscape, recognizing talent and sustainability in the restaurant sector. Omar Shihab from Boca was awarded the Icon Award, while Boca itself was acknowledged with the Sustainable Restaurant Award. Tala Bashmi received the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice Award, and Carmen Rueda Hernandez was honored as the Best Pastry Chef in MENA, courtesy of Valrhona.

In an interesting turn, Row on 45 in Dubai made waves by earning the Highest Climber Award, rising 24 spots to secure the 17th position in the rankings. Meanwhile, Dara Dining by Sara Aqel in Amman was celebrated as the Highest New Entry Award winner, debuting impressively at position 18. These accolades symbolize the vibrant and competitive nature of the food scene in the MENA region.

A Bright Future for MENA’s Culinary Scene

The recognition of restaurants from across the region signifies the dynamic changes and evolution in culinary practices present in cities like Marrakech, Beirut, Riyadh, and Manama. This year’s awards serve not just as a celebration of the restaurants but a reflection of the cultural heritage and sustainability practices that many chefs are adopting in their crafts.

As culinary enthusiasts eagerly await further innovations and dining experiences from these top-tier restaurants, Orfali Bros Bistro stands as a beacon of what dedication and talent can achieve in elevating a region’s culinary identity to global heights. With each dish that leaves their kitchen, they also serve a story of heritage and innovation, making them worthy of their celebrated title.

In summary, the recent accolades reaffirm the growing prominence of MENA's culinary influence on the global stage, and for Orfali Bros Bistro, it's just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead. The restaurant not only represents the pinnacle of culinary achievement in 2025 but also stands as a testament to the vibrant food culture that is flourishing across the region.