After a three-year run, Orfali Bros is knocked off the number one spot in the MENA’s 50 Best list.

My analysis and opinion of the record 25 UAE restaurants in the 2026 ranking. Plus a year-on-year comparison chart, and the restaurants that dropped off the list.

A sea of scarlet scarves can only mean one thing in our industry. The restaurants of the chefs and restaurateurs sporting this rather vibrant accessory, a badge of honour, have made the cut for 50 Best, specifically the Middle East & Africa edition that unfolded this week at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, the destination sponsor. The organisers dish the scarves out before the awards ceremony kicks in, so, whilst mingling at the pre-reveal reception, we can all see straight away which restaurants have scooped coveted spots on this ever-contentious listing. What we have to wait for is the numbered ranking.

Voilà…the top five:

1. Khufu’s, in Egypt’s Giza overlooking the Pyramids, is crowned the Best Restaurant in MENA having jumped from number four last year and the One To Watch in the most recent World’s 50 Best. The first time a restaurant in Egypt has scooped the number one spot.

The next three restaurants are all in Dubai:

2. Kinoya as runner-up in second place (rising from number three last year), also landing the Best Restaurant in the UAE accolade.

3. Trèsind Studio scores the third spot, down from number two.

4. Orfali Bros in fourth place, dropping from the top spot.

5. Beihouse in Beirut in fifth position, together with awards for Highest New Entry and Best Restaurant in Lebanon.

For those not in the know, a quick summary on the mechanics. MENA’s 50 Best is an annual list by the William Reed team behind World’s 50 Best. Unlike Michelin that dons out stars and Bibs, these ‘awards’ rank restaurants from 1 to 50 (and in some lists up to 100). Every year, “250 food writers and critics, chefs, restaurateurs and highly regarded foodies” living in this region are asked to cast confidential online votes for up to ten restaurants (of which six must be in their country of residence) that tick the “best” box. For the first time, voters had to submit proof of dining with either receipts of meals, or a photograph snapped at the restaurant.

Below you’ll find my deep-dive analysis and opinion on the 2026 top 50 ranking, with a record 25 restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi making the cut. I’ve also shared a year-on-year comparison chart for the UAE contingent, and flagged the five restaurants here that have dropped off the list.

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