PR Newswire
ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 3, 2026
- Khufu’s in Giza, Egypt, is named The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa 2026, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, and The Best Restaurant in Egypt
- The list includes 16 new entries and winners from 14 different cities across the MENA region, from Dubai and Marrakech to Giza, Casablanca, Doha and Amman
- Reif Kushiyaki Cairo wins the Highest Climber Award, rising 27 spots to No.20
- Beihouse in Beirut is the recipient of the Highest New Entry Award, after debuting on the list at No.5
- Sara Aqel of Dara Dining by Sara Aqel is honoured with MENA’s Best Female Chef Award, sponsored by Elle & Vire Professionnel
- Omar and Wassim Orfali, Executive Pastry Chef and Development Pastry Chef at Orfali Bros, take home MENA’s Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona
- Salam Dakkak, Chef and Founder of Sufret Maryam and Bait Maryam, wins the Sevenrooms Icon Award
- Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio is voted by his peers as the winner of the Estrella Damm 0.0% Chefs’ Choice Award
- Farmers in Morocco wins the Sustainable Restaurant Award, sponsored by illy
ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The culinary stars of the restaurant world converged in the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi this evening for the fifth edition of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. Restaurants from across 14 cities within the Middle East and North Africa were announced as the 50 best places to eat in the region at the event held at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. Hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the ceremony culminated in the announcement of the region’s No.1 restaurant, Khufu’s.
For the full 1-50 list, please see the attached graphic or scroll to the bottom of this release.
Founded on a deep respect for Egyptian culinary heritage, Khufu’s celebrates the flavours and traditions of the Nile Valley through a modern lens. Its rise to the No.1 position is attributed to its elegant reinterpretation of regional dishes, exceptional ingredient sourcing and refined yet soulful storytelling. Nestled in the shadow of the Pyramids, the restaurant offers a dining experience that blends contemporary Egyptian gastronomy with one of the world’s most iconic settings. Khufu’s brings a modern Egyptian culinary identity that resonates both locally and globally.
Three Dubai-based restaurants follow closely with Kinoya (No.2), Trèsind Studio (No.3) and Orfali Bros (No.4), which previously held the No.1 spot for three consecutive years. Beirut’s Beihouse (No.5) rounds out the top five, reaffirming Lebanon’s continued strength in the region’s dining scene.
A spokesperson for Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants comments: «We are thrilled to recognise Khufu’s as the No.1 restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for 2026, the first time a restaurant in Egypt takes the top spot. Its culinary philosophy, rooted deeply in Egyptian culture yet executed with contemporary finesse, represents the very best of what the region has to offer. This year’s list showcases the breadth of culinary creativity across MENA including the rise of destinations such as Cairo, Marrakech, Amman and Beirut. We celebrate both established icons and new voices who are shaping the next era of gastronomy in the Middle East and North Africa.»
The United Arab Emirates once again leads in the region, securing 25 positions on the list. Dubai stands out with prominent placements including Sufret Maryam (No.7), Jun’s (No.8), Manāo (No.9), Moonrise (No.10) and Kokoro (No.15). Restaurants in Abu Dhabi also feature prominently with Marmellata Bakery (No.16), Niri (No.38), 3 Fils Abu Dhabi (No.42) – a new entry – and LPM Abu Dhabi (No.47), underscoring the capital’s growing gastronomic appeal.
Egypt celebrates a landmark achievement this year, claiming the No.1 position with Khufu’s while also earning additional recognition across the list. Reif Kushiyaki Cairo (No.20), a major climber, joins favourites such as Kazoku (No.25), Zooba (Zamalek) (No.32) and Sachi Cairo (No.37), signalling Egypt’s continued rise as a culinary destination.
Saudi Arabia also continues its upward trajectory with a strong restaurant presence on the list. Kuuru (No.6) is named The Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia 2026, while Marble (No.12) and Myazu (No.45) affirm their expanding influence on the regional dining landscape. Lebanon’s resilience and celebrated culinary heritage shine through with Beihouse (No.5), Em Sherif (No.13) and Buco (No.39), reinforcing Beirut’s role as a defining voice in Levantine cuisine.
Morocco delivers another standout year, with Marrakech making a notable impact through La Grande Table Marocaine (No.19), also the winner of the Art of Hospitality Award 2026. The city is further represented by Le Petit Cornichon (No.21), Sesamo (No.24), +61 (No.31) and Farmers (No.49), winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award, sponsored by illy, showcasing the breadth and creativity of Moroccan gastronomy. Restaurants in Jordan feature prominently with Shams El Balad (No.26), Alee (No.28) and Dara Dining by Sara Aqel (No.30), all securing places on the list, each reflecting Amman’s growing culinary identity.
The list is rounded out by notable new entries from Kuwait, Bahrain, Tunisia and Qatar, including Cantina (No.18) and Matbakhi (No.50) in Kuwait City, Lyra (No.48) in Manama, Le Golfe (No.46) in La Marsa and Idam (No.44) in Doha, collectively highlighting the diversity of culinary expression across the wider region.
Special Awards
Beihouse makes a remarkable debut this year at No.5, earning the Highest New Entry Award. The restaurant has quickly distinguished itself through its refined Levantine expression, meticulous craftsmanship and contemporary interpretation of Beirut’s culinary heritage. Its menu highlights regional flavours with modern clarity, resonating deeply with diners and positioning Beihouse as one of the most compelling new additions to the list.
Reif Kushiyaki Cairo ascends an extraordinary 27 places to reach No.20, earning the Highest Climber Award. This achievement reflects the restaurant’s expanding influence and its dynamic reinterpretation of Japanese street-style dining. Chef Reif Othman’s signature techniques are harmonised with Cairo’s local spirit, resulting in a dining experience that feels both globally attuned and distinctly rooted in its setting.
Sara Aqel is honoured with the MENA’s Best Female Chef Award, sponsored by Elle & Vire Professionnel, for her leadership at Dara Dining by Sara Aqel in Amman. Known for her precise technique, refined creativity and deep connection to regional ingredients, she has crafted a culinary identity that bridges memory, craftsmanship and contemporary expression. Her work continues to inspire young chefs across the region, embodying the award’s mission to spotlight exceptional female talent.
Wassim and Omar Orfali receive the MENA’s Best Pastry Chef Award, sponsored by Valrhona, for redefining the region’s pastry scene through their innovative approach at Orfali Bros and Three Bros. Their creations blend nostalgic Middle Eastern flavours with modern technique, resulting in desserts that are visually striking, technically sophisticated and emotionally resonant — all hallmarks of their signature style.
Salam Dakkak is named the recipient of the Sevenrooms Icon Award, celebrating her contributions to the region’s culinary identity. Through Sufret Maryam and Bait Maryam, she has championed home-style Levantine cooking with authenticity and heart, creating spaces that feel both personal and universally welcoming. Her influence extends far beyond her restaurants, having become a cultural ambassador for Levantine cuisine and a mentor to a new generation of cooks.
Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio has been voted by his peers as the winner of the Estrella Damm 0.0% Chefs’ Choice Award, a prestigious honour celebrating excellence, creativity and leadership in the culinary world. Chosen by fellow chefs from across the region, the award recognises Saini’s trailblazing vision, his redefinition of modern Indian cuisine and the profound impact he continues to have on the region’s dining scene.
Farmers in Marrakech, Morocco has been named the winner of the Sustainable Restaurant Award, sponsored by illy, in recognition of its outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing and community-driven practices. The restaurant champions a farm-to-table philosophy, working closely with local producers to celebrate Morocco’s rich agricultural heritage while minimising environmental impact.
This year’s edition also highlights three special award winners, which were announced in the lead up to MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. The Champions of Change Award recognised Muna Haddad, founder of Baraka Destinations, for her pioneering, community-driven approach to hospitality and tourism in Jordan. The Art of Hospitality Award was awarded to La Grande Table Marocaine at Royal Mansour Marrakech, acknowledging its exceptional service and dedication to Moroccan fine-dining excellence. Meanwhile, the One To Watch Award was presented to Middle Child in Dubai, celebrated for its warm, neighbourhood spirit and recognised for its potential to break into future lists of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants.
The Voting Process
The list is compiled by the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of 250 experts from 19 countries across the entire region, each selected for their valued opinion of the Middle East and North Africa’s restaurant scenes. The Academy is divided into six regions: the Gulf, Saudi Arabia; Levant-plus; Israel, North Africa (East); and North Africa (West). Each region has its own panel of members, including a chairperson, called the Academy Chair, to head it up. The panel comprises food writers, critics, chefs, restaurateurs and well-travelled gourmets. For the 2026 list, each MENA Academy member votes for up to 10 restaurants, with at least four located outside the country where they are based. All restaurants across the MENA region are eligible. To be included in the ranking, establishments will have received votes from a minimum of two countries in the region. None of the event’s sponsors has any influence over the voting process. For further information about MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants voting process, click here.
***
EDITOR’S NOTES:
1-50 List:
Ranking Restaurant City/Town
1
Khufu’s Giza
2
Kinoya Dubai
3
Trèsind Studio Dubai
4
Orfali Bros Dubai
5
Beihouse Beirut
6
Kuuru Jeddah
7
Sufret Maryam Dubai
8
Jun’s Dubai
9
Manāo Dubai
10
Moonrise Dubai
11
Table 3 Casablanca
12
Marble Riyadh
13
Em Sherif Beirut
14
11 Woodfire Dubai
15
Kokoro Dubai
16 Marmellata Bakery Abu Dhabi
17
3 Fils Dubai Dubai
18
Cantina Kuwait City
19 La Grande Table
Marocaine Marrakech
20 Reif Kushiyaki Cairo Cairo
21 Le Petit Cornichon Marrakech
22
FZN Dubai
23
TakaHisa Dubai
24
Sesamo Marrakech
25
Kazoku Cairo
26
Shams El Balad Amman
27
LPM Dubai Dubai
28
Alee Amman
29
Three Bros Dubai
30 Dara Dining by Sara
Aqel Amman
31 +61 Marrakech
32 Zooba (Zamalek) Cairo
33
Gaia Dubai
34
Zuma Dubai
35
Mimi Kakushi Dubai
36
Row on 45 Dubai
37
Sachi Cairo Cairo
38
Niri Abu Dhabi
39
Buco Beirut
40
Chez Wam Dubai
41
Boca Dubai
42 3 Fils Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi
43 Girl and the Goose Dubai
44
Idam Doha
45
Myazu Riyadh
46
Le Golfe La Marsa
47
LPM Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi
48
Lyra Manama
49
Farmers Marrakech
50
Matbakhi Kuwait City
***
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About Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants
Following the success of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, and the establishment of both Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants since 2013, 50 Best launched Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2022, shining a much-deserved spotlight on the region as a world-class culinary destination. The list is created from the votes of 250 experts from across the MENA region. The Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants event programmes – including the awards ceremony and unveiling of the list – provide a unique opportunity to unite chefs, gourmets and journalists from all over the region at a shared celebration of cuisine, hospitality, passion and talent.
About the host destination partner: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries. DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae
About the main partner: S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna
S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are the main partners of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna are the leading natural mineral waters in the fine dining world. Together they interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of excellence, pleasure and well-being.
Our partners:
- Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi – Official Host Destination Partner
- S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna – Main Partner & Official Water Partner, sponsor of The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa Award
- Sevenrooms – Official Booking Platform Partner, sponsor of the Sevenrooms Icon Award
- Estrella Damm 0.0% – Official Malt Beverage Partner, sponsor of the Estrella Damm 0.0% Chefs’ Choice Award
- Aspire Lifestyles – Official Concierge Partner
- Valrhona – Official Chocolate Partner, sponsor of MENA’s Best Pastry Chef Award
- illycaffè – Official Coffee Partner, sponsor of the Sustainable Restaurant Award
- Maison Kaviari – Official Caviar Partner
- Elle & Vire Professionnel – Official Dairy Partner, sponsor of MENA’s Best Female Chef Award
- Foodics – Official POS Partner
- The Galleria, Al Maryah Island – Official Partner
- ICCA Abu Dhabi (International Center For Culinary Arts) – Official Venue Partner
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2876236/50_Best.jpg PDF – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2872087/50_Best.pdfLogo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863684/5741150/50_Best_Logo.jpg
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Tengo varias preguntas sobre esto a ver si me podiais aclarar:
-¿Puedo hacer un ingreso regular de 800 euros y me cobran 0euos de comisiones y mto.?
-¿Puedo sacar el dinero cuando quiera?,¿todo ó tengo entendido que hay que mantener un mínimo de 100 euros los 30 meses?
-No necesito pero me obligan a sacar una tarjeta de débito que me cuesta 11 euros el primer año y 22 euros la renovación, también otra de credito que me cuesta 0 euros el primer año y 35 euros la renovación.
¿Hay que mantenerlas 13 meses?
¿Puedo cancelar alguna de ellas desde el principio?
¿Puedo cancelar alguna de ellas antes de la renovación?
¿Hay alguna tarjeta de credito más barata?
Aparte de la cuenta nómina he visto que también que para que te den la tv también se puede sacar una cuenta tarifa plana básica o personal, ¿sabeis algo de estas cuentas?¿que requisitos tienen?
Muchas gracias a todos por responder
Yo fui a informarme y te cuento. Únicamente admiten los ingresos regulares en el caso de que seas autónomo. Te abren una cuenta Tarifa Plana Cero que está exenta de comisiones y presenta alguna ventaja más. Sobre dejar un mínimo de saldo en la cuenta no es necesario, pero sí te obligan a mantener varias tarjetas durante los 30 meses con un coste aproximado de 100 euros anuales.
hola buenas!
me llamo javi y estoy dudando de que banco, me puede dar mas beficios, sin sorpresas por domiciliar la nomina, ya que llevo años en la caixa y no me da nada ningun beneficio. es mas me rechazan los prestamos que solicito, ni siquiera una targeta de credito, por alegan de que siempre esta a cero la cuenta, yo cuando cobro la nomina dejo el dinero para los pagos, y saco el resto, pues no me fio, de que un dia me quede sin dinero, ya que esta todo muy mal, corre riesgo mi dinero o mis ahorros en el banco?? muchas gracias y un cordial saludo.
javi
NO TE EXTRAÑE QUE NO TE DEN LOS PTMOS, PORQUE LO QUE VEN ES QUE NO TIENES CAPACIDAD DE AHORRO PORQUE SIEMPRE DEJAS LA CTA. EN MINIMOS, ASI NINGUN BANCO TE LO VA A CONCEDER. TAMBIEN ES VERDAD QUE LA CAIXA, COMO TANTAS OTRAS CAJAS, TIENE EL PUÑO CERRADO PARA LOS RIESGOS, PARA REMONTAR. NO TE PREOCUPES, QUE POR UNA NOMINA NO CREO QUE NINGUN BANCO SE COJA LAS MANOS. LOS QUE SE TIENEN QUE PREOCUPAR SON LOS QUE TIENEN DÉPÓSITOS Y FONDOS EN BANCOS DE DUDOSA ACTIVIDAD. LA GENTE SE PIENSA QUE PORQUE LES DEN UN 7% YA ES UN GRAN BANCO Y SE EQUIVOCAN. LO QUE LES PASA ES QUE EL BANCO DE ESPAÑA LES PRESTA EL DINERO MAS CARO Y POR ESO OPTAN POR CONSEGUIRLO EN EL MERCADO MONETARIO, Y SI EL BANCO DE ESPAÑA NO SE FIA DE ELLOS, VA Y SE FIA LA GENTE. QUE LOS BANCOS NOES LA ADMON PUBLICA, ABRAN OS OJOS.
Hola , cuando vallais al banco queos dejen lo que hay que pagar de irpf y de iva sobre el valor de la tele ya que en la mayoria de bancos esto no lo dicen y luego llagan las sorpresas .A mi ya me ha pasado con la promoción del portatil y nunca me hablaros de esto . Cuidado
Yo he estado calculando y la tele entre unas cosas y otras te sale sobre unos 250euros que tampoco regalan tanto .Hay oficinas en las que han dado la occión de poner un dinero a plazo fijo a 12meses de 9300euros o 6800euros a 18 meses.
No es ningún chollo. Te obligan a contratar dos tarjetas de crédito que tienes que pagar porque las tienes que mantener 13 meses por lo menos y además llevan unos costes desproporcionados si las utilizas. En total, no usando las tarjetas y anulándolas una vez cumplidos los 13 meses puedes ahorrar unos 38 euros con respecto al precio de ese televisor en una gran superficie. Y además luego vendrá que te cobran para hacienda la retención correspondiente, por lo que probablemente incluso en las mejores condiciones te cueste más que si ahorras un poco y lña compras directamente.
Creó que teneis toda la razón, que aqui no te regalan nada, ya que a mí me paso con unas sartenes que regalaban el banco bilbao, que al final entre el irpf y el descuento de Hacienda, al final me salieron caras, así es que no os tomen el pelo, que al final siempre esta la letra pequeña que es la que nos joroba, por no decir otra cosa.
Yo saque el portatil y ahora me he sacado la TV LCD 32. Estas promos no hay que declararlas. No es obligado domiciliar nomina. Si, meter en la cuenta 800€ todos los meses en un margen de 10 dias. Cero matacero, pero cero,cero, cero de gastos de mantenimiento, ni por recibos, ni por el correo a casa, ni por transfer. Las tarjets gratis el 1er año. Resto fuera. Dadas de baja Menos la de debito. Banesto no pierde nada, ganar, gana clientes que es el proposito de esta promo. Precio de portatil y tv 32 en mercao unos 900€ los 2. En banest 197€. Los hay mejores, nos ha jodio! portatiles a 1200€, TV LCD 32 a 1000€. Señores, son lentejas. Relacion calida-precio-promo es cojonud…….Un saludit a los viandantes.
hola , no se si llegara mi comentario pero os voi a esplicar. esto es el cuento de la abuela. mira yo tengo el portatil. y he cogio tab la tele, pero sabeis ke?, me ha pasado de todo. os esplico. primero me cobran 74 euros y 25 euros de unas tarjetas que yo no las he visto aparecer por mi casa , me cabreo con el banco. llamo y pido esplicaciones. me dicen que van en la promocion, nunca jamas nadie me informo de las tarjetas, no me devuelven el dinero. me cabreo y me dicen que llame aun numero de tefono para darlas de baja, se pasan los dias, intentamos darlas de baja. largas y larga, que si este numero de tefono que si el otro bla bla bla. conseguimos hablar y nos dicen que tenemos que cambiar el contrato a tarifa plana o no se ke historias, llamando al banco se pasan los dias, largas y largas. me cabreo y estoi por suspender todo, me dicen que si lo quiero cambiar y dar de baja las tarjetas que nunca he tenido. tengo que pagar comisiones cada seis meses de doce y pico euros, y que si no quiero que me cobren comisiones tengo que ir todos los meses al banco a hacerlo yo, ufffffffffff.aun hay mas. me dan de baja y me hacen la tarifa plana, se equivocan un monton de veces. me hacen pasar muchos cabreos.y al final cuando llego a casa me han cobrado 25, 50 euros. y llamo por telefono y se lo digo , me dicen claro por dar de baja la otra cuenta , la madre que los pario. ladrones. o sea os digo que la tele no sale regalada, se la cobran y muy bien cobrada , nadie da nada por nada. en cuento termine de pagar lo que debo quito todas las cuentas del banesto.espero que alguien me lea y que me conteste gracias .
Banesto ha jodido a mi marido y a un amigo tambien. Para mi, despues de Banco de Andalucía son los peores. Y quieran creerlo o no ni la television ni el portátil te lo regalan.. como no cumplas cualquiera de las reglas te sancionan con 300 y pico de euros.. porque nos hemos mudado de casa y los recibos domiciados se cortaron «temporalmente» la sancion fue de mas de 300 euros.. y el cabreo q te llevas cuando ves lo q te han descontado y luego para ir a reclamarlos.. y como te tratan !! en fin.. espero que Banesto sea lo primero en undirse en el fin del mundo!!
CHOLLO!!!!!!!!!JAJAJAJAJA…….NO ES NINGUN CHOLLO!!!!!!! te cobran 100 € de gastos de manipulacion, mas 150 € en tarjetas durante 2 años, mas 6 € mensuales de mantenimiento de cuenta durante 30 meses, total que pagas 630 Euros por un ordenador o una TV que su valor seguro que no llega a 500 €. Y encima si vas a cancelar la cuenta cuando cumples los 30 meses requeridos te hacen esperar dos horas para decirte que no tienen linea de telefono para dar de baja la cuenta, cosa que no para nunca cuando vas a contratarlo. Y del trato que dispensan….., es el mismo que si vas con un fajo de billetes de 500 € por los CO-JONES
Banesto «premia», menuda falacia…
No hay ningún banco que premie a nadie.
BANESTO NECESITA NUESTRAS NÓMINAS, Y EN CUANTO VAS UN POCO JUSTO, COMO BUENOS JUDÍOS Y ÁVAROS QUE SON, TE ACOSAN Y MACHACAN, Y TE SACAN HASTA LAS ENTRAÑAS EN COMISIONES.
DESPUÉS EL ESTADO APOYA A LOS BANCOS, CON LA EXCUSA DE QUE SI CAEN LOS BANCOS CAEMOS TODOS. LOS BANCOS NECESITAN UN BOICOT DE VEZ EN CUANDO, PARA QUE NO NOS RESTREGUEN POR LA CARA SUS BENEFICIOS.
POR CIERTO, LO QUE MÁS FASTIDIA A UN BANCO ES UNA RECLAMACIÓN EN LA OFICINA DEL CONSUMIDOR Y OTRA AL BANCO DE ESPAÑA.
ES POR DAR PISTAS…