Food

These 21 Restaurants Made It To MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 List

By Ishita Agrawal

Posted on February 5, 2026

Here is the list of all the Dubai restaurants that got ranked in MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. Bookmark them for your next outing.

The champagne corks popped a little louder in Dubai this week. The MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list revealed that the city has firmly established itself, claiming an impressive 20 positions on this year’s ranking. From intimate izakayas serving handmade ramen to three-Michelin-starred Indian fine dining experiences. 7 restaurants in Dubai secured spots in the top 10, with 3 landing in the prestigious top five. These are the destinations where tradition meets innovation, where chefs push boundaries while honoring culinary heritage.

Let’s check out what made these Restuarants in Dubai special to get ranked on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. Because if you’re not eating at these places, you’re not really eating in Dubai.

1. Kinoya

Ranked at No 2 as Best Restaurant in the UAE

Chef Neha Misra’s journey from hosting sold-out supper clubs in her Dubai home to running one of the region’s most celebrated restaurants is the kind of story that defines the city’s culinary evolution. At Kinoya, it’s all about ramen and izakaya fare, executed with precision and soul that keeps tables perpetually full. Misra’s signature shio paitan ramen represents the pinnacle of her craft. What sets Kinoya apart is its minimalist interiors, which let the food do the talking. Beyond the noodles, the izakaya menu shines with perfectly grilled wagyu tsukune and crispy kinoko mushroom tempura.

Cuisine: Japanese izakaya and ramen
Opening hours: 12 pm to 1 am ( Monday is closed)
For Reservations: +971 54 234 0296
Location

2. Trèsind Studio

Ranked at No 3. Three Michelin Stars

Step into Trèsind Studio and embark on a multi-sensory journey through India’s diverse culinary landscape. Chef Himanshu Saini has achieved what many thought impossible: earning three Michelin stars for Indian cuisine, a first in the world. With just 20 seats across six intimate tables, the Rising India tasting menu takes guests on a geographical odyssey. The menu moves from the Thar Desert through the Deccan Plateau, along the Coastal Plains, and into the Northern Plains and Himalayan Mountains. The dining room philosophy is rooted in “Atithi Devo Bhava”—Guest Is God.

Cuisine: Modern Indian fine dining
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 6 pm to 11 pm
For Reservations: +971 4 242 1666
Location

3. Orfali Bros

Ranked at No 4. Three-time former winner

The Orfali brothers—Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar—have created something truly special. A restaurant that feels like an extension of their family table, elevated to fine-dining heights. After claiming the top spot for three consecutive years, Orfali Bros remains a powerhouse at number four. Syrian heritage meets contemporary technique in dishes that are both deeply personal and universally appealing. The pastry program, helmed by Omar and Wassim, pushes boundaries with desserts that blend nostalgic Middle Eastern flavors with modern presentation.

Cuisine: Contemporary Middle Eastern with Syrian influences
Opening hours: 8 am to 11 pm – Tuesday is closed
For Reservations: +971 4 25805 10
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4. Sufret Maryam

Ranked at No 7. New Entry

Chef Salam Dakkak’s Sufret Maryam brings authentic Levantine home cooking to Dubai’s fine-dining scene. It focuses on Palestinian flavors that feel both deeply traditional and refreshingly contemporary. Dakkak’s work earned her the Sevenrooms Icon Award 2026, recognizing her role as a cultural ambassador for Arabic cuisine. The restaurant’s name, meaning “Maryam’s table,” evokes the warmth of family gatherings, and that spirit permeates every dish. From mezze spreads to slow-cooked mains, the food speaks to the soul.

Cuisine: Authentic Levantine and Palestinian
Opening hours: 9 am to 12 am
For Reservations: +97150 417 2272
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5. Jun’s

Ranked at No. 8

What makes Jun’s by Kelvin Cheung special is its refusal to be easily categorized. The menu draws from Asian influences while maintaining its own distinct identity, creating dishes that feel both familiar and entirely new. It’s smart casual dining elevated to an art form, perfect for those who want substance alongside style. The restaurant is located on prime real estate with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. Inside, the teal marble floor with dark furnishings and bronze accents creates a luxurious ambience.

Cuisine: Contemporary Asian fusion
Opening hours: 12– 3:30 pm & 5:30 pm–1 am
For Reservations: +971 4 457 6035
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6. Manāo

Ranked at No 9. New Entry

Manāo represents the next generation of Dubai dining: confident, creative, and unapologetically itself. As a new entry to the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list, the restaurant in Dubai has made an immediate impact. The kitchen here plays with bold flavors and unexpected combinations, creating dishes that surprise and delight in equal measure. Chef Abhiraj Khatwani is an Indian-born, Dubai-raised chef. It is a restaurant dedicated to delivering a uniquely Emirati version of Thai cuisine.

Cuisine: Thai
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 7 pm – 11 pm & Monday: Closed
For Reservations: +971 4 272 2389 or reservations@manao.ae
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7. Moonrise

Ranked at No 10

Moonrise ranks as one of the top 10 restaurants in the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. The restaurant is the brainchild of Dubai-raised chef Solemann Haddad. The menu showcases mixing the Middle Eastern, European, and Japanese influences that punctuate Dubai’s culinary culture. This is refined dining that never feels stuffy, where technical prowess serves the greater goal of creating memorable experiences.

Cuisine: Contemporary Fine Dining
Opening hours: 6 pm to 12 am, Monday & Tuesday closed
For Reservations: +971 50 697 2946
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8. 11 Woodfire

Ranked at No. 14

11 Woodfire sizzles onto MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list thanks to its bold celebration of fire‑kissed cuisine and boundary‑pushing flavour. Renowned for its masterful wood‑fired techniques, from perfectly charred lamb chops to its signature wagyu burger. The Michelin‑starred spot turns wood, smoke, and premium ingredients into unforgettable dishes. It has an open fire kitchen and an inventive menu that delights both meat lovers and adventurous diners. From members of the UAE’s royal family to tennis champ Roger Federer, the restaurant has remained a favourite among the elite.

Cuisine: Wood-burning oven and a forgedsteel grill
Opening hours: 12 noon to 12 am
For Reservations: +971 4 491 9000
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9. Kokoro

Ranked at No. 15. New Entry

In Dubai’s art-centric Al Quoz neighborhood, Kokoro has created a sensation. This no-reservations handroll bar from Texas-based chefs Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee is all about precision and quality. With just 23 dishes on the menu, including eight different handrolls, every item is made to order. Sitting at the bar offers the best vantage point to watch the chefs work, from slicing pristine fish to flame-torching wagyu with surgical precision.

Cuisine: Japanese cuisine
Opening hours: Different locations in Dubai
For Reservations: info@eatkokoro.xyz
Location

10. 3 Fils Dubai

Ranked at No. 17 – First-ever MENA’s Best Restaurant (2022)

The restaurant that started it all. When 3 Fils became the first-ever winner of MENA’s Best Restaurant in 2022, it announced a new chapter for Dubai dining. Four years later, its winning formula of exceptional Asian fusion cuisine served in an unflashy, unlicensed setting continues to draw crowds. The waterside location adds to the appeal, but it’s the food that keeps people coming back. The super-casual dining style strips away pretension, leaving only what matters. 3 Fils also features its own dessert bar on the premises, called Brix.

Cuisine: Asian fusion cuisine
Opening hours: 12 pm to 12 am
For Reservations: +971 56 273 0030
Location

11. FZN

Ranked at No. 22

Björn Frantzén’s Dubai outpost brings Nordic excellence to the Arabian Gulf. FZN (sibling to three-Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore) offers an exceptional 12-course tasting menu. With only 27 seats arranged around an open kitchen, FZN creates an intimate theater of cooking. Diners interact with chefs while experiencing dishes like duck barbecue with yuzu, Kampot pepper, and foie gras. The 1,300-label wine cellar offers curated pairings that elevate each course.

Cuisine: Nordic cuisine with Japanese influences
Opening hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 7 pm – 1 am
For Reservations: reception@restaurantfzn.com
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12. TakaHisa

Ranked at no. 23

TakaHisa represents Japanese fine dining with an omakase experience. Here is a lesson in restraint and precision, where every piece of nigiri, every slice of sashimi, is treated with reverence. The chefs work with exceptional ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to shine through with minimal intervention. TakaHisa boasts a selection of rare and premium sake and wines as well.

Cuisine: Japanese fine dining
Opening hours: 12 pm to 2 am
For Reservations: +971 4 556 6688
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13. LPM Dubai

Ranked at No. 27

La Petite Maison brings the elegance of the French Riviera to Dubai’s financial district. This is Mediterranean dining at its most sophisticated—light, fresh, and utterly refined. The menu celebrates the flavors of Nice and the surrounding region, with an emphasis on exceptional ingredients prepared simply but expertly. The atmosphere strikes that difficult balance between buzzy and intimate, while the service team navigates the room with practiced ease. It’s reliable luxury—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Cuisine: Mediterranean cuisine
Opening hours: Mon – Thu – 12 – 3:30 pm & 6 pm – 11:30 pm & Fri – 12 – 4 pm & 6 pm – 11:30 pm & Sat – Sun – 12:30 – 4 pm & 6 pm – 11:30 pm
For Reservations: +971 4 439 0505
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14. Three Bros

Ranked at No. 29

The Orfali brothers prove that lightning can strike twice. Three Bros, their second concept on the MENA list, takes the family’s culinary philosophy and distills it into a more casual, accessible format. It’s a testament to their versatility, proving they can excel at both fine dining and this more relaxed approach. While the cooking is less formal than at Orfali Bros, the same commitment to quality and flavor shines through. It’s the kind of neighborhood spot in Dubai that instantly becomes a regular haunt.

Cuisine: Wood-fired pizza oven
Opening hours: 12–6 pm & 7–11:30 pm
For Reservations: +9714 238 6677
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15. Gaia

Ranked at No. 33

Gaia channels the spirit of Greece with infectious enthusiasm. The restaurant pulses with energy, particularly during peak hours when the dining room fills with laughter and conversation. The menu covers all the classics while adding contemporary touches that keep things interesting. Fresh seafood takes center stage, prepared with the kind of simplicity that lets quality ingredients speak for themselves. Gaia proves that sometimes the best innovation is staying true to tradition while executing it flawlessly.

Cuisine: Greek food
Opening hours: 12–4:30 pm & 6:30–11:30 pm
For Reservations: +971 4 241 4242
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16. Zuma

Ranked at No. 34

A global icon that needs little introduction, Zuma Dubai continues to set the standard for contemporary Japanese dining. The Dubai outpost delivers the izakaya-style dishes that made Zuma famous worldwide. The sleek interior and the theatrical robata grill made it to MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list. Their mid-week business lunch is also very popular in Dubai. Zuma’s bar is just as accomplished as its dining offering, reaching No.38 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 ranking.

Cuisine: Japanese fine dining
Opening hours: 12 pm to 3 am
For Reservations: +971 4 425 5660
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17. Mimi Kakushi

Ranked at No. 35

Step into Mimi Kakushi and you’re transported to 1920s Osaka, when jazz was infiltrating Japan and creating a unique cultural moment. The restaurant’s name, meaning “covering the ears,” is after a popular hairstyle of the era. Chef Vladimir Kim brings 25 years of Russian-Korean experience to bear, creating dishes that range from fiercely traditional to show-stopping modern. Standouts include baked bone marrow topped with beef tartare served with warm buns. But what truly sets Mimi Kakushi apart is its boundary-pushing bar program, led by Manja Stankovic, which earned recognition as The Best Bar in the Middle East & Africa in both 2023 and 2024.

Cuisine: Japanese cuisine
Opening hours: 12 pm to 2 am daily
For Reservations: +971 4 379 4811
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18. Row on 45

Ranked at No. 36

Perched high above the city, Row on 45 offers more than just spectacular views, though those certainly don’t hurt. This is elevated dining in both senses of the word, where contemporary cuisine meets breathtaking vistas. The kitchen delivers sophisticated, modern dishes that hold their own against the competition from the windows. What makes Row on 45 special is its dramatic setting, but the food never plays second fiddle. Each dish is carefully conceived and beautifully executed

Cuisine: Japanese cuisine
Opening hours: 6 pm to 1 am – Sunday and Monday closed
For Reservations: +971 56 832 4545
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19. Chez Wam

Ranked at No. 40

Chez Wam brings a personal touch to Dubai’s dining scene, offering cuisine that feels like an invitation into someone’s home, if that someone happens to be an exceptionally talented chef. The restaurant radiates warmth and authenticity, qualities that can’t be manufactured or faked. As a new entry to the list, Chez Wam represents the kind of genuine, heartfelt cooking that resonates with both critics and regular diners.

Cuisine: Playful cooking with party energy
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday – 6 pm to 2 am & Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm
For Reservations: +971 52 450 4139
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20. Boca

Ranked at No. 41

Boca understands that dining is as much about atmosphere as it is about food. The restaurant creates an environment that encourages lingering, where conversations flow as freely as the wine. The menu offers contemporary cuisine with global influences, executed with care and creativity. What sets Boca apart is its ability to feel both refined and relaxed. This is sophisticated dining without the stuffiness, where you can enjoy a special meal without feeling like you need to be on your best behavior.

Cuisine: Contemporary Cuisine
Opening hours: 12:30 pm–1:30 am
For Reservations: +971 4 323 1833
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21. Girl and the Goose

Ranked at No. 43

Girl and the Goose rounds out Dubai’s impressive showing on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 list with a fresh perspective and playful approach. As a new entry, the restaurant brings youthful energy to the scene, unafraid to experiment while maintaining the high standards. The restaurant’s whimsical name hints at the creativity you’ll find on the plate. It’s a fitting conclusion to a list that demonstrates Dubai’s remarkable range, from traditional techniques to bold innovation, from casual charm to formal elegance.