KHUFU’S IN EQYPT IS NAMED NO.1 IN THE LIST OF MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS 2026

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 theirinnovative 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. 

1-50 List: