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MENA's 50 Best Restaurants 2025: All the Dubai restaurants that made the list
Wed, January 29, 2025
World's 50 Best unveils its fourth Middle East North Africa Best Restaurants list. Here's a look at all the Dubai winners, as per their rankings.
World's 50 Best unveils its fourth Middle East North Africa Best Restaurants list. Here's a look at all the Dubai winners, as per their rankings.
No. 1 - Orfali Bros
For the third year in a row, Orfali Bros. Bistro retains its number one spot. Three brothers, one dream. At Orfali Bros ‘bistronomy’ the brothers are proud to serve up dishes that reflect their shared culinary passion. You’ll want to factor in repeat visits to try everything on the menu, including favourites such as the shish barak a la sgyoza (beef dumplings with a Middle Eastern twist), salmon with miso and creamy tahini, and Umm Salah torrijas (Spanish-style French toast with a touch of spice). They also support local farming, so look out for homegrown produce across the menu.
No. 2 - Trèsind Studio
Retaining its second-place position is the ever-popular Trèsind Studio. Chef Himanshu Saini weaves stories with the intricately-plated and expertly-spiced degustation menus at this modern Indian fine dining spot. Found in St. Regis Gardens, this insider haunt seats just 20 at a time and presents a multi-hour extravaganza that unfolds with theatrical flourish. The innovative, Insta-worthy dishes taste as good as they look, and themes change seasonally so fans never get bored. This is must-try for serious foodies.
No. 3 - Kinoya
She started her foodie career with sold-out supper clubs and was the chef behind the @astoryoffood Instagram page, but Neha Mishra has been successfully spearheading her own Japanese restaurant since 2021. Loyal fans flock to Kinoya for a taste of her take on izakaya. Taking the everyday ramen and transforming it to a foodie revelation, everything here – right down to the noodles – is handmade with love, following closely-guarded recipes. This proudly homegrown gem is a favourite, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
No. 5 - Ossiano
Enjoy a uniquely Dubai dining experience at Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm. A rite of passage for the culinary crowd, the kitchen serves up an immersive, multi-course degustation offering in a grand gold and blue-hued setting, with floor-to-ceiling aquatic views. Specialising in seafood, the plates are as astounding as the surroundings. Perched under glistening chandeliers, watch more than 65,000 marine creatures swimming past your table. It is perfect for a romantic experience mixing fine European cuisine and an adventure into the sea.
No. 7 - Jun's
Drawing on celebrity chef Kelvin Cheung's French training, Canadian roots and Asian heritage, Downtown Dubai-based Jun's has a prime location and proven pedigree. Expect North American comfort food, combined with Asian flavours, served up in an upmarket, chic setting. Top plates include the tempura and sweet potato chaat, sitting alongside his take on a carrot, labneh and furikake 'bagel', spiced garlic prawns with Korean kimchi served on khichdi rice, and the Macau-sauce lobster.
No. 10 - Moonrise
Set at the summit of the luxurious apartment complex Eden House, twelve-seater Moonrise appeals to the serious foodie. Serving a set multi-course degustation menu, with no exceptions or tweaks to the order of service, chef Soleman Haddad heads up a young, dynamic team whose passion shows on the plate and is the reason behind their position. Guests perch on stools set in a semi-circle, so everyone gets prime positioning and can see the intricate plating being done across the counter once service starts. A feast for all the sense, the restaurant itself is a sleek glass box with views of the city at all sides.
No. 12 - BOCA
Boasting Mediterranean flavours and local ingredients, this cool European restaurant in DIFC is known for super-creative dishes with a big emphasis on sustainability. The interiors of this award-winning restaurant are minimal and chic and extend a modern vibe to the space. Come here for a meal with friends or a date night — the relaxed ambience makes it a worthwhile option for both. The ingredient combinations are exciting and inventive, and there's a strong push on vegan food too. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through a selection of their tapas-style plates.
No. 14 - 3Fils
This homegrown favourite has long-charmed Dubai's foodies. The chic yet casual dining experience, coupled with calming harbour-side views and no-reservations policy, makes this one of Dubai's most unassumingly spectacular dining hotspots. Serving modern Asian cuisine with a Japanese influence, you’ll find tantalising dishes such as salmon carpaccio, wagyu beef, sushi and fire–grilled octopus on the menu.
No. 15 - Bait Maryam
Starting as a collection of recipes handed down through generations, Bait Maryam has quickly transformed into a staple choice for unpretentious and authentic Middle Eastern meals. To chef Salam, the venue serves a slice of home, as it is named after her mother and inspired by many dishes and keepsakes from her childhood. Those who enter are sure to feel a sense of warmth and nostalgia too, thanks to the modern but cosy interiors with various vintage bric-a-brac filling the shelves and cupboards. The windows are covered in familiar drapes, along with the thinly-brushed colours on the light wood furniture. Outside features a quaint terrace that grants sterling views of the surrounding suburbs and high-rise structures at Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT).
No. 17 - Row on 45
Curated by renowned chef Jason Atherton, this fine dining concept within City Social offers an intimate experience for just 22 guests in a luxury penthouse-inspired setting. The evening is split into three acts, beginning in the lounge for appetisers before moving onto the main dining room, which is complemented by a state-of-the-art show kitchen. A 17-course haute cuisine menu reflects Atherton’s culinary journey and love for worldly ingredients, while each course comes with insights from the talented chefs.
No. 19 - Zuma
If you're a fan of Japanese food, Zuma is a trendy favourite among DIFC's after-work crowd and is considered to be one of the very best restaurants in Dubai for a special celebration. Known for izakaya – a Japanese style of dining that emphasises sharing a selection of dishes – Zuma serves its plates in a steady flow as they are ready, allowing diners to sample each item at a leisurely pace. You can order from a comprehensive menu of Japanese classics that include their signature miso-marinated black cod, expertly rolled sushi and fresh sashimi among other highlights. The wild mushroom rice hotpot, smoked chilli soy beef skewers and sesame spinach should not be missed.
No. 23 - LPM
Transport yourself to the Cote d'Azur at LPM Dubai — a spot that serves up what many think is the best French food you can find in Dubai. The award-winning restaurant, situated in DIFC Gate Village, focuses on Niçoise cuisine, with Italian flavours coming into play on the Mediterranean dishes that put a spotlight on quality ingredients. The classy restaurant has been winning awards since it opened, which will be no surprise once you’ve tasted the food. Within the high-end hotspot, the cream walls are hung with modern art with tables draped with crisp white cloths and silverware. Fresh tomatoes, lemons and olive oil provide a centre-piece, showing everyone that the focus is on high-quality ingredients.
No. 25 - Gaia
A celebration of all things Grecian, GAIA is a collaboration between two Dubai homegrown icons – Evgeny Kuzin from hospitality group Fundamental and celebrated chef Izu Ani. Bringing a sense of conviviality to the table, starters such as the refreshing watermelon salad, smoked aubergine melitzanosalata, stuffed vine leaves and baked feta cheese set the scene for brighter mains like the cooked-to-your-liking fish, lobster pasta, lamb cutlets and more. If dining as a group, consider booking the chef’s table on the lower level beside the kitchen, right where the magic happens.
No. 26 - 21 Grams
For delectable Balkan-style cuisine, head to 21 Grams, a homegrown neighbourhood bistro. Nestled within the cosy suburban centre of Dubai – Umm Suqeim – the local hotspot is always bustling with good food, delightful coffee and cheerful banter. If you're looking for a bright, comforting and spacious dining experience, 21 Grams is the place to be. Trendy and upbeat, the bistro is home to experienced baristas serving speciality coffees and freshly baked goodies. Whether dining solo or entertaining family and friends, you can spend hours in conversation and memorable catch-ups over comforting food.
No. 28 - 11 Woodfire
Located along Jumeirah Beach Road, this restaurant is chic but casual, centred around the concept of gathering around a warming fire. The culinary force behind 11 Woodfire is chef and restauranteur Akmal Anuar who showcases a menu filled with simple, natural flavours. Dishes are prepared using specialist grill techniques and different wood types. Try the wagyu kebab, sea bass with hay-salted crust and tamarind and Australian T-bone steak.
No. 33 – Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Dubai's culinary connoisseurs are in for a treat as they experience British celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal's world-renowned cuisine at his first restaurant in the region. The concept puts a contemporary spin on historic dishes from the UK to take you on a gastronomic voyage through the medieval years. The menu, influenced by significant events and discoveries from the past, is unlike anything you have ever tried before. Signature plates like the Meat Fruit, a chicken liver parfait presented to resemble a whole mandarin, and a spit-roasted pineapple dessert from the 1800s are just some of the stars of the show. But even the simplest recipes – like his triple-cooked chips that are crisp on the outside and perfectly fluffy on the inside – are done just right.
No. 37 - Mimi Kakushi
Located in the Restaurant Village at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, step inside and you’ll feel transported to another world with an almost homely vibe, while the jazz soundtrack treats you to nostalgic tunes and chefs work on artfully-plated dishes at the open kitchen. The Japanese menu presents a few playful twists to traditional favourites – starters such as wagyu tataki with yuzu daikon, rock shrimp popcorn tempura, and marinated black cod and tiger prawn gyoza are highlights, while mains such as braised short ribs with sweet garlic soy, and steamed king crab leg with ponzu butter sing with flavour.
No. 41 TakaHisa
TakaHisa Japanese Restaurant, a culinary gem in Banyan Tree on Bluewaters Island, offers a remarkable journey through authentic Japanese cuisine, led by the mastery of Chef Taka and Chef Hisa. This elegant dining destination stands out for its fusion of traditional Japanese techniques with innovative culinary approaches. The cheffing duo, renowned for their expertise in sushi and wagyu, have curated an exquisite menu featuring premium seafood directly from Japan's Toyosu Fish Market and the finest A5 Kobe beef with a marble score of 12. If you are looking for a restaurant with top quality ingredients, look no further.
No. 45 Smoked Room
Hidden within chef Dani Garcia’s Leña in St. Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, Smoked Room seats a maximum of 14 guests at a time. Sat in a semi-circle facing the flames of an open kitchen, diners are treated to a meal that’s as much about culinary discovery as it is about eating. Smoke is used throughout the menu as a seasoning, with the embers gently infusing the dishes. With a focus on seasonal ingredients, the menus are ever-changing and your knowledgeable server will explain the story behind each selection.
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