The best restaurants in the region will be announced on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
We are fans of The World’s 50 Best, which recognises the best restaurants and bars across the globe. So, we are excited to hear that the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants is returning and will be unveiled in Abu Dhabi on 3 February 2026.
The fifth edition of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants is sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna. The awards span 19 countries in the Middle East and Africa, and celebrate the region’s greatest restaurants. THE star-studded ceremony brings together the best in the food and beverage business, from celebrity chefs to industry experts.
The 2025 ranking, announced in January this year, featured restaurants from 11 cities, with Orfali Bros in Dubai retaining the No.1 position and the title of The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa 2025. The 2026 ceremony will again place the spotlight on boundary-pushing kitchens and emerging voices from across the region.
Foodies will love 50 Best Week Abu Dhabi, which takes place across restaurants in the capital. The events include #50BestTalks, the thought-leadership forum; Flavours of 50 Best, an evening brunch showcasing dishes from leading chefs; and a series of 50 Best Signature Sessions, which pair visiting talent with local restaurants for collaborative dinners.
The voting process
The World’s 50 Best has been compiled by 250 judges who have eaten their way around the region. The judges are industry leaders, including chefs, restaurateurs, food writers, and well-travelled gourmets. For 2026, each voter can choose up to 10 restaurants, with at least four outside their home country. All MENA restaurants are eligible, and ranked restaurants must receive votes from at least two countries.
William Drew, Director of Content for 50 Best, comments: “Marking the fifth edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants is an important milestone. Over the past four years, the awards have spotlighted remarkable restaurants and shone a light on diverse food traditions from across the region, while also recognising emerging talent alongside established names. What excites us most is seeing chefs push boundaries, reinterpret heritage and create dining experiences that live long in the memory. Each year brings new perspectives and greater creativity, and 2026 will be no exception as we continue to highlight the richness of the Middle East and North Africa’s dining scene with the culinary community.”
Celebrations await.
GO: Visit www.theworlds50best.com for more information.