ABU DHABI: Japanese eatery Myazu in Riyadh has been named the best restaurant in Saudi Arabia by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants MENA list in a ceremony held in Aby Dhabi on Monday night as Dubai’s Orfali Bros Bistro nabbed the overall top spot.
The ranking is voted on by a body formed of 250 restaurant experts in the region, known as the Academy. Each member casts seven votes for those that are – in their expert opinion – the best dining experiences in the MENA region.
The top 10 consisted of eateries from around the region, with a heavy showing from Dubai, including Moonrise in Dubai at number 10, Zooba (Zamalek) in Cairo at number 9, Fakhreldin in Amman at number 8, Kinoya in Dubai at number 7, George & John in Tel Aviv at number 6, 3 Fils in Dubai at number 5, Ossiano in Dubai at number 4, Fusions by Tala in Manama at number 3, Trèsind Studio in Dubai at number 2 and Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai at number 1.
“Also crowned The Best Restaurant in the UAE, this Dubai establishment is the restaurant embodiment of three brothers from Aleppo, Syria. The dining experience here is focused on storytelling, where every flavour, ingredient and technique has played a special part in the trio’s story. The atmosphere, with the rhythm set by the work in the two-storey kitchen overlooking the dining space, is fun, indulgent and at times nostalgic,” the organization posted on Instagram shortly after the announcement.
Commenting on Saudi Arabia’s best restaurant, the organization posted: “Under the leadership of chef Ian Pengelley, (Myazu) is a spot where harmony reigns in texture, aromas and flavors. Some dishes push the envelope of gastronomic craftsmanship while others focus on Japanese fan favorites, but all are set apart by a sophisticated presentation that has become part of this restaurant’s DNA.”
The eatery ranked number 18 on the list, just after Tawlet Mar Mikhael in Beirut.
Meanwhile, the Middle East & North Africa’s Best Female Chef Award 2023 went to Palestinian chef Salam Dakkak and this year’s Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs' Choice Award went to Moustafa Elrefaey of Zooba in Cairo.
Here is the full list of restaurants:
1. Orfali Bros Bistro, Dubai
2. Tresind Studio, Dubai
3. Fusions by Tala, Manama
4. Ossiano, Dubai
5. 3 Fils, Dubai
6. George & John, Tel Aviv
7. Kinoya, Dubai
8. Fakhreldin, Amman
9. Zooba, Cairo
10. Moonrise, Dubai
11. Reif Kushiyaki, Dubai
12. Kazoku, Cairo
13. Zuma, Dubai
14. OCD, Tel Aviv
15. Lowe, Dubai,
16. Baron, Beirut
17. Gaia, Dubai
18. Myazu, Riyadh
19. Tawlet Mar Mikhael, Beirut
20. Em Sherif, Beirut
21. LPM, Dubai
22. Sachi, Giza
23. Marble, Riyadh
24. A by Yuval Ben Neriah, Tel Aviv
25. CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Manama
26. Hoseki, Dubai
27. La Grande Table Marocain, Marrakech
28. Coya, Dubai
29. Shams El Balad, Amman
30. Sachi, Cairo
31. Masso, Manama
32. Animar, Tel Aviv
33. Coya, Abu Dhabi
34. La Closerie, Tunis
35. 11 Woodfire, Dubai
36. Sufra, Amman
37. Iloli, Casablanca
38. LPM, Riyadh
39. Sesamo, Marrakech
40. Milgo Milbar, Tel Aviv
41. Alee, Amman
42. White Robata, Kuwait City
43. Zuma, Abu Dhabi
44. Jun's, Dubai
45. Reif Kushiyaki, Cairo
46. +61, Marrakech
47. 13C Bar in the Back, Amman
48. HaBasta, Tel Aviv
49. Hakkasan, Abu Dhabi
50. Bonjiri, Salmiya, Kuwait
