Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 Revealed

William Drew, Director of Content for Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants, expresses, “Our sincere congratulations go to Orfali Bros Bistro, which sets a new standard in creativity, innovation and food presentation, complemented by an intimate service style. We are equally proud to see restaurants from so many different cities represented on this year’s list, showcasing the abundant diversity of cuisines across the region.”

Considering the current challenging circumstances in the Middle East, 50 Best made the decision last year not to host a live event program for Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. The organization believes that hosting an in-person awards ceremony and associated events would not be appropriate at this time. Nonetheless, 50 Best remains steadfast in its commitment to recognizing and showcasing the exceptional culinary talent within the Middle East & North Africa while promoting the region’s culinary strength and diversity to a global audience.

The compilation of the list is overseen by the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a distinguished assembly of over 250 influential figures in the restaurant industry across the region. Each member is carefully chosen for their expert insights into the culinary landscapes of the Middle East and North Africa. The Academy is organized into six distinct regions: the Gulf; Saudi Arabia; Levant-plus; Israel, North Africa (East), and North Africa (West). Within each region, there is a dedicated panel of members, led by a chairperson known as the Academy Chair.

These panels consist of a diverse group of individuals, including food writers, critics, chefs, restaurateurs, and esteemed gourmets. For the 2024 list, every MENA Academy member had the opportunity to vote for up to seven restaurants, with the stipulation that at least two of their selections must be located outside the country of their residence. It’s important to note that none of the sponsors of the event exert any influence over the voting process. For a more in-depth understanding of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants voting process, see additional details  here.