Two Kuwait Restaurants Shine on MENA’s 50 Best List
Cantina and Matbakhi place Kuwait firmly on the region’s culinary map
Kuwait’s evolving dining scene has received significant regional recognition with two homegrown restaurants, Cantina and Matbakhi, earning spots on the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The achievement highlights the country’s growing influence in shaping contemporary and heritage-driven gastronomy across the region.
Placed at an impressive No. 18, Cantina stands as Kuwait’s highest-ranked restaurant on the list. Located in Shuwaikh Industrial area, the restaurant is known for its refined yet approachable take on Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Cantina has built a loyal following for its emphasis on quality ingredients, handmade pasta, and carefully executed classics, all delivered in a warm, understated setting.
The restaurant’s success reflects a broader trend within Kuwait’s dining culture—one that embraces international techniques while maintaining a strong sense of identity and consistency. Cantina’s ranking cements its position as a benchmark for modern dining in the country and a destination that resonates well beyond local borders.
Making its debut on the list at No. 50, Matbakhi represents a different but equally important facet of Kuwait’s culinary landscape. Known for its authentic Middle Eastern and Levantine home-style cooking, Matbakhi has earned acclaim for preserving traditional flavors and presenting them with sincerity and depth.
Often praised for dishes rooted in regional heritage, Matbakhi’s inclusion underscores the growing appreciation for restaurants that champion cultural authenticity alongside culinary excellence. Its recognition signals that deeply rooted, comfort-driven cuisine has a rightful place on the region’s most prestigious food rankings.
The presence of both Cantina and Matbakhi on the MENA 50 Best Restaurants list reflects the diversity, maturity, and ambition of Kuwait’s hospitality sector.
From contemporary international dining to heritage-inspired kitchens, Kuwait continues to demonstrate that its food culture is dynamic, confident, and increasingly influential on the regional stage. Both restaurants reflect Kuwait’s evolving food scene, blending international techniques with local tastes and earning wider regional recognition.
As regional and global attention turns more closely toward the Gulf’s dining destinations, Kuwait’s dual recognition this year stands as a milestone and a promising sign of what lies ahead.
