Khufu’s in Egypt Tops MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants List

The Times Kuwait Report

The Middle East and North Africa’s (MENA) culinary spotlight turned to Abu Dhabi last week as the fifth edition of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants was unveiled at a gala ceremony held at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Hosted in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the event brought together leading chefs, restaurateurs and industry figures from across the region.

Restaurants from 14 cities across the Middle East and North Africa featured on the prestigious list, with Khufu’s in Egypt crowned No.1 restaurant in the region for 2026, marking the first time an Egyptian restaurant has claimed the top position.

Located in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza, Khufu’s has earned acclaim for its refined interpretation of Egyptian culinary traditions, drawing inspiration from the flavors of the Nile Valley while presenting them through a contemporary lens. The restaurant’s rise to the top is attributed to its thoughtful storytelling, meticulous sourcing of ingredients and its ability to balance elegance with authenticity.

The restaurant’s setting, combined with its modern Egyptian gastronomic identity, has resonated strongly with both regional and international diners, positioning Egypt firmly on the global culinary map.

Dubai-based restaurants dominated the upper ranks, with Kinoya placing second, followed by Trèsind Studio at No.3 and Orfali Bros at No.4. Orfali Bros had previously held the No.1 position for three consecutive years. Beirut’s Beihouse completed the top five, reaffirming Lebanon’s enduring influence on the region’s dining landscape.

A spokesperson for Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants said the 2026 list reflects the growing diversity and creativity of the region’s food scene. “We are thrilled to recognise Khufu’s as the No.1 restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa for 2026. Its culinary philosophy, deeply rooted in Egyptian culture yet executed with contemporary finesse, represents the very best of what the region has to offer,” the spokesperson said.

The United Arab Emirates once again led the rankings with 25 restaurants on the list. Dubai featured prominently with Sufret Maryam (No.7), Jun’s (No.8), Manāo (No.9), Moonrise (No.10) and Kokoro (No.15). Abu Dhabi’s growing culinary profile was reflected through entries such as Marmellata Bakery (No.16), Niri (No.38), 3 Fils Abu Dhabi (No.42), a new entrant, and LPM Abu Dhabi (No.47). Egypt celebrated a landmark year beyond its top ranking, with several restaurants featured, including Reif Kushiyaki Cairo (No.20), Kazoku (No.25), Zooba Zamalek (No.32) and Sachi Cairo (No.37), underscoring Cairo’s rising culinary stature.

Saudi Arabia continued its upward trajectory, led by Kuuru (No.6), which was also named The Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia 2026. Marble (No.12) and Myazu (No.45) further reinforced the Kingdom’s growing presence. Lebanon’s culinary resilience was highlighted through Beihouse (No.5), Em Sherif (No.13) and Buco (No.39). Morocco delivered another strong showing, with La Grande Table Marocaine (No.19) also receiving the Art of Hospitality Award 2026. Marrakech was further represented by Le Petit Cornichon (No.21), Sesamo (No.24), +61 (No.31) and Farmers (No.49), which won the Sustainable Restaurant Award.

Jordan’s capital Amman featured prominently with Shams El Balad (No.26), Alee (No.28) and Dara Dining by Sara Aqel (No.30), reflecting the city’s emerging culinary identity. The list also included notable entries from Kuwait, Bahrain, Tunisia and Qatar, with Cantina (No.18) and Matbakhi (No.50) representing Kuwait City, alongside Lyra (No.48) in Manama, Le Golfe (No.46) in La Marsa and Idam (No.44) in Doha.

Several special awards were presented alongside the rankings. Beihouse received the Highest New Entry Award, while Reif Kushiyaki Cairo earned the Highest Climber Award, rising 27 places. Sara Aqel was named MENA’s Best Female Chef, Wassim and Omar Orfali received Best Pastry Chef, and Salam Dakkak was honoured with the SevenRooms Icon Award.

Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio won the Chefs’ Choice Award, while Farmers in Marrakech received the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its commitment to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.

Additional accolades announced ahead of the ceremony included the Champions of Change Award for Muna Haddad, the Art of Hospitality Award for La Grande Table Marocaine, and the One To Watch Award for Middle Child in Dubai.

The rankings are determined by the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, comprising 250 industry experts from 19 countries. Academy members vote independently, with strict criteria ensuring transparency and regional diversity. Sponsors have no influence over the voting process.

Ranking           Restaurant                                City/Town

1                      Khufu’s                                    Giza

2                      Kinoya                                    Dubai

3                      Trèsind Studio                         Dubai

4                      Orfali Bros                               Dubai

5                      Beihouse                                 Beirut

6                      Kuuru                                     Jeddah

7                      Sufret Maryam                        Dubai

8                      Jun’s                                        Dubai

9                      Manāo                                     Dubai

10                    Moonrise                                Dubai

11                    Table 3                                     Casablanca

12                    Marble                                    Riyadh

13                   Em Sherif                                Beirut

14                    11 Woodfire                            Dubai

15                    Kokoro                                     Dubai

16                    Marmellata Bakery                 Abu Dhabi

17                    3 Fils Dubai                              Dubai

18                    Cantina                                    Kuwait City

19                    La Grande Table Marocaine    Marrakech

20                    Reif Kushiyaki                         Cairo

21                    Le Petit Cornichon                  Marrakech

22                    FZN                                          Dubai

23                    TakaHisa                                  Dubai

24                   Sesamo                                   Marrakech

25                   Kazoku                                     Cairo

26                   Shams El Balad                        Amman

27                    LPM Dubai                               Dubai

28                    Alee                                         Amman

29                    Three Bros                              Dubai

30                   Dara Dining by Sara Aqel        Amman

31                    +61                                         Marrakech

32                    Zooba (Zamalek)                     Cairo

33                    Gaia                                        Dubai

34                    Zuma                                      Dubai

35                    Mimi Kakushi                          Dubai

36                    Row on 45                               Dubai

37                   Sachi Cairo                              Cairo

38                    Niri                                          Abu Dhabi

39                    Buco                                        Beirut

40                    Chez Wam                               Dubai

41                    Boca                                        Dubai

42                    3 Fils Abu Dhabi                      Abu Dhabi

43                    Girl and the Goose                  Dubai

44                    Idam                                       Doha

45                    Myazu                                     Riyadh

46                    Le Golfe                                   La Marsa

47                    LPM Abu Dhabi `                     Abu Dhabi

48                    Lyra                                          Manama

49                    Farmers                                   Marrakech

50                    Matbakhi                                 Kuwait City

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.