The first ever 50 Best Restaurant Awards have been announced for the Middle East and North Africa's (MENA) with 3 Fils in Dubai taking top spot. Restaurants from across 11 countries have been voted as the top 50 dining destinations in the Middle East and North Africa, culminating in the announcement of the region's first ever No.1 restaurant.
The Japanese izakaya Zuma in DIFC, Dubai claims the second spot, followed by OCD Restaurant in Tel Aviv in third. The UAE tops the list of countries represented with 19 restaurants, including three from host city Abu Dhabi. 3 Fils was founded in 2016 by two Emiratis and a Singaporean and combines delicious Asian fusion dishes with a personable service style.
William Drew, Director of Content for MENA's 50 Best Restaurants, says: "It's a great honour to announce that 3 Fils has made it to No.1 in the inaugural Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants list. It is a brilliantly executed home-grown restaurant, loved by local residents and visitors alike. This hidden gem prides itself on elevating every dining experience with a sense of comfort, discovery and a shared love of food."
tfp Co-Founder and Director, Charles Banks also commented: "It was hugely exciting to see the inaugural Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants revealed in Abu Dhabi yesterday. The winners showcase the incredible, boundary-pushing culinary talent, with winners from 11 different countries across the MENA region, with the UAE topping the list with 19 restaurants featured. The winner, 3 Fils, in Dubai, is an unlicensed, casual-contemporary eatery in the historic Jumeirah fishing harbour that dares to be different with Japanese inspired Asian fusion cuisine. You'll find things like spicy beef tartare with pickled lime, Fremantle octopus with gremolata and 72-hour lamb ribs on the menu. In the top 5 you'll also find another unique interpretation of Japanese food at Zuma Dubai #2, while at #3 you'll find eastern Mediterranean combined with haute-cuisine techniques and flavours from a pan-Jewish and Israeli culinary heritage at OCD in Tel Aviv, and at #4 you have Tresind Studio in Dubai serving advanced and experimental Indian cuisines."
The top ten restaurants are:
1. 3 Fils, Dubai, UAE
2. Zuma, Dubai, UAE
3. OCD Restaurant, Tel Aviv, Israel
4. Tresind Studio, Dubai, UAE
5. Sachi, Cairo, Egypt
6. Orfali Bros Bistro, Dubai, UAE
7. Fakhreldin, Amman, Jordan
8. LPM Dubai, Dubai, UAE
9. George & John, Tel Aviv, Israel
10. Gaia, Dubai, UAE
View the full top 50 list here.