MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025: celebrating culinary excellence
On January 28, 2025, Abu Dhabi became the epicenter of gastronomy as it hosted the fourth edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. This prestigious event, once again showcased the remarkable talent and diversity of the Middle East and North Africa’s vibrant dining scene.
Valrhona was proud to be the official chocolate partner for this new edition of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants and sponsor of the Best Pastry Chef Award.
Orfali Bros Bistro: a culinary powerhouse
For the third consecutive year, Orfali Bros Bistro claimed the coveted No. 1 spot, solidifying its status as a culinary titan. Established in 2021 by the Orfali brothers—Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar—this Dubai-based restaurant is a homage to Aleppian heritage, reimagined through a daring and innovative lens.
Under the leadership of Head Chef Mohammad Orfali, the bistro has captivated diners with its signature dishes, including the OB croquettes and shish barak à la gyoza, skillfully blending tradition with cutting-edge techniques. Meanwhile, Wassim and Omar, the creative forces behind the dessert innovations, have turned their pastry kitchen into a hub of creativity, redefining the art of pastry with their imaginative flair and technical expertise.
Carmen Rueda Hernandez: the pastry virtuoso of the year
One of the night’s biggest highlights was the announcement of the Best Pastry Chef in the Middle East & North Africa, a prestigious award sponsored by Valrhona, which was presented to Carmen Rueda Hernandez.
As the Executive Pastry Chef at Brix and 3 Fills in Dubai, Carmen is known for her technical precision and boundless creativity. Trained at the Culinary and Tourism Institute of Madrid, she honed her craft at some of the world’s most celebrated establishments, including El Bulli and The Fat Duck. Her desserts push the limits of pastry artistry, combining innovation with deep emotional impact.
This award, presented by Valrhona, underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to supporting pastry chefs worldwide. For over 100 years, Valrhona has been a driving force in the world of chocolate, providing exceptional products and empowering chefs to push the boundaries of pastry and chocolate craftsmanship. By partnering with MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, Valrhona continues to celebrate and uplift the pastry chefs shaping the future of gastronomy.
A thriving culinary scene
Beyond celebrating excellence, MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 also honored chefs making a lasting impact on the industry. The Icon Award was presented to Omar Shihab of Boca, recognizing his commitment to sustainable gastronomy. Meanwhile, Tala Bashmi received the Estrella Damm N.A. Chefs’ Choice Award, a peer-voted accolade acknowledging her growing influence in the region’s culinary landscape.
Through these awards and recognitions, one thing is clear: the Middle East and North Africa have firmly established themselves as global culinary hotspots.
