Dubai’s Middle Child quietly made its way through the plethora of restaurants in Dubai’s dining scene to earn a spot in MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. Just months after opening, the homegrown concept has picked up the One to Watch Award 2026 as part of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, which proves the restaurant stands out.
Middle Child Restaurant In Dubai Wins One to Watch Award 2026
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Middle Child doesn’t fit neatly into a single category. Set inside Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, the space blends an all-day eatery with a carefully curated cookbook shop and a gourmet grocery section as mentioned in a report by MSN.
You can eat, browse and stay a little longer than you expected. You can leave with olive oil, spices, or a cookbook you didn’t know you needed. Everything feels simple, intentional and ends with good vibes.
Built On Home Cooking, Not Hype
The concept comes from Lynn Hazim, a cook and host whose background comes from a slightly different concept of running a restaurant. Born in Beirut and now based in Dubai, Hazim spent over a decade working at Google before trading tech for the kitchen.
Middle Child doesn’t chase trends or overcomplicate flavours. The food leans into comfort, clarity, and produce-led cooking. Think dishes that feel familiar but never boring. You’ll witness dishes that you’d want to cook at home, but just ended up in your ‘recipes to try’ folder.
From Blog To Brick And Mortar
Long before opening a physical space, Hazim built a loyal audience through her blog, No Soup For You, and her social platforms. Her appeal has always been straightforward reviews, strong visuals and zero fluff.
That same energy carries into Middle Child. The hospitality feels personal, and the menu reads like a conversation. You sense there’s a real person behind every decision and that matters more than any aesthetics.
Also Read: Did You Know There’s A Restaurant In Dubai That Serves 800-Year-Old Iraqi Dish, Rumania?
Why The Industry Is Paying Attention
Winning the One to Watch Award isn’t about hype, but the direction and vision. The judges are betting on where a restaurant is headed, not just whether its trending or going viral temporarily. Middle Child, in a city packed with big-budget openings and celebrity-backed kitchens, proved its here to stay and make a difference.
Cover Image Courtesy: Middle Child/Instagram
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