History was made this week. It unfolded in one of the most dramatic dining settings on the planet. Egypt’s Khufu restaurant has secured The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa 2026 (MENA’s 50 Best 2026). For the first time in the history of the prestigious 50 Best list, an Egyptian restaurant has claimed the No.1 spot.
Khufu’s Makes History As The Best Restaurant In MENA 2026
Located within the Giza pyramid complex, Khufu’s success didn’t happen overnight. The restaurant has steadily built its credibility, culminating in this milestone moment. Here’s what the restaurant has claimed:
- No.1 – The Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa 2026
- Resy One To Watch Award at The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025
- Best in Egypt & Best in the Middle East & North Africa for 2026
According to reports mentioned by World’s Best 50 and The National, at the centre of Khufu’s success stands Chef Mostafa Seif. He’s a Cairo native with a strong point of view and zero interest in shortcuts. His food draws from traditional Egyptian recipes and ingredients. He sharpens them using modern techniques and thoughtful presentation.
Awards Announced Live In Abu Dhabi
The ranking was revealed at a live awards ceremony held on Tuesday, 3 February, in Abu Dhabi at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Khufu’s claimed the top honour, while Kinoya in Dubai grabbed the No.2 spot, making it the highest-placed restaurant in the UAE. Trèsind Studio from Dubai secured 3rd place.
25 UAE restaurants made the 2026 list, up from 21 in 2025. New entries from Dubai and Abu Dhabi included Sufret Maryam, Kokoro, Manao, FZN, Three Bros, Chez Wam, 3Fils Abu Dhabi, and Girl and the Goose.
A Night Of Recognition Across The Region
The ceremony also celebrated individuals and institutions shaping the region’s food culture, such as:
- One To Watch Award: Middle Child, Dubai
- Sustainable Restaurant Award: Farmers, Marrakech
- Art of Hospitality Award: La Grande Table Marocaine, Royal Mansour Marrakech, Morocco
- Best Female Chef 2026: Sara Aqel (Dara Dining by Sara Aqel, Amman)
- Best Pastry Chefs: Omar and Wassim Orfali (Orfali Bros)
- Sevenrooms Icon Award: Salam Dakkak (Sufret Maryam)
- Champion of Change Award (Inaugural): Muna Haddad (Baraka Destinations)
Also Read: EL&N London Opens At King Khufu Centre With Scenic Views Of The Giza Pyramids
MENA’s 50 Best 2026 List:
- Khufu’s, Giza
- Kinoya, Dubai
- Trèsind Studio, Dubai
- Orfali Bros, Dubai
- Beihouse, Beirut
- Kuuru, Jeddah
- Sufret Maryam, Dubai
- Jun’s, Dubai
- Manao, Dubai
- Moonrise, Dubai
- Table 3, Casablanca
- Marble, Riyadh
- Em Sherif, Beirut
- 11 Woodfire, Dubai
- Kokoro, Dubai
- Marmellata Bakery, Abu Dhabi
- 3Fils Dubai, Dubai
- Cantina, Kuwait City
- La Grande Table Marocaine, Marrakech
- Reif Kushiyaki Cairo, Cairo
- Le Petit Cornichon, Marrakech
- FZN, Dubai
- TakaHisa, Dubai
- Sesamo, Marrakech
- Kazoku, Cairo
- Shams El Balad, Amman
- LPM Dubai, Dubai
- Alee, Amman
- Three Bros, Dubai
- Dara Dining by Sara Aqel, Amman
- +61, Marrakech
- Zooba (Zamalek), Cairo
- Gaia, Dubai
- Zuma, Dubai
- Mimi Kakushi, Dubai
- Row on 45, Dubai
- Sachi Cairo, Cairo
- Niri, Abu Dhabi
- Buco, Beirut
- Chez Wam, Dubai
- Boca, Dubai
- 3Fils Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
- Girl and the Goose, Dubai
- Idam, Doha
- Myazu, Riyadh
- Le Golfe, La Marsa
- LPM Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
- Lyra, Manama
- Farmers, Marrakech
- Matbakhi, Kuwait City
Cover Image Courtesy: MENA 50 Best
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.