Moroccan Cuisine Shines as Three Restaurants Make MENA’s Top 50 List

The very first MENA 50 Best ranking was compiled following the vote of 250 "key leaders in the regional restaurant industry." Restaurants from 11 countries were elected among the 50 best gastronomic destinations in the region during an event organized in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism, in Abu Dhabi, last Monday. 3 Fils, a casual contemporary restaurant located in the historic fishing port of Jumeirah in Dubai, tops the ranking. It is followed by Zuma (Dubai). The OCD restaurant in Raz (Tel Aviv) completes the top 3.

With 19 restaurants, the United Arab Emirates dominate the top 50 Best MENA. They are followed by Israel (six restaurants), including two in the top 10: OCD Restaurant (3rd) and George & John (9th), Lebanon and Saudi Arabia (five restaurants each) and Egypt (four restaurants). Morocco is also well represented with three restaurants: La Grande Table Marocaine (Marrakech, 26th), Iloli (Casablanca, 32nd) and +61 (Marrakech, 49th). The Tokyo restaurant (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) closes the podium.

"It is a great honor to announce that 3 Fils has risen to the top spot on the inaugural Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants list. This is a brilliantly run local restaurant, beloved by local residents and visitors. This hidden gem prides itself on elevating every dining experience with a sense of comfort, discovery and a shared love of food," said William Drew, Director of Content for MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants.