3 Fils in Dubai wins Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants

Acqua Panna, along with S.Pellegrino, was delighted to sponsor the first ever Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants, shining a spotlight on the region's gastronomy and celebrating the richness and diversity of its food culture with an awards ceremony in Abu Dhabi on 7th February 2022.

The main winner on the night, taking the prestigious title of Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa 2022, was 3 Fils in Dubai. Second spot went to Zuma, also in Dubai, while OCD Restaurant in Tel Aviv took third place.

A series of special awards were also presented, highlighting some of the people and venues helping to make food culture in the region as rich and diverse as it is.

Food activist Kamal Mouzawak, founder of Beirut’s first farmers’ market, received the Icon Award, honoring the impact of his vision on preserving Lebanon’s rich culinary heritage and identity on local food communities.

Tala Bashmi, on the other hand, was named Middle East & North Africa's Best Female Chef. Known as the voice of modern Bahraini cuisine, Swiss-trained Bashmi is chef-owner of the Fusions by Tala restaurant.

Another remarkable female chef, the self-taught Neha Mishraz, picked up the One to Watch Award for Kinoya in Dubai, an authentic ramen bar that evolved from a Japanese supper club Mishra ran from her home.

The ceremony was preceded by several days of food-related events, including chef masterclasses, #50BestTalks and collaborative dining experiences. Among the high-profile guest chefs involved were Pia León from Peru (The World’s Best Female Chef 2021), Will Goldfarb (The World’s Best Pastry Chef 2021), barbecue master Dave Pynt of Burnt Ends in Singapore and Tim Raue from Restaurant Tim Raue in Berlin.

You can find out more and see the full list of winners at Fine Dining Lovers.