The much-anticipated return of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants awards is set to take place on 28 January 2025 in Abu Dhabi. This prestigious event, which celebrates the pinnacle of global and regional gastronomy, will also feature the exclusive 50 Best Signature Sessions dining series, offering food lovers unparalleled culinary experiences from 25 January to 30 January 2025. Here’s an in-depth look at the lineup of events that make this gastronomic festival a must-attend.
A Gastronomic Adventure in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is set to transform into the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts as Signature Sessions bring together world-renowned chefs, culinary innovators, and regional talents. These collaborations promise to deliver unique dining experiences that showcase the rich diversity of global and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Flavours of 50 Best: A Grand Opening
Date: Saturday, 25 January 2025
Venue: Graphos Social Kitchen, Hilton Yas Island
Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Price: AED 595
The Flavours of 50 Best evening brunch kicks off the Signature Sessions series with an extraordinary blend of flavors and talents. The lineup includes:
- Eduard Zatruch from Disfrutar, ranked the World’s Best Restaurant, showcasing cutting-edge culinary creativity.
- Gaggan Anand from Gaggan, Bangkok, renowned for his bold and experimental cuisine, currently ranked No. 9 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.
- Louisa Lim, Asia’s Best Pastry Chef 2023, adding a sweet touch from Odette, Singapore.
- Raminta Ambroževičiūtė from LPM Dubai, curating exclusive drink pairings to elevate the dining experience.
This lavish brunch will feature premium food stations offering an indulgent start to the weeklong gastronomic celebration.
Sunday’s Culinary Highlights: Exceptional Dining Experiences
Date: Sunday, 26 January 2025
On Sunday, Signature Sessions feature four exclusive dinners, each showcasing collaborations between international and regional culinary stars:
- Bord Eau, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
- Hélène Darroze, the acclaimed chef of La Grande Table Marocaine, collaborates with Chef David Tavernier. Expect a perfect fusion of Moroccan authenticity and French elegance in a sophisticated setting.
- Fouquet’s, Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Jason Atherton, a culinary trailblazer behind Row on 45 in Dubai, partners with Chef Matteo Guerra to deliver a menu combining modern British innovation and French refinement.
- Ryba, Al Mina Souq
- Sara Aqel from Jordan’s Dara Dining and Emirati chef Faisal Alharmoodi unite to celebrate Middle Eastern gastronomy, blending the vibrant flavors of Jordan and the UAE.
- Talea by Antonio Guida, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
- Norbert Niederkofler, the advocate of sustainable Italian dining, collaborates with Chef Luigi Stinga to present a menu celebrating seasonal, locally inspired Italian dishes.
Unmissable Events on Monday, 27 January
Venue: Butcher & Still, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi
Morocco meets the UAE as Chef Fayçal Bettioui from Casablanca’s Table 3 partners with Chef Marshall Röth. Together, they will craft a menu that blends Moroccan heritage with modern culinary techniques, offering a one-of-a-kind dining journey.
Wednesday’s Showcase of Coastal Flavors
Date: Wednesday, 29 January 2025
The Signature Sessions continue with exceptional dining experiences highlighting seafood excellence and Nikkei cuisine:
- Catch at St. Regis
- José Avillez, of Lisbon’s Belcanto, ranked No. 31 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, collaborates with Chef Kessav Kutwaroo for a seven-course tasting menu inspired by Portuguese and regional seafood traditions.
- Oak Room, The Abu Dhabi Edition
- Eddie Castro, the creative force behind Jeddah’s celebrated Kuuru, joins Chef Fernando Tapia for an innovative take on modern Nikkei cuisine, blending Japanese and Peruvian flavors.
Thursday Finale: Emirati-Argentinian Fusion
Date: Thursday, 30 January 2025
Venue: MouzMari
The week concludes with a stunning culinary showcase at MouzMari, the UAE’s first Emirati-inspired Argentinian steakhouse. Chef Sergio Cabrera partners with Chef Mostafa Seif from Cairo’s Khufu’s Restaurant. Together, they’ll craft a menu that marries bold Argentinian flavors with Egyptian culinary heritage, delivering an unforgettable finale to this gastronomic journey.
Additional Highlights: To Be Confirmed
Two additional Signature Sessions will add further excitement to the event:
- Strawfire by Ross Shonhan at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, featuring world-class Japanese chef Takeshi ‘Goh’ Fukuyama.
- José by Pizarro at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, where Asia’s Best Female Chef 2023, Johanne Siy, will collaborate with Chef Carlos Ortiz to offer a sharing-plate dining experience filled with creativity.
These sessions promise dynamic, vibrant flavors that food lovers cannot afford to miss.
Why Attend the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025?
This year’s event offers a rare opportunity to experience the best of global and Middle Eastern gastronomy in one place. From groundbreaking collaborations to intimate dinners, the Signature Sessions represent a celebration of culinary art, innovation, and heritage.
Abu Dhabi’s vibrant food scene, paired with the expertise of the world’s top chefs, ensures an unforgettable journey for every attendee. Don’t miss this unique chance to indulge in extraordinary flavors and witness the creativity of culinary legends.
