During the first edition of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants ceremony in Abu Dhabi, which took place between February 5th and 7th, 50 restaurants were evaluated by 250 voters across the MENA region.
The ranking aimed to celebrate gastronomy, heritage, and cutting-edge culinary techniques of participating countries, including the UAE, Lebanon, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants first launched in London in 2003 and is a globally recognized restaurant list that serves as a gastronomical credential.
It is no surprise that Lebanon holds 5 positions in Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants, and here they are:
Baron – Ranked No 12
Located in the Mar Mikael district, Baron is owned by chef Athanasios Kargatzidis and serves outstanding, stylish, and sophisticated dishes with over 25 years of experience.
Liza Beirut – Ranked No 21
Liza Beirut is located in an old Ottoman-era palace in Achrafieh. The fancy restaurant has stunning decor and a gorgeous setting and is known to be the go-to place for weekend brunches.
Their menu serves traditional Lebanese cuisine with innovative techniques.
Em Sherif – Ranking No 22
Em Sherif provides authentic Lebanese food and is well-known among local and international Lebanese food lovers.
Em Sherif has recently opened in London and is also operating in other Middle Eastern countries.
Tawlet Mar Mikhael – Ranked No 28
Tawlet was founded by Kamal Mouzawak, winner of the first Foodies Icon Award. It is a highly acclaimed restaurant for its organic, seasonal, and freshly made food, presenting the culinary heritage of Lebanon’s regions.
The restaurant has an open-kitchen style and its main mission is to craft dishes made by the hands of experienced Lebanese mothers.
Clap – Ranked No 47
Clap is an elegant rooftop restaurant with an amazing view over Beirut’s skyline, offering handcrafted Japanese dining.
