Khufu’s Ranks First in Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE | Regional Culinary Recognition

Egyptian restaurant Khufu’s has secured the top position in the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 rankings, marking a defining moment for contemporary Egyptian cuisine on the regional dining stage. The announcement was made during the annual awards ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, which brought together leading chefs and hospitality professionals from across the region.

The 2026 edition of the list highlights restaurants from multiple cities across the Middle East and North Africa, reflecting the breadth and growing sophistication of the region’s culinary scene.

Cuisine Shaped by Place and History

Located within the Giza Plateau, Khufu’s offers a dining experience shaped by its immediate surroundings and Egypt’s long culinary history. The restaurant’s approach centres on reinterpreting traditional Egyptian flavours through modern techniques, creating dishes that feel rooted in place while aligned with contemporary fine-dining sensibilities.

The setting, overlooking one of the world’s most historically significant landscapes, plays an integral role in the overall experience, reinforcing the connection between food, culture, and geography.

A Chef-Led Contemporary Interpretation

The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Mostafa Seif, whose work draws inspiration from rural Egyptian cooking traditions combined with technical refinement gained through professional kitchen experience. His menus focus on familiar ingredients and regional recipes, presented with updated structure and balance.

This approach has helped position Khufu’s as a reference point for modern Egyptian gastronomy within the region.

Regional Dining Landscape in 2026

The latest rankings reflect strong representation from across the Middle East, with restaurants in the UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, and Morocco featuring prominently. Dubai continues to demonstrate depth across the upper tier of the list, while Beirut and Cairo reinforce their reputations as cultural dining capitals.

The awards also recognised achievements in areas such as sustainability, pastry, hospitality leadership, and community impact, signalling a broader definition of excellence beyond the dining room.

A Landmark Moment for Egyptian Restaurants

Khufu’s rise to the top position underscores growing international and regional appreciation for Egyptian cuisine presented through a contemporary lens. The recognition places Egypt firmly within the forefront of the Middle East and North Africa’s evolving fine-dining narrative and highlights the potential of heritage-driven concepts to compete at the highest level.