The UAE reaffirmed its global stature as a premier destination for food lovers as the World Culinary Awards returned to Dubai. This year’s winners were honored at a glamorous ceremony held at Summersalt Beach Club in Jumeirah Al Naseem on Wednesday evening.
Following the success of the previous year, Dubai once again claimed the title of World’s Best Culinary Destination, outshining contenders like Jordan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Several of the emirate’s renowned establishments also earned top global honors, including Ossiano (Best Culinary Experience), Atmosphere (Best Landmark Restaurant), and Pierchic (Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant).
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen was crowned the World’s Best Hotel Restaurant, while Atlantis The Royal took home the award for World’s Best Hotel for Brunch.
La Dame de Pic received the title of World’s Best New Restaurant, and Dubai Mall retained its status as the World’s Best Shopping Mall for Dining.
In Abu Dhabi, Conrad Abu Dhabi was awarded World’s Best Culinary Hotel, and Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island was recognized as the World’s Best All-Inclusive Culinary Resort. Meanwhile, Hakkasan, which holds one Michelin star, retained its title as the World’s Best Chinese Cuisine Restaurant.
Other notable global winners from Dubai include Asil Restaurant (Best Middle Eastern Cuisine), Rockfish (Mediterranean), Tresind Studio (Indian), and La Mar by Gaston Acurio (Peruvian).
From the broader region, only one other Middle Eastern restaurant made the global list: Al-Sidr at Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som in Qatar, recognized as the World’s Best Wellness Hotel Restaurant. Riyadh, meanwhile, maintained its position as the World’s Best Emerging Culinary City Destination.
Regional Categories
The event also celebrated regional and national achievements. Aura Skypool was named the Middle East’s Best Rooftop Restaurant, while Coya Dubai earned the title of the Middle East and Dubai’s Best Restaurant for its signature dishes like tableside-prepared guacamole.
San, a beach club on Palm Jumeirah, was awarded Middle East and Dubai’s Best Beach Restaurant, and Ninive at Bab Al Shams won Middle East’s Best New Hotel Restaurant. Taste of Dubai was recognized as the Middle East’s Best Culinary Festival.
In Abu Dhabi, Nahaam was named the capital’s Best Hotel Restaurant, LPM earned the title of Abu Dhabi’s Best Restaurant, and Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining took home the award for Abu Dhabi’s Best Culinary Experience.
Other emirates also had strong showings. In Ajman, Aquario and Vinesse at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zohra, were named Best Restaurant and Best Hotel Restaurant, respectively. Steki and The Copper Lobster in Fairmont Fujairah took those honors in Fujairah, while in Sharjah, Chie and The Restaurant at The Chedi Al Bait were top picks. In Ras Al Khaimah, Mekong won Best Restaurant, and Farmhouse at The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert was named Best Hotel Restaurant.
International Highlights
Beyond the UAE, restaurants across the Middle East shined. Oman’s top honors went to Ba Ban (Best Restaurant), The Beach at Chedi Muscat (Best Beach Restaurant), and Peridot at Jumeirah Muscat Bay (Best Hotel Restaurant).
In Saudi Arabia, Takara and Mamo Michelangelo at Al Faisaliah Tower claimed the titles of Best Restaurant and Best Hotel Restaurant, respectively. Jordan’s winners were Alee (Best Restaurant) and Roberto’s Amman (Best Hotel Restaurant).
In Bahrain, Cut by Wolfgang Puck and Primavera were named Best Restaurant and Best Hotel Restaurant. In Kuwait, Mei Lei and Sintoho at Four Seasons Hotel took home those honors, while Iraq saw 360 Restaurant and Phoenicia Lebanese Restaurant in Grand Millennium Hotel Sulaimani win in the same categories.
In Qatar, Coya Doha was named Best Restaurant, Yun at Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay was recognized as Best Hotel Restaurant, and SushiSamba Doha won Best Beach Restaurant.
Winners in Lebanon were announced prior to the recent conflict, with Burgundy and La Ciel at Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand claiming Best Restaurant and Best Hotel Restaurant.
Global Winners
Outside the Middle East, Thailand made waves, with Mezzaluna in Bangkok taking the top honor as the World’s Best Restaurant 2024. Su Va Na in Phuket was named World’s Best Underwater Restaurant, and Sirocco retained its title as the World’s Best Rooftop Restaurant.
Vietnam also made a strong showing, with Hanoi named the World’s Best Culinary City Destination and Capella Hanoi winning World’s Best Brunch Venue.
Nobu, which has two locations in the UAE, was awarded World’s Best Restaurant Brand, and Sublimotion Ibiza won World’s Best Fine Dining Experience.
As the culinary world looks ahead, the 2024 World Culinary Awards have once again highlighted the UAE’s ability to lead the global dining scene, offering a wealth of experiences for food enthusiasts from all corners of the world.
The culinary world is buzzing with excitement following the results of the prestigious 2024 World Culinary Awards, and Dubai is at the heart of the celebration. The emirate’s dynamic food scene has once again proven its global appeal, with three of its top restaurants – Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, Ossiano, and Atmosphere – taking home significant accolades. These wins highlight Dubai’s position as a leading gastronomic destination and demonstrate the city’s diversity in cuisine and innovation.
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, located in Atlantis The Royal, has captivated food lovers with its modern take on Persian cuisine. Helmed by renowned celebrity chef Ariana Bundy, the restaurant’s win reflects its exquisite balance of Persian heritage with contemporary culinary techniques. Bundy’s creative flair has infused traditional dishes with new life, ensuring that each meal is a journey through Persian flavors with a modern twist.
Signature dishes such as saffron-infused kebabs and pomegranate-glazed chicken have become iconic for their authenticity and artistry. Ariana’s ability to blend tradition with innovation was key in earning the restaurant its Best New Restaurant award at this year’s event, marking it as a must-visit destination for lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Ossiano: Dining Under the Sea
No conversation about Dubai’s finest restaurants would be complete without mentioning Ossiano, the world-renowned seafood restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm. Known for its awe-inspiring underwater setting where diners are surrounded by a giant aquarium, Ossiano offers a sensory experience like no other. This year, the restaurant was awarded Middle East’s Best Seafood Restaurant, a testament to its commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainability.
Executive Chef Grégoire Berger continues to push the boundaries of culinary artistry, creating dishes that look as mesmerizing as the marine life swimming nearby. Each course at Ossiano tells a story of the ocean, with sustainably sourced ingredients and innovative presentation. The restaurant’s award at the World Culinary Awards cements its reputation as one of the world’s finest dining destinations.
Atmosphere: Dining in the Sky
Towering above the city on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, Atmosphere is not just a restaurant; it’s a sky-high experience. Winning the award for World’s Best Restaurant View, Atmosphere offers diners stunning panoramic vistas of Dubai’s skyline while they enjoy a menu that reflects the city’s cosmopolitan charm.
Executive Chef Mahmud Turkmani curates a fine dining menu that emphasizes locally sourced ingredients with a touch of international flair. From their truffle risotto to Wagyu beef tenderloin, every dish at Atmosphere is crafted with precision, offering a seamless blend of luxury and taste. The setting, combined with the restaurant’s culinary excellence, makes Atmosphere one of Dubai’s most iconic dining spots.
Dubai: A Culinary Capital
Dubai’s sweeping success at the 2024 World Culinary Awards showcases its evolution into a global culinary capital. The city’s vibrant restaurant scene brings together chefs from all over the world, creating a fusion of flavors, techniques, and traditions. Whether it’s the rich heritage of Persian cuisine at Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, the oceanic wonders at Ossiano, or the sky-high luxury of Atmosphere, Dubai continues to lead the way in gastronomic experiences.
These accolades not only bring international attention to Dubai but also inspire future chefs and restaurateurs to continue raising the bar. For food enthusiasts around the world, Dubai is now more than ever a top destination for culinary exploration.
In conclusion, the wins at the 2024 World Culinary Awards for Ariana’s Persian Kitchen, Ossiano, and Atmosphere reflect Dubai’s status as a powerhouse in the global dining scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these award-winning restaurants promise an unforgettable culinary journey.
