Two Dubai outlets make World's 50 Best Restaurants 'spotlight' list

The restaurants were highlighted ahead of the unveiling of the popular award

Blossom chaat, pumpkin mash and a trio of chutney from Tresind Studio's new menu. The restaurant was ranked 57th in the World's 50 Best Restaurants 'Spotlight' list. Photo: Tresind Studio

Tresind Studio's charred lobster tail, pickled tomato and corn curry. Photo: Tresind Studio

Le jardin aloe vera, cucumber broth and summer fruits dessert at Tresind Studio. Photo: Tresind Studio

Orfali Bros ranked 87th in the list. Photo: Orfali Bros

Omar, Mohammad and Wassim Orfali. Photo: Orfali Bros

Red umami prawns at Orfali Bros. Photo: Orfali Bros

Dubai restaurants Tresind Studio and Orfali Bros have been named as outlets of note in an extended list by the World's 50 Best Restaurants, ahead of the unveiling of this year's awards on July 18.

A revered list in the culinary world, voted on by a panel of 1,080 anonymous experts across 27 regions, inclusion in the 50 Best can bring widespread popularity to an outlet — besides giving its owners endless bragging rights.

In the run-up to the main announcement, the extended 51 to 100 list is traditionally revealed, which "shines a spotlight" on restaurants to watch.

Tresind Studio came in at No 57, while Orfali Bros was at No 87. It's the first time either restaurant has made it on to the extended global list.

Tresind Studio serves a set tasting menu and is an extension of Tresind, which opened in Dubai in 2014. Known for its experimental take on Indian food, it was one of 11 to receive a coveted star in the first listing of Michelin Guide Dubai, which called it a "masterpiece of originality and precision".

Scroll through the gallery for all the Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai

Orfali Bros, meanwhile, made it into the Michelin Guides' Bib Gourmand category, which recognises "just-as-esteemed" and friendly establishments that serve good food at reasonable prices.

The modern and minimalist bistro at Wasl 51 in Jumeirah 1, is known for pushing boundaries with dishes including red umami prawns as well as fluffy pides in various creative flavours.

Scroll through the gallery for all the Dubai restaurants in the 'Michelin Guides' Bib Gourmand category

Both Tresind Studio and Orfali Bros are not new to The World's 50 Best Restaurants list. Earlier this year, they were named in the inaugural Mena's 50 Best Restaurants, which featured outlets from across the region.

The UAE dominated the list, with 19 restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi earning a spot.

Tresind Studio and Orfali Bros came in fourth and sixth positions respectively, while 3 Fils and Zuma Dubai came in first and second, meaning these restaurants may well earn a spot in the top 50 when the list is announced.

Scroll through the gallery for all the restaurants that made it to the Mena's 50 Best Restaurants List

Now in its 20th year, the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2022 will be unveiled at a ceremony in London on July 18. Besides the list, a number of accolades will be handed out including the Art of Hospitality Award, the World’s Best Pastry Chef Award, the World’s Best Sommelier Award, the Highest Climber Award, the Chefs’ Choice Award and the Sustainable Restaurant Award.

It's not the first time Dubai restaurants have appeared on the extended list, either. For example, in 2013, Zuma and La Petite Maison came 87th and 92nd, and in 2014, they came 77th and 81st. And La Petite Maison came 99th on the list two years later.

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