Over the past few years, Dubai has emerged as a prime destination for global chefs to open restaurant concepts to cater to Middle Eastern palates.
In this article, we’ll look at some of Dubai’s top chefs, along with renowned names from the Middle East’s and the world’s culinary scene.
Pushing boundaries and elevating guests’ dining experiences, discover the top chefs you should be following.
Top Chefs in Dubai
Reif Othman
Singaporean chef Reif Othman continues to leave his mark on the Dubai dining scene. Known for his Japanese-inspired creations, Othman has opened several successful restaurants, including Reif Kushiyaki.
Follow Chef Reif Othman on Instagram and Facebook, or Book a table at Reif Kushiyaki in Dubai.
Daniel Boulud
Inspired by his farm upbringing in Saint-Pierre-de-Chandieu, Chef Daniel Boulud has built an international culinary empire. His Brasserie Boulud in Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk offers a French cuisine experience with a Middle Eastern touch.
Follow Chef Daniel Boulud on Instagram and Facebook or Book a table at Brasserie Boulud.
Mohamad Orfali, The Orfali Bros
Chef Mohammad Orfali, along with his brothers Wassim and Omar, founded Orfali Bros, a popular bistro in Dubai. Named the Best Restaurant in MENA in 2023, Orfali Bros is known for its innovative dishes.
Follow Chef Mohammad Orfali on Instagram and Facebook or Book a table at Orfali Bros.
Himanshu Saini, Trèsind Studio
Himanshu Saini is the most watched Indian chef in the world today. His Trèsind Studio in Dubai has two Michelin stars making Himanshu the only Indian-born chef in the world to run a two star Indian restaurant.
Follow Chef Himanshu Saini on Instagram or Book a table at Trèsind Studio.
Mich Turner: Little Venice Cake Company
Mich Turner, known as The Queen of Couture Cakes and an MBE recipient, is renowned worldwide for her baking artistry. Her Little Venice Cake Company resides at Atlantis The Royal in Dubai.
Follow Mich Turner on Instagram.
Top Chefs in the Middle East
Issam Rhachi, Park Hyatt Marrakech
The head chef at TFAYA, the brasserie arabesque at Park Hyatt Marrakech, Issam Rhachi is both a leading chef and food influencer.
Follow Issam Rhachi on Instagram and Facebook.
Sally Fouad
Egyptian chef Sally Fouad is also a nutritionist and TV presenter. Known for her easy-to-follow recipes, Sally shares nutrition tips, recipes, and healthy lifestyle advice.
Follow Sally Fouad via Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
Alaa El Sherbiny
Another well-known top chef from Egypt and the Middle East is Chef Alaa El Sherbiny. Popular among younger generations for his recipes across social media platforms.
Follow Chef Alaa El Sherbiny via Instagram and YouTube.
Burak Özdemir
Instagram-famous and world renowned Chef Burak Özdemir has opened branches of his CZNBurak empire across the Middle East, including Dubai and Egypt. Known for his jumbo creations and always-smiling face.
Follow Chef Burak on Instagram and Facebook.
Nusret Gökçe, Salt Bae
Nusret Gökçe, widely known as ‘Salt Bae,’ gained fame on social media for his unique meat-slicing and salt-sprinkling techniques. His Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach offers top-quality cuts.
Follow Salt Bae on Instagram and Facebook.
Kamal Mouzawak
Kamal Mouzawak, a restaurateur and food activist in Beirut, Lebanon, started the local farmers’ market Souk el-Tayeb, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Follow Kamal Mouzawak on Instagram.
Osman Merhi, executive Chef at Venor KSA
Saudi executive chef Osman Merhi leads and manages Lebanese cuisine chain Venor, with 3 branches in the kingdom.
Follow Venor on Instagram or visit Venor’s various branches in Saudi Arabia.
Top Chefs from Around the World
Gordon Ramsay
Gordon Ramsay is a world renowned chef. He opened his own Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, holding three Michelin stars, and expanded globally. Known for TV shows like Hell’s Kitchen.
Follow Gordon Ramsay on Instagram and Facebook.
Akira Back
Akira Back, a renowned chef known for his innovative cuisine, has built a global empire with 25 locations worldwide. Born in Seoul and raised in Aspen, he transitioned from professional snowboarding to culinary arts.
Follow Akira Back on Instagram and Facebook.
Eric Lanlard
Eric Lanlard is a French pastry chef and cake designer in London. He has published cookbooks and appeared as a judge on shows like “The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice.”
Follow Eric Lanlard on Instagram.
Mehmet Gürs: Arrazuna
Finnish celebrity chef Mehmet Gürs blends his Turkish heritage with Finnish roots. He’s brought his culinary magic to Dubai with Arrazuna.
Follow Mehmet Gürs on Instagram.
