Orfali Bros Bistro Review

Or Zentner

Securing the #1 spot on the San Pellegrino 50 Best list of MENA (Middle East and North Africa) in 2023, 2024, and 2025, Orfali Bros Bistro is not just another upscale restaurant in Dubai. After its regional recognition, the restaurant was placed at #37 in the Global 50 Best list, above some of the world's leading institutions. It tells the story of three brothers who wanted to bend the rules of tradition without losing their roots. Their philosophy is woven into every plate. At Orfali Bros, food isn’t only cooked; it’s spoken, translated, and reinvented. The brothers blend memories of their past with playful creativity, pushing boundaries in pastries and modern Middle Eastern dishes while maintaining a familiar sense of comfort.

The interior combines elegant modern design with warm, earthy tones, giving the space a cozy yet vibrant feel. Open shelving, a visible kitchen concept, and carefully curated art pieces highlight the playful creativity and dedication to culinary experimentation. Although I expected Orfali Bros to be something special, due to its high placement on the Global list, I couldn’t have imagined how exceptional my personal experience would be. Our conversation with the waiter upon arrival first signaled this. Our waiter described this meal as one that we would not forget, that the phrase "everything is amazing" was one he often used, but never lightly—I can now relate and agree with him. After a lengthy discussion, when he ensured we were familiar with everything on the menu, we began with the small bites.

While everything we tasted was absolutely delicious, the "Corn Bomb" was a standout by far. The dish consists of three different textures of corn—creamy, crunchy, and velvety—with the addition of a 36-month aged Parmesan mountain for extra umami. Something you learn at Orfali Bros Bistro is the real meaning of the word "umami". For the unfamiliar readers, umami isn't a taste; it is a feeling. Umami is sometimes also described as the fifth natural taste, along with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter, and is often described as a savory or meaty flavor. Umami adds depth and richness to dishes, creating a sense of fullness and enhancing the flavors of other ingredients. While umami is something you can experience in nearly all inventive restaurants in 2025, Orfali Bros masters it in an unparalleled way. The fact that each bite keeps developing its flavours for a long time truly gives an exciting experience.

A bite that caught me off guard was the "Guess What?!?". While the waiter ensured we had no allergies, he didn't say anything about the ingredients of the dish, and served us a small bowl of salad and poured a cold liquid on top. We had to guess what was in the salad and cold soup, which were served in a unique traditional Orfali way with a wooden-made Khandjukha (spoon). We were told that this dish used to be called Fatush, as the classic Middle Eastern bread salad; however, the senior Middle Easterners didn't accept the name, claiming it was too innovative and not loyal to its origins. Later on, Fatush was replaced with the word Gazpacho; however, the Spanish crowd argued its imprecise nature with the original dish. So, Orfali Bros eventually named its dish "Guess What?!?", since who could have a problem with such a literally ambiguous name? The flavours were super fresh. This is a dish I could keep eating again and again.

The dessert cabin at Orfali Bros Bistro could hold its own against any patisserie in Paris. When the waiter asked for my order, I shot back, “What’s the weirdest thing you’ve got?” A few minutes later, I found myself staring at the black sesame cube—strange, elegant, and shockingly delicious. Like everything else on the entire menu, this dessert didn't taste like anything I've ever had before.

My experience at Orfali Bros Bistro was unmatched. On top of being probably the most unique meal I have ever had, it was definitely the most fun and casual Michelin-starred restaurant I have ever been to. It’s clear the brothers who curated this ingenious menu aren’t just chefs; they really are a family, united by “Taste. Texture. Ingredients.” Each dish reflects their vision, multicultural influences, and commitment to turning local ingredients into “a work of gastronomical art.” In an extravagant city like Dubai, overflowing with restaurants seeking attention, Orfali Bros Bistro succeeds without fuss, just as they promise: “No stress, no fuss. Only guaranteed satisfaction.”