Dubai
In the bustling heart of Dubai’s Wasl 51 neighborhood, a culinary revolution is taking place, helmed by the Orfali brothers from Aleppo, Syria. A casual bistro with a relaxed atmosphere, Orfali Bros is not just a restaurant; it’s a testament to passion, family, and cultural fusion that has earned its place at the pinnacle of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants rankings for three consecutive years. Fast forward to 2025, and Orfali Bros is poised to re-enter The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, underlining its significant impact in just a few short years since opening its doors in 2021.
At the heart of this culinary endeavor are the three Orfali brothers: Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar. Each brother brings his own unique flair and expertise to the kitchen, creating a dynamic culinary experience that transcends traditional dining. The oldest brother, Mohammad, leads the charge as the head chef and the primary communicator within this family-run operation. With his extensive experience as a television chef and restaurateur across the Middle East, he has cultivated a deep understanding of flavors, techniques, and culinary traditions from around the globe. Mohammad mediates between the heritage of Arabic cuisine and the eclectic influences of other traditions, crafting a menu that is anything but conventional.
While Mohammad orchestrates the savory side of the kitchen, his younger brothers, Wassim and Omar, work their magic one floor above, where their pastry skills create a world of sweetness. Both are trained in the classic French pâtissier style but have developed their own contrasting approaches to pastry-making. This results in a dazzling array of desserts, buns, éclairs, and pastries that not only dazzle the eyes but also excite the palate, enhancing the overall experience at Orfali Bros.
What sets Orfali Bros apart is its singular menu philosophy—“anything goes, as long as the Orfali brothers love to eat it.” The brothers have taken traditional Syrian staples and intermingled them with international culinary favorites, producing dishes that are as diverse as they are delicious. This menu defies easy categorization, as it artfully blends ingredients and culinary techniques from various parts of the world, incorporating European culinary tropes with Asian elements, all while staying rooted in their Syrian heritage. One of the guiding mantras of the Orfali brothers is, “rules are meant to be bent and broken, with respect to our tradition,” a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates their innovative approach to cooking.
Inside Orfali Bros, diners are greeted by a vibrant, open space where the two-story kitchen takes center stage, allowing patrons to witness the culinary magic unfold right before their eyes. This layout emphasizes transparency and connection—two core principles of the Orfali philosophy. The casual dining environment fosters a sense of community, where the warmth and energy of the kitchen can be felt throughout the dining area, making each meal an immersive experience rather than just a meal.
The Orfali brothers’ journey has been one of perseverance, marked by a commitment to storytelling through food. Each dish on the menu carries a narrative, drawing inspiration from family memories, traditional recipes, and a shared love for food. The fusion of nostalgia and innovation resonates with both local residents and international visitors, capturing the imagination of a diverse dining audience in Dubai. The bistro’s atmosphere is imbued with the spirit of Aleppo, where dining was always a communal affair, filled with laughter, sharing, and vibrant flavors.
As the restaurant gained traction, it became clear that the Orfali brothers were not only revitalizing traditional Syrian cuisine but also pushing the boundaries of contemporary dining. Their innate ability to create a distinctive culinary narrative attracted food enthusiasts from all walks of life, eager to explore the innovative dishes that showcase their heritage and creativity. The unique experience provided by Orfali Bros is not just about eating; it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food.
Community engagement is also a significant part of their identity. The brothers have positioned Orfali Bros as a local hero within the Dubai dining scene, often collaborating with local farmers and producers to source fresh ingredients, adding an element of sustainability to their practices. This connection to the local community strengthens their roots, allowing them to share the authenticity of their heritage while embracing the multicultural fabric of Dubai.
The Orfali brothers’ passion, creativity, and dedication to their craft have undoubtedly set a new standard for dining experiences in the region. As they prepare to re-enter The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, it is evident that their journey is just beginning. With a captivating menu that reflects their journey as brothers and chefs, Orfali Bros stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when tradition meets innovation, and family is at the heart of the endeavor.
In an era where dining is increasingly becoming about experiences rather than just meals, the Orfali brothers have harnessed their culinary talents to create something genuine and heartwarming. Their story invites every visitor to join them at the table, share in their family’s journey, and indulge in a feast that transcends geographical boundaries—a true double top dining experience in the heart of multicultural Dubai.
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