Ali Fikree, Senior Vice President, UAE Investments, Mubadala, said: “We are proud to partner with the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants for the second edition of the event in Abu Dhabi. Our support for this exciting opportunity showcases Al Maryah Island’s role as premier business and lifestyle destination, bringing some of the world’s most iconic dining experiences to Abu Dhabi. As home to a selection world-class restaurants, we look forward to contributing to this prestigious, internationally-recognized event, and demonstrating the gastronomic excellence we offer.” 

Al Maryah Island will host four 50 Best Signature Session collaboration events spanning global gastronomic excellence from Japan and China to Italy and Lebanon. Acclaimed chefs from around the world will make special one-night-only appearances at The Galleria’s Almayass and 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s Dai Pai Dong, and Four Seasons Al Maryah Island’s Café Milano.  

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant x Hiroyasu Kawate  

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is one of just three restaurants in the UAE capital to have received a Michelin star, and on 27 January the experience will be elevated even further as Hiroyasu Kawate creates a modern Japanese menu for one evening only. As the chef-owner of Florilège in Tokyo, Hiroyasu Kawate is at the head of a new generation of forward-thinking Japanese chefs. Having risen to be ranked No.3 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022, Florilège debuted on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list the same year. 

Expect an exceptional omakase experience served in 99 Sushi’s elegant surrounds at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. AED 990 per person with beverages pairing. 

Date: 27 January 2023. Seating is limited.  
To reserve, call +971 (0)2 672 3333. 

Dai Pai Dong x Vicky Cheng 

Vicky Cheng is the dynamic Hong Kong chef behind French-Chinese restaurant Vea and the newer Wing, which focuses purely on regional Chinese cuisines. Having opened in 2021, Wing is already ranked in the extended list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Chef Cheng will work in tandem with Dai Pai Dong’s own Chef Nie Dong and team to create a very special 8-course Cantonese-focused menu paired with beverages and inclusive of a cocktail reception for AED 888 per person. 

This exciting collaboration follows the hugely popular Tim Raue dinner at the same venue in February 2022 and promises to provide an even more refined and memorable experience. 

Date: 28 January 2023. Seating is limited.  

To reserve, call +971 (0)2 813 5588 or email abudhabi.daipaidong@rosewoodhotels.com.  

Café Milano x Jessica Rosval 

Café Milano in Four Seasons on Al Maryah Island is notorious for its warm hospitality and authentic Italian dishes, and is the perfect location for an evening of culinary decadence with globally renowned chef Jessica Rosval. Hailing from Canada, but based in Italy for almost a decade, Rosval is the head chef at Casa Maria Luigia, the luxury boutique guesthouse-restaurant from Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore of Osteria Francescana fame. There, Rosval recreates a selection of classic dishes from OF (formerly The World’s Best Restaurant, now part of the ‘Best of the Best’ hall of fame), as well as introducing her own specialities.  

Rosval, considered a rising star in international food, will introduce her own signatures to a six-course Italian feast, priced at AED 870 including beverages pairing. Diners can also expect a special guest appearance from celebrity chef Massimo Bottura himself. 

Date: 31 January 2023. Seating is limited. 
Reserve online at www.fourseasons.com/abudhabi/cafe_milano or email cafemilano.abudhabi@fourseasons.com. 

Almayass x Athanasios Kargatzidis 

Almayass, awarded the Michelin star in 2022, will host the final 50 Best Signature Session in Abu Dhabi for 2023. Athanasios Kargatzidis – aka ‘Chef Tommy’ – is a major personality in Middle Eastern food with his flagship, Baron, named The Best Restaurant in Lebanon at MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022. He will bring his mix of Mediterranean and Levantine ingredients and influences to Abu Dhabi’s premium Lebanese establishment situated along the waterfront at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. 

Expect a true Lebanese feast with an array of spectacular sharing dishes for AED 600 per person, with optional beverages pairing for AED 150. 

Date: 01 February 2023. Seating is limited.  

For reservations, email reservation.ad@almayass.com. 

Building on Success 

This will be the second edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants in Abu Dhabi, and promises to build upon its successful inaugural event with even more exceptional collaborations and as a platform for thought-leadership and industry development. In 2022, the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list highlighted the diversity and richness of the region’s gastronomy, featuring restaurants from 14 cities, and recognizing Butcher & Still and Coya on Al Maryah Island as among the top culinary destinations in the region.  

Al Maryah Island also hosted two exclusive collaboration dinners with renowned chefs at Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s Dai Pai Dong and The Galleria Al Maryah Island’s LPM Restaurant & Bar. Additionally, Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s Em Sherif Sea Café was named as one of the 7 leading restaurants in Abu Dhabi by The World’s 50’s Best Restaurants.  

For more information on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants please visit: www.theworlds50best.com or @theworlds50best on social media channels. For more information about Al Maryah Island, please visit www.almaryahisland.ae or @almaryahisland on social media channels.