Prix Versailles has spoken, and the verdict is in: three restaurants from the Middle East have officially been named among the world’s most beautiful. But these aren’t just pretty spaces — they’re full-on experiences.
From secret doors in Riyadh to fire-lit theatrics in Dubai, these spots are redefining what dining out can look and feel like. Here’s the breakdown of the hottest tables in the region right now.
Gerbou – Dubai, UAE
This one’s for the culture lovers. Gerbou, hidden in Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba, is the kind of place where tradition and trendiness actually vibe together.
The name literally means “welcome to our humble home” — but trust, it’s giving anything but humble. Think fish-scale chandeliers, camel leather sofas, and ghaf wood chairs — basically an interior design tribute to the UAE’s roots, curated with serious finesse.
The space mirrors the restaurant’s food philosophy: 70% local ingredients, 100% innovative.
Chef Ionel Catau is out here remixing heritage recipes with a fine-dining edge. Gerbou isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a whole story of Emirati hospitality, told in bites and textures.
Smoked Room – Dubai, UAE
If dark and fiery were a restaurant, it would be Smoked Room. Brought to life by celeb chef Dani García, this place is all about moody lighting, black brick walls, mirrored surfaces, and subtle brass glow-ups that make you feel like you’re dining inside a slow-burning ember.
You’re guided through a tunnel of lights into the main event: an omakase-style dining room, where guests sit in a semicircle around the open kitchen and leave the entire menu in the chef’s hands. (Omakase is a Japanese word that basically means “leaving everything up to the chef” — perfect for foodies who love a surprise.)
Then you shift into a dessert zone with wood ceilings and a softer, zen-like energy. It’s like your taste buds and your Instagram feed are on a joint sensory journey. Fire, literally and figuratively.
Kimyona – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tucked away behind what looks like a moody art gallery, Kimyona is Riyadh’s best-kept speakeasy secret. The name means “incomparable” in Japanese, and honestly, it’s a vibe.
Designed by Azaz Architects, this spot looks like someone turned a photographer’s darkroom into a fine dining wonderland.
There’s a hidden door (yes, like in the movies), and when it opens — boom — you’re in a space filled with soft shadows, red glows, and walls made of reclaimed tiles and opaque glass bricks.
Even the ceiling’s made of steel sheets. It’s intimate. It’s edgy. And now, it’s historic — Kimyona just became the first Saudi restaurant ever recognized by Prix Versailles, putting Riyadh firmly on the global design map.
And the food? Asian classics that have been totally reinvented — forgotten dishes turned into bold culinary statements. This place doesn’t do distractions. It’s just you, the food, and the mood.
The Middle East’s Dining Scene Is the Moment
From cultural deep dives to high-concept visuals and theatrical plating, these three restaurants prove that the Middle East is more than just a foodie destination — it’s a design powerhouse. Whether you’re chasing a whole vibe or just want to eat somewhere that looks like it belongs in an art museum, these spots are serving it all — no crumbs left.
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