Orfali Bros Bistro Dubai is a Syrian-run restaurant at Wasl 51 Mall in Jumeirah 1. The Michelin Guide promoted it from one star to two on 7 October 2026. Dinner now centres on tasting menus. The shorter OG Menu was listed at AED 350 per person, and the longer Voyage Menu at AED 795 to 850 depending on the source. It’s closed on Tuesdays. Sources disagree on opening hours, so check before you go.
If you live in Dubai, you’ve probably heard someone say you have to try Orfali Bros. You’ve probably heard it’s hard to book, too. Both things are partly true.
What’s less clear is what you’d actually be paying for. A corn dish that people won’t stop talking about? An éclair that isn’t sweet? A Michelin-starred room that still feels like a bistro? This guide sorts through all of it. You’ll get the story, the menu, the prices in dirhams and the practical stuff, like when it’s open and how to book.
A quick note on sources. This guide draws on the Michelin Guide, the restaurant’s website, Time Out Dubai, The National, the World’s 50 Best and published reviews, not a personal visit. Menus and prices at Orfali Bros have changed a lot this year, so confirm details before you go.
The Story Behind Orfali Bros
Orfali Bros is a family business. Three brothers from Syria, Mohamad, Wassim and Omar Orfali, opened the restaurant in 2021 at Wasl 51 in Jumeirah 1. Their food draws on Aleppo, where the family comes from, along with Armenian and Turkish influences, and a lot of ideas picked up from travel.
The brothers split the work. Mohamad leads the savoury kitchen. Wassim and Omar run the pastry side, and one review noted that their contrasting styles shape the desserts. Pastry matters here more than it does in most restaurants, and you’ll see why when you get to the éclair.
They describe their cooking as bistronomy, a mix of bistro habits and fine-dining technique. The World’s 50 Best puts it as bringing Aleppian heritage together with Dubai’s food scene, through courses inspired by art, travel and life experiences. That explains the odd dish names on the menu. Nothing is called what you’d expect.
The recognition has been steady and, by now, hard to ignore.
- Michelin first gave it a Bib Gourmand, then a star, and in the 2026 guide announced on 7 October, it was promoted to two stars. The National reported it as one of the night’s biggest winners.
- It was named best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa in 2023, 2024 and 2025, according to restaurant coverage. In 2026, the World’s 50 Best lists it at number 4 in the MENA ranking.
- It ranked 37th on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025.
Mohamad Orfali also backed Manāo, the Thai-inspired tasting restaurant in Wasl Vita, so if you’ve been to one, you’ll start to see his fingerprints on the other.
Where to Find the Bistro
Orfali Bros is in Wasl 51 Mall, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai. Some listings give the building as D92 or Building D. Michelin lists it at Wasl 51 Mall.
You’ll find a few phone numbers online, including 04 258 0510 and +971 4 259 2477. Since listings disagree, use the contact details on orfalibros.com.
Wasl 51 is a low-rise complex with several restaurants, so you don’t need a hotel lobby or a tower lift to get in. If you live in Jumeirah, Al Safa or Al Satwa, you’re close. If you’re coming from Downtown or Business Bay, it’s an easy drive outside peak hours.
Getting there:
- Taxi or ride-hailing: The simplest option. Say Wasl 51 Mall, Al Wasl Road.
- Driving: Ask the restaurant about parking when you book, since the complex shares space with other busy venues.
- Timing: Al Wasl Road gets slow in the evening, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. Leave extra time, because a late arrival can cost you part of a tasting menu.
A Casual Setting for Creative Food
Calling Orfali Bros a restaurant feels a bit off. One 2025 reviewer said bistro is closer to the truth, and that matches the room. It has high ceilings, an open kitchen that spans two storeys and a pastry workshop you can see into. A dessert display case sits in a prominent spot, and that alone sets expectations.
The space has also changed. The restaurant closed for an overhaul and did a soft reopening in early January 2026, according to Time Out Dubai. Michelin describes it as refreshed with elegant wood panelling and designer furnishings, while keeping the two-storey open kitchen and pastry workshop. Earlier reviews mention marble-and-glass tables and uptempo music, though the new look may have changed some of that.
The service style is warm. One review described staff who tell the story behind each dish with humour. Another diner noted that Chef Mohamad stopped by their table to say hello. That kind of contact isn’t guaranteed, but it fits the bistro feel.
Dress code. I didn’t find an official dress code. A booking site describes the room as smart and elegant. Smart casual is a safe approach, and you don’t need to dress up like you would for a hotel restaurant.
Seating. Space is limited, and one listing notes that booking ahead matters. If you want to watch the kitchen, ask for a seat with a view of it when you reserve.
Orfali Bros Bistro Menu Guide
For years, Orfali Bros offered both an à la carte menu and a tasting menu. That’s changed. Michelin’s 2026 description says dining has evolved into tasting menus. The shorter OG highlights the signature creations, while Voyage reflects the brothers’ travels.
Here’s how the formats stack up, based on the restaurant’s website and recent press.
| Menu | Reported price (AED per person) | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| The OG Menu | 350 | The shorter tasting menu built around signature dishes, described by Time Out as the more accessible option |
| The Voyage Menu | 795 to 850 | The longer tasting menu, reported at 13 courses, with dishes from Syrian, Turkish and Armenian traditions |
| Aromas of Aleppo | 295 | Listed on the official site, contents not confirmed |
| Earlier 13-course menu (2025) | 680 | Reported before the 2026 overhaul |
An older à la carte menu existed before the changes, and I’ll cover its prices later. But if you’re planning a visit now, think in terms of the two tasting menus.
The OG Menu is the easier entry. It covers the dishes people already know, like the corn bomb and the éclair. The Voyage Menu goes deeper into new dishes and takes longer. Choose the OG if it’s your first visit or you want a lighter evening. Pick Voyage if you’ve already tried the greatest hits.
Middle Eastern Flavours with Global Influence
The easiest way to describe Orfali Bros is Levantine food with a passport. The base is Syrian, but the dishes pull from everywhere.
The Syrian and Aleppo roots. Aleppo chilli paste shows up in a burghul salad with tomato, puffed burghul, olive oil and shiso. A wagyu kebab with sour cherry, named “Come with me to Aleppo,” plays on a famous Aleppine pairing of meat and fruit. Moghrabieh, a large pearl couscous, has appeared with chickpeas and caramelised onion.
Turkish and Armenian touches. Michelin points to Syrian, Turkish and Armenian flavours in the Voyage Menu. Eggplant bayıldı, a dish with Turkish origins, appears in a reworked form. The pide, a boat-shaped flatbread, was praised in a review for its dough, which ferments for five days.
Everywhere else. And then the global part. A corn dish uses huitlacoche, a Mexican corn fungus. Soy-based tamari, wasabi and dashi bring in Japan. Marmite brings in Britain. Cured beef borrows from Spanish and Italian traditions.
One dish captures the approach well. The “liar” Swiss chard yalanji is stuffed with sushi rice. Yalanji is a Levantine dish of vine or chard leaves rolled around rice, and the Orfalis swapped the usual filling for sushi rice. It’s the kind of idea that sounds wrong until you taste it.
If you grew up in a Syrian or Lebanese household in the UAE, you’ll recognise the starting points. What changes is the twist.
Signature Plates Worth Ordering
Menus rotate, so treat this as a guide to dishes people mention, not a guaranteed list.
- Corn bomb: The restaurant’s best-known dish, covered in its own section below.
- Umami éclair: The savoury pastry that shows up in nearly every review.
- Caviar bun: Reported with smetana and chives. Prices of AED 105 to 109 have appeared in listings.
- Ooh la la: A foie gras dish with hazelnut, quince vinegar and hazelnut miso, noted by Time Out as one of the original dishes.
- Reworked eggplant bayıldı: A modern take on the Turkish classic, praised in several reviews for how it looks and tastes.
- Come with me to Aleppo: A wagyu kebab with sour cherry.
- Tuna salsa roja: Tuna with fermented tomato, which Michelin inspectors noted for layered spice.
- Charred scallop: Reported with smoked eggplant, brown butter, katsuo dashi and walnut.
- Onion cream caramel caviar with umami custard: A new dish on the Voyage Menu.
- Liar Swiss chard yalanji: The sushi-rice version, also new.
If you only get one menu, the OG covers most of the classics. The Voyage adds newer dishes, so you’ll see more of where the kitchen is heading.
Corn Bomb and Umami Éclair
These two dishes have a reputation that arrives before you do, so they deserve a closer look.
The corn bomb. It’s built on corn in several forms. The menu lists it as “all about corn,” with 36-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano, a corn custard and huitlacoche. A reviewer described a crunchy tostada base topped with corn custard, kernels and shaved Parmesan, with a sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the savoury side. A food writer pointed to the layers of corn texture, with huitlacoche adding umami and the aged cheese giving contrast. Michelin inspectors raved about its punchy balance.
It’s also cheap by the standards of the restaurant. An older à la carte list had it at AED 30, and a recent menu shows it as an AED 25 add-on. On the OG Menu, it’s often the opening course.
The umami éclair. It looks like a pastry, but it isn’t sweet. The filling is a porcini mushroom emulsion with Marmite, or yeast garum in some descriptions. It’s topped with a fermented quince glaze, cacao nibs and cured beef, which reviews have called beef prosciutto, coppa or cecina. One reviewer paired it with a raspberry and honey tepache.
Why does it work? The éclair pastry is delicate and slightly sweet. The filling is deep and savoury. The glaze adds a tart, fruity edge and the cacao nibs add a bitter crunch. You end up with something that tastes like a pastry and a mushroom dish at the same time.
An older menu listed it at AED 34. Time Out Dubai called the refreshed version pure genius. Reviewers describe it as a mashup, and that’s about right.
If you’re deciding whether the hype is real, these two dishes are the test. Both are on the OG Menu.
Orfali Bros Bistro Prices Explained
Prices have moved around, so here’s the clearest picture. All figures are AED per person unless noted.
| Item | Reported price | Source and notes |
|---|---|---|
| OG Menu | 350, including VAT | What’s On, June 2026 |
| Voyage Menu | 795 | Restaurant website snapshot |
| Voyage Menu | 850 | Time Out Dubai, January 2026, and What’s On, June 2026 |
| Voyage Menu | 750 | A restaurant directory listing |
| Aromas of Aleppo | 295 | Restaurant website, contents unclear |
| Earlier 13-course menu | 680 | 2025 reviews, before the overhaul |
| Corn bomb add-on | 25 | A restaurant directory listing |
The Voyage price is the one to double-check. The restaurant’s own site showed AED 795, Time Out and What’s On showed AED 850, and a directory showed AED 750. Those could reflect different dates or menu versions, so confirm when you book.
What that means for your bill. Two people on the OG Menu spend AED 700. Two people on the Voyage Menu spend roughly AED 1,590 to 1,700, depending on which price is current. Add supplements or drinks, and you’ll go above that. One OG Menu report said the price is inclusive of VAT, which helps with planning. Ask whether service charge is included.
Older à la carte prices. When the restaurant still had an à la carte menu, a listing showed items like OB croquettes at AED 21, the umami éclair at AED 34, ajoblanco at AED 57, the Mehicana corn and avocado salad at AED 70, the cheese pide at AED 72 and the tuna salsa roja at AED 88. Those figures are old and the à la carte menu may no longer run, so use them only to see how the restaurant used to price things.
Value check. At AED 350, the OG Menu undercuts many starred tasting menus in the city, some of which sit near AED 950 to 1,100 per person. A What’s On writer called it one of the best-value tasting experiences in Dubai. Even the Voyage Menu, at roughly AED 800 to 850, is below many peers.
Exploring the Curated Tasting Menu
Choosing between the OG and Voyage menus is the biggest decision you’ll make, so here’s how they differ.
The OG Menu. It’s the shorter experience and, according to Michelin, it highlights the restaurant’s signature creations. A recent description says it starts with the corn bomb, moves to the umami éclair and includes dishes like the caviar bun, tuna salsa roja, homemade moghrabieh and a wagyu kebab with sour cherry. It’s served for dinner, Wednesday to Monday, according to a June 2026 report.
The Voyage Menu. Time Out describes Orfali Bros 2.0 as having shed half its old menu to focus on a sharper vision, and the Voyage is a 13-course tasting menu. Michelin calls it Voyage 2.0 and says it reflects the brothers’ travels through Syrian, Turkish and Armenian flavours, with dishes such as sea scallop with OB hot sauce, tamari and wagyu coppa. It also includes the newer dishes, like the onion cream caramel caviar with umami custard and the sushi-rice yalanji, along with reworked classics.
Which to choose:
| If you… | Pick |
|---|---|
| Are visiting for the first time | The OG Menu |
| Want to try the famous dishes without a long evening | The OG Menu |
| Have been before and want something new | The Voyage Menu |
| Are celebrating and want the full story | The Voyage Menu |
| Have a smaller budget | The OG Menu |
A Time Out writer noted that the 13-course Voyage runs for a price that reflects an immersive, zero-filler experience. If you like the idea of a long, paced dinner, that’s the one.
Pairings. Reviews mention ferments and non-alcoholic pairings, including a raspberry and honey tepache served with the éclair. I couldn’t confirm whether the restaurant serves alcohol, so ask when you book if that matters to you.
Seasonal Ingredients and Bold Combinations
What stands out at Orfali Bros is how often a dish pairs ingredients you wouldn’t normally put together. And it works more often than you’d expect.
Fermentation everywhere. Fermented quince glaze on the éclair. Fermented tomato with the tuna. Dough fermented for five days in the pide. A tepache, which is a fermented drink, on the side. It gives the menu a backbone of sour and savoury flavours that you don’t find in a lot of Dubai restaurants.
Local and seasonal ingredients. The World’s 50 Best listing mentions courses like one with carrots and nasturtium, and another with local tomatoes, feta and sourdough. Those come from an older version of the menu, but they show the kitchen’s habit of building dishes around what’s in season.
Surprising pairings. Some combinations from recent reports:
- Marmite with porcini, in a pastry.
- Sushi rice inside a Levantine stuffed leaf.
- Wasabi with a caramel custard topped with caviar.
- Sour cherry with wagyu in a kebab.
Bold doesn’t mean random, though. Most of these pairings use the same trick. Something rich gets cut by something sour or bitter. The caramel custard gets wasabi. The wagyu gets sour cherry. The éclair gets quince and cacao.
Because the menu changes with the season and the kitchen’s mood, you won’t always see the same dishes. Ask your server what’s new.
Desserts and Finishing Touches
Pastry is half the identity at Orfali Bros. Wassim and Omar’s contrasting styles are a big reason, and the open pastry workshop is one of the first things you see in the room.
A review describes desserts that nod to French classics with Syrian soul, including éclairs, buns and gateaux. Reviewers singled out the lemon meringue and a Ferrero Rocher-inspired dessert.
Recent menu listings show a few newer sweet courses. One is a cream caramel caviar with umami custard, onion tamari caramel and wasabi. Another is a baklava with caviar, crème fraîche and Aleppo pistachio. A recent report also mentions an OB display dessert.
An older à la carte list priced desserts between AED 55 and 65. It included a fig tart, a pecan tart, a lemon cake, a Japanese square, a cherry dessert called Karaz and a whole Ferrero cake at AED 400. Those items may not be available now, but they show how the pastry team thinks.
If you have a sweet tooth, the pastry display is worth a look when you arrive. If you don’t, the savoury éclair is a good way to appreciate the same skills.
Reservations, Seating and Visiting Tips
A few things will help you land a table.
Where to book. Use orfalibros.com. Michelin also links to a reservation page for Orfali Bros. The official site lists a separate reservation option for another concept, so make sure you’re booking the right restaurant.
Opening hours. Sources differ, so here’s the full picture.
| Source | Days and times |
|---|---|
| Michelin Guide, 2026 listing | Monday 5:45 PM to 11:30 PM, Tuesday closed, Wednesday to Saturday 5:45 PM to 11:30 PM, Sunday 1:30 PM to 4 PM |
| Restaurant website | Wednesday to Monday, dinner |
| Time Out Dubai, January 2026 | Open daily, 8 PM to 11 PM |
| Older listings | Lunch and dinner every day |
The pattern seems to be that Tuesday is closed and dinner runs most days. Michelin’s listing suggests Sunday is lunch only, but the restaurant’s own site doesn’t say. Confirm the hours for your date.
How far ahead. Time Out Dubai noted the restaurant was fully booked much of the time. After the Michelin promotion in October 2026, demand is likely higher. Book as early as you can, especially for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Tips for your visit:
- Decide between the OG and Voyage menus before you arrive.
- Mention allergies and dietary needs when you book. Several dishes include shellfish, caviar, foie gras and beef.
- Ask about pairings, including non-alcoholic options.
- Arrive on time, since tasting menus run to a schedule.
- Ask about parking and confirm the menu version and the price.
- Check the schedule during Ramadan and public holidays.
Halal and dietary policies. I didn’t find a published halal statement. Dishes include foie gras and cured beef, so ask the restaurant directly if halal sourcing matters to you.
What Makes the Bistro Unique?
Dubai has plenty of tasting menus. A few things set Orfali Bros apart.
It’s family-run and homegrown. Three brothers who built the place from scratch in 2021, with a savoury side and a pastry side. It’s not an outpost of a global brand.
The recognition keeps climbing. From a Bib Gourmand to one star to two, along with number 1 in MENA for three years running and number 4 in 2026, plus a place on the World’s 50 Best list. Few restaurants in the region have that record.
It blends cultures without losing a point of view. Aleppo is always the anchor. The Mexican, Japanese and British touches serve the dish, not the other way around.
Pastry and savoury share the stage. In most restaurants, dessert is the last thing you think about. Here, the éclair arrives early and it isn’t sweet.
It keeps a bistro feel. An open kitchen, a dessert display case and a relaxed atmosphere. You can celebrate something without whispering.
It’s priced for repeat visits. At AED 350 for the OG Menu, you could eat here a few times a year without it feeling like a once-in-a-lifetime splurge. That’s rare for a two-star restaurant.
If you want a quiet, formal dinner, this may not be the right match. If you want a restaurant with personality and a point of view, it’s one of the clearest examples in the UAE.
Answers to Popular Dining Questions
1. Where is Orfali Bros Bistro in Dubai?
At Wasl 51 Mall, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai.
2. How many Michelin stars does Orfali Bros have?
Two. The Michelin Guide Dubai 2026 promoted it from one star to two.
3. How much does the tasting menu cost?
The OG Menu was listed at AED 350 per person in June 2026. The Voyage Menu has been listed between AED 750 and 850, depending on the source. Confirm current prices.
4. Can I order à la carte?
Michelin says dining has evolved into tasting menus. An older à la carte menu existed, so ask the restaurant if it’s still offered.
5. What are the opening hours?
Closed Tuesdays. Dinner runs most other days, and Michelin shows Sunday as lunch only. Check the current schedule.
6. What should I order?
The corn bomb and the umami éclair are the best-known dishes, and both are on the OG Menu.
7. Is there a dress code?
No official code was found. Smart casual is a safe choice.
8. How do I book?
Through orfalibros.com or the Michelin Guide’s reservation link.
9. Is there a non-alcoholic pairing?
Ferments and non-alcoholic pairings have been reported. Ask what’s available when you book.
10. Is it halal?
I couldn’t find a published statement. Ask the restaurant directly.
A Memorable Contemporary Dining Experience
Orfali Bros works because three brothers decided to cook the food they love, the way they want to. That sounds simple. It’s also the reason the restaurant has climbed from a Bib Gourmand to two Michelin stars in a few years, while keeping a room that still feels like a bistro.
The practical picture is straightforward. You’ll find it at Wasl 51 Mall in Jumeirah 1. The OG Menu is AED 350, and the Voyage Menu sits somewhere between AED 750 and 850. It’s closed on Tuesdays. Book early, since the Michelin promotion won’t have made tables any easier to get.
If you’re deciding where to start, order the OG Menu and pay attention to the corn bomb and the éclair. If they work for you, you’ll know the rest of the menu will too.
Check the hours and the menu, tell them what you can’t eat, and let the brothers take it from there.
I’m passionate about food and the rich culture of the UAE. I’ve spent years exploring authentic Emirati dishes and diverse cuisines from across the region. Through Habibi Menus, I want to make it easy for everyone to discover real restaurant menus, learn about traditional flavors, and enjoy the best food the UAE has to offer. I focus on sharing clear, simple, and helpful information so everyone can understand and enjoy the local food culture. When I’m not working on the site, I love visiting new restaurants and trying different dishes with my family and friends.