The residential streets of Jumeirah seem an unlikely stage for culinary revolution, yet tucked within the contemporary plaza of Wasl 51 mall, Orfali Bros Bistro has quietly established itself as one of Dubai’s most compelling dining destinations. What began as three brothers’ shared passion for food has evolved into a restaurant that earned recognition on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, a Michelin star, and a whole host of other awards attracting food enthusiasts from across the world.
The establishment defies easy categorisation. Part neighbourhood bistro, part experimental kitchen, part family enterprise, it operates with the informal energy of a local favourite while delivering the sophisticated flavours expected of Dubai’s finest restaurants. The brothers’ approach to cuisine reflects their own journey: rooted in Syrian traditions yet shaped by extensive travels and an insatiable curiosity about global flavours.
The restaurant’s philosophy centres on three fundamental principles: taste, texture, and ingredients. This trinity guides every decision, from the selection of local produce to the final presentation of each dish. The result is a menu that reads like a personal diary, with each creation telling the story of the brothers’ experiences, travels, and cultural encounters.
The space and atmosphere
The dining room at Orfali Bros immediately sets expectations for something different. The dominant feature is a striking two-storey open test kitchen that occupies the heart of the space, creating an almost theatrical dining environment. This transparent approach to cooking means nothing is hidden from view—the creative process becomes part of the entertainment.
The upper level houses the pastry section, where Wassim and Omar craft their innovative desserts, while the ground floor serves as Mohammad’s domain for savoury preparations. The open concept creates an energy that flows throughout the intimate dining room, where approximately 40 covers ensure every guest receives personalised attention. The layout encourages interaction, with Mohammad frequently leaving the pass to visit tables and explain the inspiration behind each dish.
Both indoor and outdoor seating options are available, with the outdoor terrace taking advantage of Dubai’s pleasant winter months. The casual bistro atmosphere deliberately avoids pretension, instead focusing on warmth and hospitality that reflects the brothers’ family-oriented approach to hospitality.
The culinary philosophy
The menu reflects a deliberate rejection of fusion cuisine as typically understood. Rather than combining flavours for novelty’s sake, the brothers draw from their personal experiences and cultural heritage to create dishes that feel both familiar and surprising. Their approach might be described as emotional cooking—each dish connects to a memory, a place, or a moment that shaped their culinary perspective.
Local sourcing forms a cornerstone of their philosophy, with the restaurant maintaining relationships with regional farmers and suppliers to ensure the highest quality ingredients. Seasonality drives menu changes, ensuring regular patrons always discover something new. This commitment to freshness and locality aligns with Dubai’s growing emphasis on sustainable dining practices.
The presentation style balances playfulness with sophistication. Dishes arrive with unexpected elements, hidden components, or surprising combinations that challenge preconceptions about Middle Eastern cuisine. The brothers’ background in fine dining ensures technical excellence, while their family heritage provides the emotional foundation for each creation.
Signature experiences
Among the restaurant’s most celebrated creations, the caviar bun stands out as a perfect example of the brothers’ approach to luxury ingredients. This single-bite wonder combines premium caviar with house-made bread, creating a moment of pure indulgence that justifies its reputation among Dubai’s food enthusiasts.
The corn bomb shows another dimension of their creativity, transforming a humble ingredient into something extraordinary through technique and presentation. These one-bite experiences have become signatures of the restaurant, offering concentrated flavour explosions that leave lasting impressions.
Perhaps most intriguing is the dish simply called “guess what?”—a playful creation that combines elements of fattoush, Greek salad, and gazpacho into something entirely new. This hybrid demonstrates the brothers’ confidence in their vision, trusting diners to embrace the unexpected. The fragrant and spicy salad known as “eat H” showcases their ability to balance complex flavours while maintaining clarity of taste.
The shish barak à la gyoza represents their sophisticated approach to cultural fusion, taking traditional Levantine dumplings and reimagining them through an Asian lens. This dish encapsulates their philosophy: respecting traditions while pushing boundaries to create something uniquely their own.
The sweet conclusion
The dessert programme at Orfali Bros deserves particular attention, given that two of the three brothers specialise in pastry. The patisserie display serves as both showcase and temptation, with creations that prioritise visual impact alongside flavour complexity. Each dessert reflects the same attention to storytelling that characterises the savoury menu.
The OB banoffee cake has become a signature, reimagining the classic British dessert through the brothers’ contemporary lens. The karaz represents their most ambitious sweet creation, combining sour cherries with rich dark chocolate in a presentation that mimics an oversized, glossy version of the fruit itself. These desserts demonstrate technical mastery while maintaining the accessible charm that defines the entire restaurant experience.
For those unable to choose, the option to take boxes of confections home extends the experience beyond the dining room, allowing guests to share the brothers’ creativity with friends and family. This approach reflects their generous hospitality and understanding that great dining experiences should create lasting memories.