Since opening Orfali Bros in 2021, Syrian chef Mohamad Orfali and his brothers, Wassim and Omar, have continuously showcased their culinary expertise. Their eponymous restaurant quickly grew into a homegrown favourite, earning them recognition across their community and the MICHELIN Guide.
Having first joined the MICHELIN Guide Dubai in its first and second editions as a Bib Gourmand, Orfali Bros has earned its one MICHELN star in 2024. This family-run eatery located in Al Wasl impressed MICHELIN Guide inspectors with the way in which its dishes matured and developed into becoming more complex and refined.
Given this rare milestone, we take a look into the inspector’s experience at this newly starred restaurant, from their arrival to some helpful tips to keep in mind when visiting the restaurant.
RELEVANT: The full list of winners from Dubai's MICHELIN Guide 2024 edition.
The arrival
On this sunny day in Dubai, the taxi from the Burj Khalifa takes about 15 minutes to the suburb of Al Wasl. The residential neighbourhood is on the western side of the city, sited next to a commercial plaza development close to La Mer beach and Mercato Mall. Unlike the towering urban landscape well-known to Dubai, this area is more subtle with low-rises buildings and villas scattered along the street."Inside you’re met with such genuine warmth, staff that show the true essence of hospitality; humble, endearing, super-friendly and relaxed. The general feel is that you’ve arrived in far more than a bistro, one glimpse of the dessert fridge packed with beautiful gateaux-like constructions fills you with a huge sense of anticipation."
Image: The two-story open kitchen is seen upon entry. Credit: Orfali Bros
The team
The team’s warm reception does not go unnoticed. Upon entry, one can already tell that the staff truly care about the place and want diners to feel the same."The charming staff deliver dishes at a steady pace, clearly, they all care here – they want you to cherish the experience. Dishes might be mixed together expertly by the waiter at the table, rather than leaving it to the diner – enhancing the flavours. The chefs in the kitchen are focussed, calm and seamlessly craft the dishes with such care."
The place
The two-story open kitchen inside the door is impressive, towering over the dining area which is flooded with natural light from the floor to ceiling windows. The simple décor allows complete focus on the food – there’s no distractions here. Furnishings are simple, plan wooden chairs blend with marble-effect tables and simple polished concrete floors. As for the atmosphere, it is warm and lively, with no empty tables and complimented by discrete music."The open kitchen becomes an intriguing focus of attention that your eyes are drawn to, the chefs working with care and such attention to detail."
Image: The team set the tables as natural light brightens the restaurant. Credit: Orfali Bros
The meal
The excitement starts to increase as the team carefully describes the menu. On one side of A4, is divided up into sections; ‘For one’ (smaller snacks), ‘Cold’, ‘Hot’ and a selection of pide (wonderful baked Turkish flat breads). Mediterranean at their core, there’s global influences too with many dishes informed by the three brothers roots in Syria. For a more in depth experience of the place, a 14-course tasting menu is also available."A ‘corn bomb’ snack gets the juices flowing and the mouth truly watering. Such punchy bold flavours, delivering terrific balance, shown in the tuna salsa roja with fermented tomato, presented with such care and delivering layers of flavour and complexity with such well-judged spice.
Beautifully crafted Gyoza Wagyu beef dumplings with contrasting creamy garlic yoghurt and balanced spice. The pide flatbreads straight out of the oven that are plump, moreish, and made from dough fermented for five days!
Finally, the verbally explained gateaux-like desserts displayed in the chilled glass-fronted cabinet - they look so good it’s impossible to decide which one to choose, and they wouldn’t be out of place in the finest Parisienne patisserie. They really do eat as well as they look – polished, refined and skilfully crafted."
MORE INSPECTOR FAVOURITES: Discover the dishes that inspectors loved during their time in Dubai.
Exclusive tips
• “Go for the 14-course tasting menu for the full experience.”• “If dining alone, take the waiters tips which dishes to order – they know which are most suitable and some can be served in half portions.”
• “Don’t consider arriving without a booking – you’ll get turned away!”
• “Desserts are so good, you’ll want to share.”
• “Ask staff for recommendations.”
• “You can order their desserts for collection – ideal to impress at your dinner party.”
• “Order a mix of dishes from each section to share and don’t hold back, you won’t regret it.”
Illustration Image: Orfali Bros
