Two Kuwait-Based Restaurants Make the 50 Best Restaurants List for MENA

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Cantina and Matbakhi Earn Spots on Prestigious MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants List

Two Kuwait-based restaurants have been recognised among the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2026, a prestigious annual ranking that celebrates the region’s top dining destinations.

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Cantina, a contemporary Italian restaurant in Kuwait City, claimed an impressive 18th place on the list, marking one of the highest positions ever achieved by a Kuwaiti restaurant.

Also earning recognition was Matbakhi, a restaurant known for its vibrant and authentic Middle Eastern flavours. Matbakhi secured the 50th spot, placing it among the region’s 50 best dining establishments.

The annual 50 Best Restaurants list is compiled through votes from over 250 industry experts, including chefs, restaurateurs and food critics, who evaluate restaurants across the Middle East and North Africa. The ranking not only highlights standout culinary experiences but also showcases the diversity of the region’s gastronomic scene.

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Cantina’s high ranking reflects growing international recognition for Kuwait’s emerging food culture, while Matbakhi’s inclusion underscores the rising appreciation for contemporary takes on traditional flavours. Together, these honours underscore Kuwait’s evolving place on the MENA culinary map.

The full 2026 list features a range of acclaimed restaurants from across the region, with entries from cities including Dubai, Beirut, Cairo and Marrakech.