Orfali Bros: Raising The Bar For Food In Dubai (And Beyond)

In a region where restaurant franchising and rapid expansion dominate, Orfali Bros has taken a bold, unconventional stance—choosing to remain a single-location restaurant in Dubai. 

For the co-founders, i.e. brothers Mohammad, Wassim and Omar Orfali, Orfali Bros is more than just a restaurant; it is a personal expression of their craft—a space where creativity, precision, and passion collide to create something truly unique. That’s why replicating it is out of the question. 

“Orfali Bros is not just a restaurant—it’s a living, breathing experience,” said Mohammed, CEO and Head of Culinary at Orfali Bros. “It cannot be duplicated because what we do here is deeply personal. The energy, the creativity, the details—these things don’t translate across multiple locations.”  

While many restaurateurs in the GCC see franchising as the ultimate growth model, Orfali Bros has chosen a different path. Their strategy is not about opening multiple outlets, but rather about deepening their impact through constant innovation. 

Instead of diluting the soul of Orfali Bros through expansion, the team has channeled their creativity into new, distinct concepts such as Manao and Three Bros—each with its own identity, rather than being mere extensions of the original. 

“We didn’t say no to expansion because it wasn’t financially tempting,”  Mohammad explained. “We said no because we knew it would dilute our essence. Instead, we choose to evolve, to push ourselves, and to create new concepts with their own stories.” 

A key element of Orfali Bros’ uniqueness comes from the culinary synergy between the three brothers. While Mohammad leads the creative vision in the kitchen, his brothers, Omar and Wassim, are both pastry chefs. But their expertise in pastry isn’t limited to desserts—it subtly elevates many of Orfali Bros’ savory dishes, adding unexpected textures, flavors, and techniques. 

“Pastry isn’t just about desserts,” Mohammad adds. “It’s about precision, balance, and structure. That’s why many of our savory dishes have pastry elements—it’s what makes them truly Orfali Bros.” 

Signature dishes like the umami éclair and caviar crème brûlée reflect this crossover, blending classic pastry techniques with bold, savory flavors—an approach that has become a hallmark of Orfali Bros’ creative edge. 

By prioritizing depth over breadth, Orfali Bros has set an example of sustained excellence and authenticity in the restaurant industry. And when Orfali Bros was crowned #1 on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants as well as gained recognition from the Michelin Guide, it cemented its place as a culinary landmark in Dubai.  

However, the impact wasn’t necessarily about more reservations—because Orfali Bros had already been fully booked from week one. “The biggest change wasn’t about more guests—it was about who was coming,” Mohammad shared. “Suddenly, we had chefs, critics, and global food lovers flying in just to experience Orfali Bros. That’s a different kind of pressure.” 

These awards have also transformed Orfali Bros from a local success into an international culinary destination. Indeed, it has become one of the most in-demand dining spots in Dubai, attracting a wave of industry professionals, food lovers, and travelers. 

But rather than resting on these laurels, the accolades have become a catalyst for continuous evolution—pushing the team to refine their craft, elevate creativity, and challenge expectations. For the Orfali brothers, these awards are not just trophies; they are a validation of their relentless hard work and commitment to excellence. 

“Awards are incredible, but they don’t cook the food,” Mohammad said. “At the end of the day, we have to show up, put in the work, and keep proving why we deserve to be here.” 

Clearly, Orfali Bros didn’t just ride the wave of success—they have used it as fuel to break new rules and set new standards. 

An Orfali Bros menu item. Image courtesy Orfali Bros.

Pushing The Envelope 

With great success comes even greater challenges. For Orfali Bros, being one of the most sought-after restaurants in Dubai brings its own set of pressures. For instance, managing reservations and guest expectations—how do you balance welcoming new diners, while ensuring that loyal guests still have access to a seat? 

There’s also the challenge of maintaining excellence under intense scrutiny. Every guest today arrives with sky-high expectations—as such, ensuring that every dish is perfect, every service is smooth, and every detail is memorable requires extreme dedication. 

One also needs to consider sustaining innovation in a fast-moving industry. Now, the Orfali brothers thrive on pushing boundaries, experimenting with flavors, and redefining Middle Eastern cuisine—but with global recognition comes the pressure to continuously reinvent themselves. 

However, Mohammad looks at these issues with a pragmatic mindset. “Success doesn’t make things easier,” he said. “It makes them harder. Once you’re at the top, you have to work twice as hard to stay there. That’s why we don’t stop evolving.” 

Orfali Bros has proven that true success isn’t about expansion—it’s about impact. Their journey is a testament to the power of authenticity, creativity, and staying true to a singular vision. And by keeping Orfali Bros exclusive yet ever-evolving, they have ensured that dining there remains a rare, unforgettable experience—one that simply can’t be copied. 

At the end of the day, Orfali Bros has redefined what it means to be a culinary success story in Dubai. While others focus on scaling up, they focus on scaling deeper—honing their craft, challenging conventions, and setting new benchmarks for excellence. 

“We didn’t open Orfali Bros to be the biggest—we opened it to be the best,” Mohammad declared. “And that’s exactly what we’ll keep striving for.” 

And that, in turn, is what makes Orfali Bros not just a restaurant, but a movement. 

About The Author

Hani AlMalki (@BedouinFoodie on Instagram) is a Dubai-based food writer and luxury goods executive with a deep passion for gastronomy. Known for his refined palate and immersive storytelling, he showcases the world’s finest dining experiences, from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gems. His content blends expert recommendations with striking visuals, captivating discerning food lovers. His viral tiramisu reel, which amassed over 14 million views, highlights his growing influence in the global food scene. With a background in luxury, Hani offers a unique perspective on the intersection of fine dining, premium brands, and elevated experiences. 

Pictured in the lead image are Orfali Bros co-founders Wassim, Mohammad, and Omar Orfali. Image courtesy Orfali Bros.