Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants today announces Dubai’s Kinoya as the winner of its coveted One To Watch Award 2022. The accolade recognises a rising star restaurant within the region which 50 Best believes has the potential to break into the list in the years to come. It will be presented to Kinoya’s founder and ‘Ramen Queen’ Neha Mishra at the gala ceremony of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2022, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, taking place in Abu Dhabi on 7th February.
Mishra burst onto the Dubai dining scene with the supper club she ran from her home, called A Story of Food. During its tenure, it fed over 7,000 guests, serving a six-course Japanese menu with Mishra’s ramen bowl as its centrepiece. The success led to the opening of Kinoya, located at the Onyx Tower in The Greens in April 2021, which was initially conceptualised as a ramen shop, but finally took the shape of an izakaya to showcase more of Mishra’s outstanding Japanese technique.
Since opening its doors, Kinoya has quickly distinguished itself with its warm, welcoming atmosphere, offering a space to gather to work, eat, drink, catch-up and unwind. It is matched with a unique and authentic menu featuring classical Japanese dishes such as tsukene and tamago sando, and other delicacies, as well as a large selection of ramen and a strong robata section. It is egalitarian and offers excellent value in terms of price point and accessibility.
Kinoya represents the simplicity of Japanese discipline and sophistication, which is also reflected in the venue’s layout and décor. The restaurant is divided into a ramen counter, an open seating area, a bar, a chef’s table and two tatami rooms for private dining. The multiple sections within the restaurant allow for completely different experiences on each visit to the venue.
William Drew, Director of Content for 50 Best, says: “At Kinoya, Neha Mishra has created a one-of-a-kind space within the bustling city of Dubai. From the moment of walking through the door, Kinoya transports guests to an authentic Japanese izakaya, where the décor and outstanding food come together as one. Mishra’s ramen, as you might expect from someone who has studied the dish so extensively, is nothing
short of stunning. We are delighted to name Kinoya as the One To Watch as part the overall MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants awards programme.”
Chef Mishra says: “We are humbled by the recognition and are delighted to be the winner of the first One To Watch Award at MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. To receive this award just 11 months after opening is a dream come true. We have tried to create a relaxed space where anyone – no matter where they are from or how much they earn – can come an enjoy a good meal. The award is a credit to my team and everyone’s hard work; we are just starting out on our journey, but this award shows us we are on the right path.”
The first edition of Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants event programme will make its debut in Abu Dhabi in just a few weeks’ time, culminating in the awards ceremony and unveiling of the list, and providing a unique opportunity for chefs, gourmets, and food and travel media from all over the region to gather and celebrate cuisine and hospitality.
