The World's Best 50 Restaurants list was announced this week, and while no Middle East-based restaurant crossed the top 50, both Zuma Dubai and La Petite Maison figured in the top 100, at 77 and 81 respectively.
This is not the first time these venues have made it to the top 100. However, both restaurants have climbed up the list. In the first year of ranking, Zuma was at 83 and La Petite Maison at 96.
When contacted, Zuma Middle East managing director Ajaz Sheikh told Caterer: "To be listed in the World’s 50 Best ranking just once was an incredible achievement; to be recognised for the second year was a surprise and perhaps luck. But the third year in a row and moving up significant places in a global list is just enormous. It will take some sinking in."
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He pointed out that the restaurant had moved up 10 places from 87th spot last year. He added: "This means that Zuma Dubai has gained not only support of the regional judges, but also growing numbers of votes from the international panel, despite the numerous new entries in the list as well as the new openings that have taken place in the past 12 months, locally and globally.
"It’s exciting to have this global endorsement of Zuma’s role in the Middle East culinary scene; this year, we’re incredibly proud of this aspect of the award."
With only two Dubai-based venues making the list, Sheikh said: "For me, it’s all about consistency in all aspects of the experience; not just one. From food to beverage, to ambiance, to service, to music, to repeat customers. Our team is even busier now then ever before but sill providing the same standard of service and cuisine, if not better, as it was on day one. It’s not easy to achieve, but I feel that the restaurants who can attain this will be recognised on a global scale. The door is not closed."
Zuma climbing up the list is a great achievement, but the Middle East is still waiting to break the golden 50 barrier. When asked what it would take for this to happen, Sheikh added: "Ultimately it will come down to us focusing on our guests and the experience. And definitely on the part of Dubai’s growing presence on the global culinary map, leading to increased recognition from chefs, critics and other foodie influencers."
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