About the Awards
Celebrating the Best of Global Hospitality
The story, mission and process behind one of the world's most respected restaurant recognition programmes — founded in Dubai in 2021.
Honouring Culinary Excellence on a Global Stage
Founded in Dubai in 2021, the International Restaurant Awards give the world's best restaurants, chefs and hospitality teams a credible, independent platform to be recognised for their craft.
Merit first, always. Winners are chosen by an independent jury on the quality of their food, service and guest experience. There is no public voting and recognition can never be bought.
Merit First
Recognition is earned through genuine quality — the food, the service and the experience.
Truly Global
Restaurants from the Middle East, Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Oceania all take part.
Independent Jury
Every entry is reviewed by experienced, impartial hospitality professionals.
Innovation-Led
We celebrate fresh ideas in menus, concepts and the way guests are looked after.
Inclusive
Fine dining, cafés, casual venues and cloud kitchens are all judged on their own terms.
Prestige & Trust
A win is a mark of quality that guests, partners and media recognise worldwide.
Who Can Participate
The awards welcome the whole restaurant and hospitality community — from a single independent venue to a global group.
Fine Dining Restaurants
Gourmet and luxury restaurants delivering exceptional cuisine.
Casual Dining
Family restaurants, bistros and everyday venues.
Luxury Restaurants
Premium destinations defined by refinement and service.
Hotel Restaurants
Restaurants within hotels and luxury properties.
Resort Restaurants
Dining destinations within resorts worldwide.
Cafés & Coffee Brands
Cafés, coffee shops and specialty roasters.
Cloud & Delivery Brands
Cloud kitchens and delivery-first concepts.
Restaurant Chains & Brands
Multi-site brands, chains and groups.
Franchise Restaurants
Franchise brands and franchisees.
Healthy & Sustainable Dining
Venues leading on wellness and responsible sourcing.
Chefs & Culinary Teams
Executive chefs and the teams behind the kitchen.
Catering Companies
Catering and contract dining businesses.
Awards Schedule 2026
Limited nominations — first-come, first-served. Places in each category are limited and close once filled. Enter early to secure your place and allow the fullest review of your entry.
- May 2026Nominations Open — entries open to restaurants, chefs and groups worldwide.
- 30 Jul 2026Early Window Closes — last date for early-entry advantages.
- 15 Sep 2026Nominations Close — final deadline to submit an entry.
- Late Sep 2026Jury Review — 3rd–4th week: the independent jury evaluates every entry.
- Oct 2026Shortlist — finalists confirmed (internal stage).
- 14 Nov 2026Gala Ceremony — winners announced and celebrated in Dubai.
From Nomination to Recognition
A clear, merit-based journey — with an independent jury and no public voting.
Submit
Complete the online nomination form for your restaurant, chef or group.
Verification
Our team checks eligibility and confirms the details of your entry.
Independent Jury
Impartial hospitality experts score each entry against the criteria.
Shortlist
The strongest entries in each category are shortlisted.
Merit Selection
Winners are decided purely on merit by the jury — never by popularity or sponsorship.
Winner Confirmation
Confirmed winners are notified and invited to the gala.
Gala Celebration
Winners are announced and celebrated live in Dubai.
Merit-based · No public voting
Every decision rests with the independent jury alone.
Judging Criteria
Merit only. No public voting. Each entry is scored across seven weighted areas that total 100%.
Cuisine & Menu Quality
Flavour, technique and creativity.
Service & Hospitality
Warmth and professionalism.
Consistency
Reliable quality, every service.
Ambience & Design
Atmosphere and sense of place.
Innovation & Concept
Originality of the offer.
Guest Experience
Loyalty and satisfaction.
Sustainability & Sourcing
Responsible, quality ingredients.
Gala Ceremony
An unforgettable black-tie evening that brings the global hospitality community together in Dubai.
Evening Agenda
- 5:00 PMDoors Open — Meet & Greet
- 6:00 PMRed Carpet & Photos
- 7:00 PMOpening Entertainment
- 7:30 PMAwards Presentation
- 8:30 PMWinners' Speeches & Photos
- 9:00 PMGala Dinner & Networking
- 9:30 PMEvening Entertainment
- 11:00 PMProgramme Concludes
Gala Highlights
- Venue — The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
- Date — 14 November 2026
- Time — 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Dress Code — Black-Tie
- Live — winners announced on stage
- Network — restaurateurs, chefs, leaders & media
Gala Ceremony Testimonials
Winner Testimonial
Chamisse Restaurant · London (UK)
Winner Testimonial
Indian Tandoori · Ireland
Winner Testimonial
Pierre's TT · Dubai (UAE)
Win Your Place on Stage
Join the restaurants and chefs celebrated at the Dubai gala.
- Recognition on a global stage
- Network with industry leaders
- Showcase your team's achievement
Fee / Cost
Two simple steps, clearly priced. You only consider the second step if you win.
Nomination Fee
Step one — required to take part
Choose a nomination plan to enter your restaurant or chef for independent evaluation. Plans differ by the number of awards, categories and the level of visibility you receive. Paying never guarantees a win.
Winner Package
Step two — confirmed winners only
Confirmed winners can choose a recognition package — from a digital pack to deluxe packages with a trophy, certificate, gala passes and media features — to celebrate their achievement.