Dubai’s Ossiano receives Art of Hospitality Award by MENA’s 50 top restaurants

UAE – Fine dining restaurant located at Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm has received the Art of Hospitality Award, one of two special awards announced by the World’s 50 Best Group, the company behind MENA’s 50 best restaurants list.

Three weeks before the 2025 MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list is revealed, Dubai’s Ossiano received the Art of Hospitality Award for its “relentless pursuit of excellence” and ability to create “extraordinary experiences.”

Guillaume Barray, general manager of Ossiano, expressed his pride in the recognition, stating, “We pride ourselves in genuine hospitality and service paired with an unforgettable dining experience, so to be recognized for this award is a fantastic way to start the new year.”

Ossiano, which earned a Michelin star under chef Grégoire Berger, continues to offer its signature 10-course menu, priced at AED 1,250 (US$340).

Dishes include spirulina-coated meringue with Sicilian purple prawn tartare, langoustine with passion fruit and jalapeño, kokotxas with cod, black sauce, and Kristal caviar, and a nori tartlet with dry-aged yellowtail, wasabi ice cream, and umeboshi-flavored sesame seeds.

The Art of Hospitality Award, however, acknowledges more than just the food.

According to William Drew, director of content for Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants, the award highlights the team’s exceptional ability to create remarkable guest experiences.

The National’s visit confirmed this. In addition to the warm, knowledgeable service, guests are surprised with thoughtful touches, like being escorted to the bar and treated to a (non-tequila) tequila shot during the meal.

The setting of Ossiano is equally impressive. Located 10 meters below one of the world’s largest aquariums, diners have a direct view of marine life, including stingrays, sharks, and rainbow fish. It’s no surprise that the venue is a popular choice for marriage proposals.

Ossiano’s dining experience also emphasizes storytelling and presentation. From bowls resembling oversized crabs to cauliflower leaves designed to mimic coral movement, the plating is both playful and artistic.

Drew adds that the Art of Hospitality Award celebrates Ossiano’s ability to turn service into an art form, creating meaningful connections that transform dining into an emotional journey.

Tomislav Antonio Lokvicic Silva, general manager of La Mar by Gaston Acurio, notes that while food quality is a priority for many diners, service often takes precedence in five-star destinations, where perfection is expected.

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