A Culinary Maverick
Chef Neha Mishra, an Indian national based in Dubai, has achieved a significant culinary milestone by leading Kinoya to be recognized as the UAE's premier
dining establishment for 2026, according to the esteemed 50 Best ranking. Her journey into the heart of Japanese cuisine, particularly her deep dive into the art of ramen, is far from conventional. Unlike many chefs who follow traditional culinary education or apprenticeships in renowned kitchens, Mishra's path was forged through independent exploration, dedicated research, and countless hours of hands-on practice. Before dedicating herself entirely to the culinary world, she honed her skills in creative sectors outside of hospitality, which perhaps lent a unique perspective to her eventual gastronomic pursuits. Her passion for Japanese cooking, and ramen specifically, blossomed organically, driven by a personal quest for mastery rather than formal training. This unconventional approach has ultimately set her apart, contributing to Kinoya's distinctive identity and its ascent to the pinnacle of dining excellence in the region.
From Home Kitchen to Acclaim
The genesis of Kinoya, now the UAE's Best Restaurant of 2026, can be traced back to a humble beginning long before its official establishment. Around the mid-2010s, Chef Neha Mishra initiated a series of reservation-only ramen dinners hosted from her own Dubai residence, a venture she aptly named 'A Story of Food.' What began as intimate gatherings for a select few gradually expanded through organic word-of-mouth recommendations. Over several years, thousands of guests had the unique opportunity to experience her meticulously crafted ramen in a home setting, which proved to be an ideal environment for honing her skills and experimenting with flavours without the intense pressures of a commercial kitchen. This foundation of controlled experimentation and intimate customer engagement laid the groundwork for what would later become Kinoya, a physical restaurant that opened its doors in 2021, carrying forward the same niche focus and commitment to quality that defined its early iterations.
Kinoya's Distinctive Approach
Kinoya, since its brick-and-mortar debut in 2021, has intentionally preserved the focused culinary ethos that characterized its preceding home-based operations, establishing itself as a standout Japanese izakaya. The restaurant deliberately maintains a concise menu, prioritizing a limited selection of ramen broths and styles to ensure unparalleled depth, exquisite balance, and unwavering consistency in every dish served. This commitment to a tightly curated offering distinguishes it in Dubai's dynamic dining landscape, which often leans towards extensive tasting menus and opulent experiences. The restaurant's physical layout emphasizes a convivial atmosphere, featuring an open kitchen and a chef's counter at its core, fostering an intimate connection between diners and the culinary team. The seating arrangements are informal, and the menu is thoughtfully designed to evoke comfort and satisfaction. This dedication to executing a few dishes exceptionally well has been pivotal to its growing reputation and eventual recognition.
Global Reach and Steady Rise
Kinoya's influence and recognition expanded significantly on an international scale in 2023 with the opening of a dedicated ramen bar within the prestigious Harrods department store in London. This strategic expansion marked a new chapter for the Dubai-based eatery, bringing its signature ramen to a global audience. Since its inception in 2021, Kinoya has consistently garnered accolades, including a Bib Gourmand mention in the Michelin Guide Dubai and repeated appearances on the MENA 50 Best Restaurants list leading up to its 2026 triumph. Its ascent to the top hasn't been a singular meteoric event, but rather a steady, incremental climb, with each acknowledgment reinforcing its esteemed position within the Middle Eastern culinary conversation. The restaurant's 2026 title as the Best Restaurant in the UAE reflects a broader evolution in the nation's dining scene, celebrating restaurants that prioritize technical skill and focused execution over sheer opulence, often alongside established fine-dining venues.
