2024 FACT Dining Awards: WINNERS

The tenth annual FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi took place on Thursday, 24 October at the picturesque beachfront setting of ERTH Hotel Abu Dhabi. A total of 49 awards were handed out across 25 categories, celebrating over 200 nominees, with more than 55,000 unique online votes cast by the public.

This year’s event saw Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage industry come together to honor the best in the capital. Around 300 guests gathered for a lively evening of delicious canapés and free-flowing drinks, enjoying the stunning shoreline views from Hidd at ERTH Hotel Abu Dhabi. Marking its tenth anniversary, the FACT Dining Awards once again highlighted the growing success of FACT Magazine in the capital.

The event drew a prominent crowd from Abu Dhabi’s hospitality scene, including top general managers, F&B directors, chefs, marketing and PR professionals, industry insiders, and social media influencers. Known for its relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, the awards ceremony was hosted by DJ Saif, who announced all 49 winners to enthusiastic cheers.

Edward Smith, Publishing Director of FACT Magazine FZ LLC, reflected on the milestone: “It’s hard to believe we’re now in our tenth year with the FACT Dining Awards. Abu Dhabi’s food scene has expanded rapidly, and we are thrilled to recognise both new venues and established classics at this event, which has become a key date on the city’s hospitality calendar.”

He added, “We are deeply honoured to host another successful event that has become the definitive platform for recognising excellence across Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage sector.”

Smith also noted that the turnout this year was one of the best in the region. He expressed gratitude to all nominees, winners, and sponsors—Bash Events, Bubble Bros, Dibba Bay Oysters, ERTH Hotel Abu Dhabi, Italtouch, Lyre’s, Monkey 47, Natural Boswella, Nusa Cana, Omnycon, Spinney’s, and Crystal Corp—whose contributions made the event possible. “We’re excited to return next year with even more surprises and new venues to celebrate.”

The FACT Dining Awards highlight excellence in the food and beverage industry, with winners chosen by both public vote and a panel of critics. Each category features two awards: BEST, selected by FACT’s editorial team and industry experts, and FAVOURITE, determined by public online voting.

Notable honours included Best Newcomer, awarded to TOTÓ Abu Dhabi at Mamsha Al Saadiyat, and Favourite Newcomer, which went to Craft by Side Hustle at The Galleria Al Maryah Island. NIRI Restaurant & Bar at Mamsha Al Saadiyat received the prestigious Restaurant of the Year award for the second year in a row. Other big winners were restaurants located in five-star hotels such as Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, alongside homegrown success stories such as Antonia and  Marmellata.

Social media buzzed with excitement as Abu Dhabi’s dining elite shared their experiences on Instagram and TikTok, with the FACT team offering behind-the-scenes glimpses via InstaStories on @factmagazines

Next month will see the eighth annual FACT Dining Awards in Dubai, followed by the second FACT Dining Awards Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

The FACT Dining Awards are part of a broader initiative by FACT Magazine FZ LLC, with popular dining awards also held in Bahrain, Dubai, Qatar, and Riyadh.