The middle child makes moves
In a city known for high-gloss openings and headline-grabbing chefs, Middle Child has quietly carved out a space that feels refreshingly personal. The new-ish Alserkal Avenue spot has quickly become a mcuh-loved concept in the city, and has now been named winner of the One To Watch Award 2026, as part of the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 — and it’s easy to see why.
Chef Lynn Hazim, a middle child herself, decided she wanted to own her fate, and hence was born Middle Child, a restaurant, a cookbook shop and a grocer, but most importantly, a communal space, where you’ll find your family, no matter whether you’re a middle child or not. Beirut-born, Dubai-based and food-first, Lynn spent 10 years at Google before she decided tech was not what she wanted for herself. She wanted giant slices of cheesecake and saucy bowls of Bolognese.
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Middle Child blurs the lines between restaurant, cookbook shop and gourmet pantry. It’s less about theatre and more about warmth, the kind of place that feels like being welcomed into a friend’s home rather than booking a table for dinner.
Food With Soul
At the heart of Middle Child is food that’s honest, comforting and deeply personal. The menu draws inspiration from family recipes and the kind of dishes you crave rather than photograph. Chief among them is Hazim’s slow-cooked bolognese, which has already earned cult status among Dubai’s in-the-know diners.
This is food designed to nourish, not impress for the sake of it — plates that feel familiar, generous and made with care.
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Set within the creative hub of Alserkal Avenue, Middle Child is closely tied to its neighbourhood. Hazim and her team are often on the floor, greeting guests and shaping the experience in real time. That sense of presence and personal involvement is central to the restaurant’s appeal, creating an atmosphere that’s relaxed, intimate and genuinely welcoming.
Cosy interiors, shelves lined with cookbooks and the option to take home thoughtfully sourced ingredients all reinforce the idea that food here is meant to be shared, not staged.
What’s Next for Middle Child?
While the One To Watch Award marks a major milestone, Middle Child is only just getting started. Plans are already in place to expand into workshops, collaborations and community-led events, further cementing its role as a creative and cultural space, not just a place to eat.
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With its heartfelt approach to cooking, strong sense of community and quietly ambitious vision, Middle Child’s recognition as One To Watch for 2026 feels entirely deserved — and positions it as a future fixture in Dubai’s ever-evolving food scene.
@middlechildmiddlechild, @_nosoupforyou
Image credit: @middlechildmiddlechild on Instagram
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
