Abu Dhabi's Culinary Brilliance Shines Brighter

Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide 2026: New Restaurants, Old Stars and Culinary Awards

Abu Dhabi's gastronomic map shines ever brighter as the fourth edition of the Michelin Guide reached a new milestone in 2026. The ceremony held in the stunning halls of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental wasn't just about awarding stars, but also about how the city is increasingly becoming a significant gastronomic destination on the global stage.

Three restaurants retain their Michelin stars

This year's edition sees three restaurants—Erth, Hakkasan, and Talea by Antonio Guida—successfully retaining their one-star status. These eateries already captured attention last year and continue to prove they are worthy of recognition by Michelin inspectors. A one-star rating indicates excellent cooking that is “worth a stop”.

Chef Lee Kok Hua of Hakkasan presented dishes like Yuzu Crunch and black truffle seafood dumplings at the awards, among other Asian-inspired specialties that represent the spirit of the restaurant.

New Bib Gourmand Restaurants – Great Quality for Outstanding Value

One of the most exciting developments this year was the awarding of Bib Gourmand ratings, given to restaurants that offer quality meals at affordable prices. Three new establishments joined this list:

3 Fils Abu Dhabi – the counterpart of the well-known Dubai restaurant, which opened its doors in the capital in July.

Bua Thai Café – offering authentic Thai cuisine in a friendly environment.

Goldfish – known for modern, creative presentation yet affordable pricing.

Alongside these, ten restaurants now boast Bib Gourmand status in Abu Dhabi, including perennial favorites like Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro, and Ryba, which were already featured last year.

Further 43 Restaurants in Michelin Selection

The Michelin Guide not only dishes out stars and Bib Gourmand recognitions but also publishes a curated selection of restaurants providing quality service that stands out locally. This year, eight new names were added, including:

Antonia – modern Italian cooking with relaxed elegance.

Cipriani Dolci – reimagined classic desserts.

Sand & Koal – smoky grilled dishes and bold flavors.

Novikov Abu Dhabi – Asian-European fusion with modern presentation.

The selection includes iconic spots such as Zuma, La Petite Maison, Punjab Grill, and Oak Room, long-standing luminaries in the dining scene.

Special Awards and Recognitions

The evening also held special accolades:

Young Chef of the Year: Vittorio Nania of Villa Toscana, whose classic Tuscan dishes are inspired by his grandmother's recipes.

Opening of the Year: 3 Fils Abu Dhabi, recognized by Michelin inspectors for its "exceptional modern Japanese cuisine".

Service Award: Ricardo Bout of Ray’s Grill, noted for providing a “matchless dining experience” with warm and professional service.

Cocktail Award: Maria Luz Garcia and Mahesh Dhami from the Strawfire by Ross Shonhan team, who elevated the restaurant's drink offerings with their classic yet inventive cocktails.

Loss of a Star and Future Challenges

Though the awards night was primarily celebratory, it marked the first instance in Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide history of a restaurant losing its star. Inspectors emphasized the ongoing importance of quality maintenance.

This year's list comprises 56 restaurants, compared to 42 from last year, clearly indicating Abu Dhabi's ever-evolving culinary landscape and growing international attention.

Abu Dhabi on the Global Culinary Map

The Michelin Guide serves not just as a rating system but as a guide for those seeking world-class culinary experiences. According to Michelin’s international director, Abu Dhabi now “warrants a trip on its own,” proving it can stand as a gastronomic destination.

This trend aligns with previous star awards in Dubai, like the Trèsind Studio, the first Indian restaurant to achieve such international acclaim.

Conclusion

The 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide for Abu Dhabi provides further evidence of the UAE's ascending world-class culinary standards. Whether seeking fine dining experiences in starred restaurants or affordable gastronomic adventures in the Bib Gourmand category, Abu Dhabi offers something special for everyone.

The city's restaurants present not just food but stories, culture, and passion—seen through increasing international attention. These awards and accolades motivate restaurants to aim higher and enrich Abu Dhabi’s culinary landscape further.

(Source: Based on Michelin Guide 2026 announcement.)