Post by : Saif Rahman

Abu Dhabi has elevated its culinary offerings as the Michelin Guide 2026 announced its prestigious selections. A total of 56 restaurants have made the esteemed list, with 11 newcomers joining a selection of established favorites. Restaurants such as Erth, Hakkasan, and Talea by Antonio Guida have successfully retained their one-star ratings, showcasing their ongoing commitment to quality.

The grand announcement took place at a ceremony held at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, emphasizing the city’s rise as a prominent global dining hotspot.

New Entries and Bib Gourmand Honorees
Among the 11 newcomers, three restaurants have received Bib Gourmand recognition, celebrating exceptional food at reasonable prices. The winners include:

Bua Thai Café

3Fils Abu Dhabi

Goldfish

The other eight newcomers were designated as Selected Restaurants, highlighting fresh dining experiences and outstanding culinary talent.

Special Recognition in 2026
This year's Michelin Guide also honored several restaurants with special awards:

Young Chef Award: Villa Toscana at St Regis

Service Award: Ray’s Grill at Conrad Etihad Towers

Opening of the Year: 3Fils Abu Dhabi

Notable New Restaurants
Exciting new restaurants featured in this year’s guide include:

Antonia: Italian classics by the beach at Mamsha Al Saadiyat

Taparelle: A blend of French-Italian cuisine at Manarat Saadiyat

Pincode by Kunal Kapur: Modern interpretations of Indian street food

Strawfire by Ross Shonhan: Japanese cooking featuring live-fire techniques and music

Sand & Koal: Evening dining with views near the Presidential Palace

Remarks from the Michelin Director
Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin International Director, commended the culinary advancements in Abu Dhabi, stating, “The latest selections reflect that Abu Dhabi's food scene is evolving and becoming more sophisticated. The city is gaining recognition as not just a cultural hub but a vibrant food destination. Visitors can look forward to outstanding meals and memorable experiences as the dining landscape continues to flourish.”

Understanding Michelin Stars
Michelin Stars are awarded to restaurants demonstrating exceptional cooking across five key criteria:

Quality of ingredients

Harmony of flavors

Expertise in cooking techniques

Chef's personality represented in their dishes

Consistency in quality over time
The 2026 Michelin Guide for Abu Dhabi highlights the city's thriving and diverse culinary landscape. With top chefs, innovative dining experiences, and distinctive flavors, Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as a must-visit locale for food enthusiasts. The guide not only honors culinary excellence but also celebrates creativity, affordability, and unforgettable gastronomy.

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