Abu Dhabi’s Culinary Scene Shines Brilliantly with the MICHELIN Guide 2026 Launch
- Brilliant Writer
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
✦ The fourth edition of The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 has been unveiled, celebrating a total of 56 restaurants, with 11 exciting new additions that showcase the city’s unstoppable evolution as a global dining destination.
The shimmering lights of Abu Dhabi have just grown brighter—this time, with the sparkle of culinary stars. From elegant Italian flavours to Khaleeji-inspired feasts, this year’s Guide reflects how Abu Dhabi has matured into not just a cultural capital, but a world-class food destination that deserves a special trip on its own.
|"The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 restaurant selection demonstrates that the culinary scene of this vibrant city continues to develop and mature," said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide. "As Abu Dhabi’s restaurant landscape evolves, it promises not only exceptional food but also memorable experiences, making the future brighter than ever for this dynamic destination."
A Celebration of Excellence
In the world of gastronomy, earning and retaining a MICHELIN Star is a triumph of consistency, creativity, and precision.
This year, three restaurants have once again proven their mastery and retained their One MICHELIN Star distinction:
Erth – Celebrating Emirati heritage through refined local flavours.
Hakkasan – A globally acclaimed name blending Cantonese luxury with contemporary flair.
Talea by Antonio Guida – An ode to Italian craftsmanship and culinary artistry.
Each embodies the five universal criteria of the MICHELIN Guide: ingredient quality, harmony of flavours, mastery of technique, chef’s personality, and consistency.
New Bib Gourmand Gems
For food lovers seeking exceptional meals at great value, the Bib Gourmand category continues to charm.
Three new establishments have joined the list this year:
Bua Thai Café – A hidden gem on Yas Island serving authentic Thai favourites like green curry and mango sticky rice.
3Fils Abu Dhabi – The beloved Dubai original lands in Al Bateen Marina with modern Japanese plates and its whimsical ‘Take Me To The Moon’ dessert.
Goldfish – Akmal Anuar’s contemporary Japanese eatery in Marina Mall offering sushi, skewers, and soulful bowls of ramen.
These restaurants prove that culinary joy doesn’t always come with a hefty price tag.
Eight New Flavours to Discover
Abu Dhabi’s dining map expands with eight new additions that highlight diversity, craftsmanship, and innovation:
Cipriani Dolci – Elegant Italian indulgence for breakfast to dinner.
Antonia – A seaside Italian retreat on Mamsha Al Saadiyat, famed for its 50-year-old sourdough pizza recipe.
Novikov Abu Dhabi – Mediterranean sophistication paired with live piano melodies at The Galleria Mall.
Villa Mamas – Bahraini chef Roaya Saleh’s heartfelt Khaleeji cuisine in a homey, garden-inspired setting.
Taparelle – Artistic French-Italian fusion in the cultural hub of Manarat Saadiyat.
Pincode by Kunal Kapur – Modern Indian street food with the refined touch of a celebrity chef.
Strawfire by Ross Shonhan – An energetic Australian debut blending live fire, DJ beats, and Japanese flair.
Sand & Koal – Beachside luxury dining overlooking the Presidential Palace and Arabian Gulf sunsets.
Each new venue adds colour and creativity to Abu Dhabi’s ever-evolving food story.
Spotlight on Talent: MICHELIN Special Awards
Beyond stars and plates, the Special Awards shine a light on the people shaping Abu Dhabi’s hospitality excellence:
Exceptional Cocktail Award: Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, where mixologists Maria Luz Garcia and Mahesh Dhami craft liquid artistry.
Young Chef Award: Villa Toscana, for its passionate team delivering authentic Tuscan flavours.
Service Award: Ray’s Grill at Conrad Etihad Towers, recognised for its warm hospitality and breathtaking 63rd-floor experience.
Opening of the Year: 3Fils Abu Dhabi, already a city favourite since its July debut.
A Taste of the Future
The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 doesn’t just celebrate where the city’s food culture is. It celebrates where it’s heading. With growing international acclaim, diverse influences, and an appetite for innovation, Abu Dhabi is poised to become a global epicentre for culinary creativity.
The city that once drew visitors for its architecture and heritage now adds another irresistible reason to visit: a dining scene that excites the senses and warms the soul. ❋
About Michelin
Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 129,800 people.
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