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Eight dining venues added to the Guide for 2026
Three Abu Dhabi restaurants – Hakkasan, Emirati restaurant Erth and Talea by Antonio Guida – have each retained their one Michelin star in the 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide announced at a ceremony held at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
Now in its fourth year, the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi has expanded to include eight new restaurants, bringing the total number to 56, up from 42 when the Abu Dhabi edition first launched.
However, 99 Sushi lost its star in the latest edition.
Three restaurants were awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction, which recognises quality cooking at good value: Bua Thai Café, Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori Abu Dhabi and 3Fils.
Seven venues retained their Bib Gourmand status, including Mika and Ryba, added last year, alongside Al Mrzab, Almayass, Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro and T’azal.
3Fils Abu Dhabi, located in Al Bateen and sister to the Dubai original, also received the Opening of the Year award, with inspectors saying they were “hugely impressed” by its relaxed setting and modern Japanese menu.
Italian chef Vittorio Nania, head chef of Villa Toscana at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, was named Young Chef of the Year for his authentic Tuscan flavours, inspired by his grandmother’s home cooking.
The Service Award went to Ricardo Bout of Ray’s Grill, whose team was praised for delivering an “unrivalled” dining experience, while Maria Luz Garcia and Mahesh Dhami of Strawfire by Ross Shonhan received the Exceptional Cocktail Award.
Michelin Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec said Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene continues to “steadily develop and mature”, confirming its position as a food destination worth a dedicated visit.
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The ceremony concluded with a cocktail reception, where renowned chefs showcased signature dishes. Chef Ricardo Costa of the two-Michelin-starred The Yeatman in Portugal prepared jalapeño and green apple oysters and Wagyu beef, while Hakkasan’s Chef Lee Kok Hua served Yuzu Crunch, Black Truffle and spicy seafood dumplings.
Dubai also marked a milestone with its 2026 Michelin Guide, revealed in May, which for the first time awarded three stars to two restaurants: FZN by Björn Frantzén and homegrown favourite Trèsind Studio.
The Michelin Guide Doha debuted in late 2024, and the brand’s first Saudi Arabia edition will launch later this year, spotlighting Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, AlUla and the Red Sea coast.
For more information, visit guide.michelin.com/en/ae