Here are the restaurants in the capital that have received the accolade.
We already know that Abu Dhabi is a city packed with world-class restaurants, but it has once again been given the MICHELIN seal of approval. The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025 has revealed its winners and four restaurants have been awarded a MICHELIN Star. There were no two or three-star restaurants in the capital.
The MICHELIN Star Revelation Ceremony took place on 31 October. Chefs and restaurateurs gathered at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental as the Abu Dhabi list was unveiled, and here are the restaurants that were awarded MICHELIN Stars.
A constellation of culinary stars
The restaurants awarded one MICHELIN Star were 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant, Erth, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi and Talea by Antonio Guida.
The Bib Gourmand category is a distinction awarded to establishments that provide an excellent value-for-money three-course meal. The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi Bib Gourmand selection featured Almayass, Al Mrzab, Beirut Sur Mer, Mika, Otoro, Ryba and Tazal.
The Welcome and Service Award was given to Mika, the Young Chef Award was given to Yasmina Hayek from Em Sherif Sea Café, and the Opening of the Year Award was given to Faisal Mohamed Alharmoodi and the team at Ryba.
The MICHELIN guide selection includes Al Farah, Al Mrzab, Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard, Broadway, Butcher & Still, Byblos Sur Mer, Cafe James, Café Milano, Catch at St. Regis, Cipriani, COYA Abu Dhabi, Dai Pai Dong, Em Sherif Sea Café, Finz, Fishmarket, Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi, Grand Beirut, Hoi An, José by Pizarro, Kopitiam by Chandy’s, Les Dangereux, Li Beirut, Li Jiang, La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi, Market Kitchen, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Maté, MAZI, Meylas, Mijana, Moksh, Namak, NIRI Restaurant & Bar, Oak Room, Oii, Paradiso, Punjab Grill, Ray’s Grill, Shang Palace, Silk & Spice, Tean, Villa Toscana, Yadoo’s House, and Zuma.
What the MICHELIN Guide means for Abu Dhabi
The MICHELIN Guide, published since 1933, is seen as the Oscars of the food industry. It already covers 36 destinations across North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.
Currently, only 138 restaurants in the world have three MICHELIN Stars, and 493 have two MICHELIN Stars. The countries with the most MICHELIN-starred restaurants are France and Japan.
The MICHELIN Guide has placed Abu Dhabi’s dining scene firmly on the culinary map. Speaking to FACT, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, explains: “Our inspectors continue to be impressed by the dynamism of Abu Dhabi and the sheer variety of cuisines on offer. Our newest recipient of a Michelin Star, Erth restaurant, sums up the city so well, as it offers a truly unique experience inspired by the beauty and traditions of the region.”
How restaurants receive a MICHELIN Star
MICHELIN inspectors have been eating their way through Abu Dhabi’s restaurants – albeit anonymously. For restaurants to be awarded a star, they must meet specific criteria: the quality of the ingredients, mastery of cooking, harmony of flavours, personality of the chef through the cuisine, and consistency over time as well as across the entire menu.
If the process is perplexing, we’re here to break it down: one MICHELIN star is awarded to restaurants for high-quality cooking that is worth a stop; two MICHELIN Stars for excellent cooking that is worth a detour; and three MICHELIN Stars for exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.
Stars aren’t for life – gaining or losing one can have an effect on the reputation of the restaurant, making the foodie news and bruising a chef’s ego. So, we look forward to seeing how the MICHELIN Guide affects Abu Dhabi’s dining scene and who else will be added to the illustrious list in the future.
GO: Visit www.michelin.com for more information.
