Michelin proudly unveils its fourth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi, spotlighting newest additions to the city’s culinary landscape. This year’s award winners were announced at a ceremony held at the Two MICHELIN Key Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi hotel.
The selection that makes up the Abu Dhabi Guide includes a total of 56 restaurants. Three One MICHELIN Star restaurants retain their award for another year. While three new Bib Gourmands join the retaining seven restaurants and eight new selected restaurants are added to The Guide, reflecting the city’s growing sophistication and diversity.
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Three Restaurants Retain Their One MICHELIN Star
Sustaining excellence year after year is a true challenge. It demands not only creativity and talent, but also unwavering dedication, precision, and consistency.Retaining a MICHELIN Star is one of the most prestigious accomplishments in the industry and for the 2026 edition, Erth, Hakkasan, and Talea by Antonio Guida have once again demonstrated their mastery.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, said:
"The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 restaurant selection demonstrates that the culinary scene of this vibrant city continues to steadily develop and mature, proving that Abu Dhabi is now not just a political and cultural capital but a food destination worthy of a special trip. With a varied range of cuisine types from across the globe, the city offers a diverse and exciting array of restaurants, from elegant Italian classics and contemporary Japanese dining to Khaleeji-inspired flavors and innovative fusion concepts. The addition of new Bib Gourmand distinctions and the retention of One MICHELIN Star awards further underscore the city’s commitment to excellence and creativity in gastronomy. 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."
Eight new restaurants added to Guide’s selection
- Cipriani Dolci - smart and elegant Italian, with a unique twist.
- Antonia - Enjoy a taste of Italian favorites by the beach.
- Novikov Abu Dhabi - The flavors of the Mediterranean take center stage at this global franchise.
- Villa Mamas - An elegant Khaleeji restaurant with chef Roaya Saleh at its helm.
- Taparelle - French and Italian classics are served in a contemporary setting in Manarat Al Saadiyat.
- Pincode by Kunal Kapur - A modern take on Indian street food in Galleria Mall.
- Strawfire by Ross Shonhan - Warayaki-style cooking is the main event at Ross Shonhan's debut in the capital.
- Sand & Koal - Luxurious beachside dining is perfectly paired with grills and seafood.
Image credit: Hein van Tonder/Villa Mamas
Three New Bib Gourmands are Added to the List
3Fils Abu Dhabi, Bua Thai Café and Goldfish are all awarded with a Bib Gourmand; 3Fils Abu Dhabi and Goldfish for their contemporary take of Japanese cuisine at good value, while Bua Thai Café makes the list thanks its generous and affordable offerings of classic Thai dishes.
They join a list of seven restaurants who have retained their ‘Bibs’: ryba, Mika, t’azal, Al Mrzab, Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro, and Almayass.
Four Special Awards given to talented professionals
With its Special Awards, The MICHELIN Guide shines a spotlight on the wide-ranging contributions found across hospitality, honoring the industry’s most gifted and motivated individuals.
Strawfire by Ross Shonhan is recognized for the Exceptional Cocktail Award, where Australian chef Ross Shonhan’s debut in Abu Dhabi brings live flames and energetic vibes with an intimate cocktail bar, led by Maria Luz Garcia and Mahesh Dhami that offers both classic and creative creations, accompanied by delicious snacks and attentive service that make every occasion special according to our inspectors.
The Young Chef Award goes to Vittorio Nania of Villa Toscana, located in the St. Regis hotel. Our inspectors mentioned that here, classic Tuscan dishes are prepared with skill and passion, from spaghetti alle vongole to veal Milanese and a standout tiramisu. The team’s expertise and the restaurant’s rustic charm create an authentic taste of Tuscany.
Image credit: Ibrahim, Mahmoud /Villa Toscana
Ray's Grill receives the Service Award for its enthusiastic, warm, and attentive hospitality. Situated on the 63rd floor of the Two MICHELIN Key Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, our inspectors noticed the team’s seamless delivery, contributing to an unrivalled dining experience for the guests with expertly cooked steaks and breathtaking views, ensuring guests feel welcomed and valued.
The Opening of the Year Award goes to 3Fils Abu Dhabi, which has set a high bar in the city since opening this past July. Our inspectors were hugely impressed by the restaurant housed in a three-story building located on the Al Bateen Marina and its modern Japanese dishes. Sister to the original in Dubai, this much larger outpost offers relaxing and feel-good vibes across its service, atmosphere and food.
The restaurants in The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi are joined by the hotel selection, which is available free of charge on The MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection showcases unique destinations both in Abu Dhabi and throughout the world. Every hotel has been chosen by The MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service and personality, and they can all be booked directly via The MICHELIN Guide website and app.
