Get ready for a delicious journey through Dubai’s dining scene and be inspired to feast in some of the world’s top restaurants. MICHELIN inspectors ventured into a total of 90 restaurants, covering 23 types of cuisine, and have chosen their top, recommended dishes everyone must try from the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023 selection.
Here are the inspectors’ eight favourite dishes to enjoy.
L’Olivo at Al Mahara - Tagliolini al limone
MICHELIN-selected, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023Cuisine: Italian
Inspector’s notes: The pasta was cooked to perfection and came with creamy burrata, a hint of lemon, and a touch of saltiness thanks to the Salicornia. What made the dish stand out from the others, however, was the sweetness of the juicy and delicious Gamberi Rossi, especially when combined with the richness of the burrata.
avatāra - Horse Gram Curry
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023Cuisine: Indian
Inspector’s notes: The Horse Gram Curry was noteworthy – known for its medicinal and nutritious benefits, the dish did not disappoint. The curry was accompanied by a salad of pomelo, sesame set chutney, and bhatura bread. Even the most committed foodie will find this dish immeasurably satisfying.
Discover more of MICHELIN Inspectors' must visit Indian restaurants in Dubai
One MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
moonrise - Dark chocolate with yuzu caramel
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023Cuisine: Middle-Eastern/Japanese
Inspector’s notes: Elaborate and artistic presentation can sometimes come at the cost of flavour, but the Dark Chocolate with Yuzu Caramel proved to be a very delicious ending to their set menu. There was a delicacy to the construction and the sweetness was nicely controlled; it satisfied all cravings but never overwhelmed. The iced latte foam brought all elements together nicely.
moonrise - Dark chocolate with yuzu caramel
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023Cuisine: Middle-Eastern/Japanese
Inspector’s notes: Elaborate and artistic presentation can sometimes come at the cost of flavour, but the Dark Chocolate with Yuzu Caramel proved to be a very delicious ending to their set menu. There was a delicacy to the construction and the sweetness was nicely controlled; it satisfied all cravings but never overwhelmed. The iced latte foam brought all elements together nicely.
One MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
Torno Subito - Tiramisubito
One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023Cuisine: Italian
Inspector’s notes: The dish came with a very thin and crisp chocolate biscuit coating alongside Tiramisubito, the name of the dessert, written in gold letters. A gentle tap revealed a layer of moist coffee-soaked sponge along with lightly whipped mascarpone, and coffee essence. All expected flavours were covered, yet the restaurant somehow made this classic Italian dish their own. It was original and just the right balance – not too heavy and a real pleasure to eat.
One MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
21 Grams - Phyllo pie
Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023Cuisine: Balkan
Inspector’s notes: The Phyllo Pie, similar to the Greek Spanakopita is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes and looked simple at first glance but was carefully crafted and tasted divine. The pastry was served with a golden-brown glaze and was overall light, buttery and crisp. It was filled with goat’s cheese, spinach, and thyme, with the latter filling the air with its wonderful smell. Clear honey was served alongside the dish, which added a welcome hint of sweetness.
Bib Gourmand • Inspectors’ favourites for good value
Chic Nonna - Crespelle florentina
MICHELIN-selected, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023Cuisine: Italian
Inspector’s notes: Crespelle Florentina is a dish that is rarely seen outside of Italy. The dish is a classic blend of French and Italian cuisine. The pancakes were thin and very light in texture and folded over into the classic triangular shape with a thin layer of smooth and creamy spinach sauce inside. The dish is served with bubbling cheese sauce and a full-flavoured and rich tomato sauce, which covered the entire pancake. Rustic in appearance, but full of flavour and all about the texture.
Hutong - MA LA
MICHELIN-selected, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023Cuisine: Chinese
Inspector’s notes: MA LA is a delicious and full-flavoured chocolate dessert that comes with a rich chocolate mousse. Once melted in the mouth, ginger flavours were released, which complemented the chocolate very well. A beautiful white chocolate and plum glaze gave absolute quality to the dish, which was finished with a smooth, silky sour plum sorbet.
Ariana's Persian Kitchen - Pistachio Soup
MICHELIN-selected, MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023Cuisine: Persian
Inspector’s notes: The Pistachio Soup is a rich, creamy and smooth soup. One can tell that it was made from the finest quality of fresh pistachios with fantastic seasoning, which left the dish with nutty undertones. There was a mild and natural sweetness to the dish. Some wonderful charred Turkish bread for dipping was just what the soup needed, warm and so well crafted. A small amount of soaked walnuts and salt gave extra flavour to the dish.
