Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
The culinary landscape of Abu Dhabi has flourished as the Michelin Guide 2026 has been unveiled. Featuring a total of 56 restaurants, the guide boasts 11 newcomers alongside well-established names. Renowned establishments like Erth, Hakkasan, and Talea by Antonio Guida have retained their one-star accolades, further solidifying their reputations for excellence.
This exciting announcement unfolded at a ceremony held at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, highlighting the city’s emergence as a premier global dining locale.
New Restaurants and Bib Gourmand Honorees
Among the 11 newcomers, three restaurants have been awarded Bib Gourmand titles, celebrating their exceptional cuisine at reasonable prices:
Bua Thai Café
3Fils Abu Dhabi
Goldfish
The other eight new additions are recognized as Selected Restaurants, underscoring fresh dining experiences and remarkable culinary talent.
Notable Awards in 2026
Special awards were also featured this year:
Young Chef Award: Villa Toscana at St Regis
Service Award: Ray’s Grill at Conrad Etihad Towers
Opening of the Year: 3Fils Abu Dhabi
Spotlight on Newly Listed Restaurants
This year’s guide introduces exciting new dining venues, including:
Antonia: Offering Italian classics by the beach at Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Taparelle: A French-Italian fusion experience at Manarat Saadiyat
Pincode by Kunal Kapur: Modern concepts of Indian street food
Strawfire by Ross Shonhan: A lively Japanese cooking experience with DJ vibes
Sand & Koal: Enjoying sunset dining near the Presidential Palace
Comments from the Michelin Director
Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin International Director, commended the culinary development in Abu Dhabi: “The latest selection illustrates that Abu Dhabi’s dining scene is evolving and advancing. Beyond being a cultural hub, it has emerged as a culinary destination worthy of a special visit. Guests can look forward to remarkable meals and unforgettable experiences as the restaurant landscape progresses.”
Understanding Michelin Stars
Michelin Stars are awarded to restaurants demonstrating exceptional culinary quality, considering five key criteria:
Quality of ingredients
Harmony of flavors
Mastery of cooking techniques
Chef's personality reflected through cuisine
Consistency in quality across the menu and over time
Abu Dhabi’s 2026 Michelin Guide captures the city’s dynamic food scene. Featuring distinguished chefs and innovative culinary experiences, it positions the city as a top destination for food enthusiasts. The guide honors not only culinary excellence but also celebrates creativity, value, and unforgettable dining experiences.
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