Michelin Unveils Abu Dhabi’s 2026 Dining Stars

Abu Dhabi’s food scene has reached new heights as the Michelin Guide 2026 was recently revealed. A total of 56 restaurants in the city made it to the prestigious list, with 11 new additions joining a mix of established favourites. Top restaurants like Erth, Hakkasan, and Talea by Antonio Guida retained their one-star status, proving their consistent excellence.

The announcement took place during a ceremony at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, celebrating the city’s growing reputation as a global dining destination.

New Additions and Bib Gourmand Winners
Among the 11 new entries, three restaurants earned Bib Gourmand titles, which recognise high-quality food at great value. These winners are:

Bua Thai Café

3Fils Abu Dhabi

Goldfish

The remaining eight new entries were recognised as Selected Restaurants, highlighting emerging dining experiences and exceptional culinary talent.

Special Awards in 2026 Edition
The Michelin Guide also presented special awards 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

Highlights of Newly Listed Restaurants
This year’s guide features some exciting new restaurants, including:

Antonia: Serving Italian classics by the beach at Mamsha Al Saadiyat

Taparelle: French-Italian fusion at Manarat Saadiyat

Pincode by Kunal Kapur: Modern Indian street-food concepts

Strawfire by Ross Shonhan: Live-flame Japanese cooking with a DJ twist

Sand & Koal: Sunset dining near the Presidential Palace

Michelin Director’s Remarks
Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin International Director, praised Abu Dhabi’s culinary growth. He said, “The latest selection shows that Abu Dhabi’s food scene continues to develop and mature. The city is not just a cultural capital but also a food destination worth a special trip. Visitors can expect exceptional food and memorable experiences as the city’s restaurant landscape evolves.”

What Michelin Stars Mean
Michelin Stars are awarded to restaurants that show outstanding cooking. Five main criteria are considered:

Quality of ingredients

Harmony of flavors

Mastery of cooking techniques

Personality of the chef expressed through their food

Consistency across the menu and over time
Abu Dhabi’s 2026 Michelin Guide reflects the city’s dynamic and growing culinary scene. With top chefs, innovative restaurants, and unique dining experiences, the city is proving itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers. The guide not only recognises excellence in cooking but also celebrates creativity, value, and unforgettable dining experiences.