Dubai gets first 3-star Michelin restaurants; full list revealed

Dubai got its very first three Michelin-starred restaurants this year. In a glittering and glamorous ceremony held at the Address Skyview, European restaurant FZN by Bjorn Frantzen and homegrown eatery Tresind Studio were announced as the recipients of the honour.

The teams of both restaurants got standing ovations for their achievement. With this, the latter becomes the only Indian restaurant in the world to have three Michelin stars.

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While chef Himanshu Sahni of Tresind Studio threw air punches to celebrate the historic win, Chef Bjorn said he arrived in Dubai for the first time 16 years ago and that the three Michelin stars here felt “unreal”.

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FZN, which blends modern European fine dining with Japanese influences, also holds a three Michelin stars in Stockholm and Singapore. The achievement was announced by Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. Three stars is the highest recognition awarded by the body which celebrates its 125th year of establishment in 2025. According to him, there are approximately only 140 restaurants across the world which has this distinction.

Tresind Studio has been on the list of Michelin Guide since its launch in 2022. 

Here is the full list of the 19 restaurants on the guide this year:

Three stars — Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey

1. FZN by by Bjorn Frantzen

2. Trèsind Studio

Two stars — Excellent cooking, worth a detour

1. Il Ristorante- Niko Romito (retained)

2. STAY by Yannick Alléno (retained)

3. Row on 45 (retained)

One Michelin Star — high quality cooking, worth a stop

1. 11 Woodfire (retained)

2. Al Muntaha (retained)

3. Hakkasan (retained)

4. Höseki (retained)

5. Ossiano (retained)

6. Tasca by Jose Avillez (retained)

7. Avatara (retained)

8. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (retained)

9. Moonrise (retained)

10. Smoked Room (retained)

11. La Dame de Pic Dubai (retained)

12. Orfali Brothers (retained)

13. Manao (new)

14. Jamavar (new)

Meanwhile, a young 30-year-old chef, who was born and raised in Dubai, became a man of many jackets as he scooped up the young chef award and a one Michelin star during the evening — which came just five months after opening. Abhiraj Khatwani of Manao was described as “one to watch” for his exceptional cooking skills. He thanked the Orfali brothers for their support in helping set up the restaurant. It serves an 11-course tasting menu comprised of re-imagined Thai classics.

Jamavar, an authentic Indian restaurant located in the Dubai Opera district, was praised for its goat curry, which was the deciding factor for inspectors. Culinary Director and Executive Chef Surendar Mohan shared a heartfelt speech thanking his family for their “unconditional support” and for “allowing me to work seven days a week, morning and night for my passion”. Jamavar also has branches in London and Doha, where they hold one Michelin star as well.

The Michelin Green Star recognition was retained by Boca, Lowe, and Teible for their mindful practices.

Several other special awards were also handed out during the evening. The Opening of the Year award went to Sin Keun Choi Ronin for serving up a “rather special experience” while the Service Award for offering hospitality of the highest standard was awarded to Mohamed Galal of Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. The Sommelier Award was handed over to Shiv Menon Boca for “exuding enthusiasm and pride” in his work.

In addition to awarding one-star and two-star recognition, the Michelin Guide Dubai also recognised several other restaurants for various achievements. The anonymous inspectors of the organization picked a total of 119 establishments, covering 35 different types of cuisine.

Five new restaurants were added to the Bib Gourmand list which recognises quality cooking at reasonable prices. These were DUO Gastrobar- Creek Harbour, Harummanis, Hawkerboi, Khadak and Sufret Maryam.

 The Michelin Guide Dubai selection 2025 at a glance:

• 2 restaurants with Three Michelin Stars (1 Promotion, 1 New)

• 3 restaurants with Two Michelin Stars

• 14 restaurants with One Michelin Star (2 new)

• 3 restaurants with a Michelin Green Star

• 22 Bib Gourmand restaurants (5 new)

• 78 Michelin selected restaurants (15 new)

• Dubai

Nasreen Abdulla

nasreen@khaleejtimes.com

Nasreen Abdulla is a Special Correspondent covering food, tech and human interest stories. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll find her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.