Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi: 3 restaurants retain one-star; full list of winners

Three Abu Dhabi restaurants, Erth, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida, retained their one-star at the latest edition of the renowned Michelin Guide.

Announced at a dazzling ceremony held at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, eight new restaurants were added to the Michelin Guide 2026, taking the total number of recognised eateries to 56.

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Three new restaurants were awarded the Bib Gourmand recognition, which is given to eateries which serve up quality cooking at reasonable prices. Bua Thai, Goldfish and 3 Fils were the new entries on the list. Seven others retained their position on the list.

The glossy event saw renowned chefs from across the world plate some of their best dishes for a guest list featuring some of the best food critics and industry insiders. Chef Ricardo Costa, who helms the 2-Michelin-starred The Yeatman in Portugal wowed guests with his jalapeno and green apple oysters and Wagyu, while Chef Lee Kok Hua who leads the charge at Hakkasan demonstrated why his restaurant has been a worthy contender of the Michelin star since the guide was launched in Abu Dhabi in 2023. He served a variety of items including Yuzu Crunch, Black Truffle and spicy seafood dumplings. 

Special awards

A 30-year-old Italian chef who has been perfecting his dishes, many of which are inspired by his grandmother’s home cooking, was crowned Young Chef of the year. Vittorio Nania, head chef of Villa Toscana at St. Regis Abu Dhabi, was recognised for his classic dishes prepared with skill and passion. According to inspectors, the team’s expertise and the restaurant’s rustic charm created an authentic taste of Tuscany. 

The ‘Opening of the Year’ award went to 3Fils Abu Dhabi, which opened up in the capital city this July. Chef Jun Kimiyama was ecstatic when picking up the honor. According to the Michelin inspectors, they were “hugely impressed” by the restaurant and its modern Japanese dishes. Sister to the original in Dubai, this much larger eatery offered a relaxing and feel-good vibes across its service, atmosphere and food, they added. 

The ’Service Award’ was awarded to Ricardo Bout of Ray's Grill for his enthusiastic, warm, and attentive hospitality. The team’s seamless delivery was commended for contributing to an “unrivalled” dining experience for the guests. The restaurant’s “expertly cooked” steaks and breathtaking views were given a special mention.

For their exceptional cocktails, and classic and creative drinks, Maria Luz Garcia and Mahesh Dhami of Strawfire by Ross Shonhan were given the Exceptional Cocktail Award.

'Worth a stop'

The Guide’s international director, Gwendal Poullennec said that the culinary scene in Abu Dhabi was continuing to “steadily develop and mature” proving that Abu Dhabi is now a food destination worthy of a special trip.

According to the guide, a one Michelin star is awarded to restaurants for “high quality cooking that is worth a stop”; while two is for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”; and three for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey”. 

Returning for its fourth edition, the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi has steadily increased the number of restaurants on the list from the inaugural 42 to 56 this year. For the first time, one restaurant lost its star in Abu Dhabi. Earlier this year, two restaurants — FZN by by Bjorn Frantzen and Trèsind Studio — bagged the prestigious 3-star recognition at the guide’s Dubai edition. Trèsind Studio is the only Indian restaurant to achieve this feat.

Full list of winners

Three 1-star restaurants:

1. Erth

2. Hakkasan

3. Talea by Antonio Guida

10 Bib Gourmand restaurants:

1. 3 Fils Abu Dhabi (New)

2. Bua Thai Café (New)

3. Goldfish (New)

4. Al Mrzb

5. Almayass

6. Beirut Sur Mer

7. Mika

8. Otoro

9. Ryba

10. Tazal

43 Michelin-selected restaurants:

1. Antonia (new)

2. Cipriani Dolci (new)

3. Sand & Koal (new)

4. Novikov Abu Dhabi (new)

5. Pincode by Kunal Kapur (new)

6. Strawfire by Ross Shonhan (new)

7. Villa Mamas (new)

8. Taparelle (new)

9. Al Farah

10. Bord' Eau by Nicolas Isnard

11. Broadway

12. Butcher & Still

13. Byblos Sur Mer

14. Cafe Milano

15. Catch at St. Regis

16. Coya

17. Dai Pai Dong

18. Em Sherif Sea Café

19. Finz

20. Fouquet's

21. Grand Beirut

22. José by Pizarro

23. Kopitiam by Chandy's

24. La Petite Maison (LPM)

25. Li Beirut

26. Li Jiang

27. Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi

28. Mate

29. Meylas

30. Mijana

31. Moksh

32. Namak

33. NIRI

34. Oak Room

35. Oii

36. Paradiso

37. Punjab Grill

38. Ray's Grill

39. 99 Sushi Bar

40. Tean

41. Terra

42. Villa Toscana

43. Zuma

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.