The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 has unveiled its much-anticipated fourth edition, celebrating the city’s dynamic culinary evolution with eleven new additions to its prestigious lineup. The new selection cements Abu Dhabi’s status as a world-class dining destination, blending global sophistication with regional flair.
This year, three restaurants retained their coveted One MICHELIN Star — Erth, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida — reaffirming their consistent excellence and creative mastery. The Bib Gourmand category also expanded, with three new honourees recognised for delivering exceptional dining at great value: Bua Thai Café, 3Fils Abu Dhabi and Goldfish.
“Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene continues to mature and inspire. This vibrant city has firmly positioned itself as not only a cultural capital but also a food destination worthy of a special trip. From Khaleeji-inspired creations to inventive global cuisines, Abu Dhabi’s chefs are redefining excellence and creativity,” MICHELIN Guide International Director Gwendal Poullennec said.
The trio of One MICHELIN Star restaurants once again impressed inspectors with their mastery, precision and unwavering consistency as Erth continues to celebrate Emirati heritage through refined interpretations, Hakkasan dazzles with its sophisticated Chinese flavours and Talea by Antonio Guida remains a benchmark for contemporary Italian dining.
Meanwhile, the new Bib Gourmand winners bring fresh energy and diversity. Bua Thai Café charms diners with authentic Thai dishes in a cozy Yas Island setting, 3Fils Abu Dhabi brings modern Japanese flair to Al Bateen Marina and Goldfish lights up Marina Mall with vibrant, crowd-pleasing plates from chef Akmal Anuar.
Abu Dhabi’s dining scene broadens further with eight new restaurants joining the MICHELIN Guide selection, each offering distinctive experiences — from Antonia’s soulful Italian fare and Villa Mamas’ Khaleeji-inspired comfort food to Strawfire by Ross Shonhan’s theatrical open-flame cooking. Other standout additions include Cipriani Dolci, Novikov Abu Dhabi, Taparelle, Pincode by Kunal Kapur and Sand & Koal, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan appeal and growing gastronomic ambition.
The MICHELIN Guide also recognised outstanding achievements across Abu Dhabi’s vibrant dining scene through its Special Awards. The Exceptional Cocktail Award was presented to Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, where Maria Luz Garcia and Mahesh Dhami impressed inspectors with their innovative mixology and lively ambiance. The Young Chef Award went to Villa Toscana at the St Regis, celebrating its passionate team for crafting authentic Tuscan classics with skill and heart. Ray’s Grill at Conrad Etihad Towers received the Service Award for its warm, seamless hospitality and breathtaking skyline views, while 3Fils Abu Dhabi earned the Opening of the Year Award, setting a new benchmark in modern Japanese dining since its July debut.
With its expanded roster of stars, new discoveries and special recognitions, the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 underscores the emirate’s meteoric rise as a global culinary hotspot — where innovation meets tradition, and every plate tells a story of passion, precision and place.
