Abu Dhabi’s standing as a premier global gastronomic destination has been reinforced with the release of the 2026 MICHELIN Guide for the city. During a ceremony held on October 6 at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, industry experts recognized a total of 56 establishments for their contributions to the capital’s evolving food landscape.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, highlighted the city’s progress, noting that Abu Dhabi has solidified its reputation as a place worthy of international travel for culinary enthusiasts. He commended the diversity of offerings ranging from contemporary Japanese and elegant Italian fare to traditional Khaleeji flavors, emphasizing that the retention of existing awards and the introduction of new recognitions reflect a local commitment to gastronomic excellence. You’ve come to the right place, if you want a meal guaranteed to make you smile and close your eyes in delight. Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, says: “The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 restaurant selection demonstrates that the culinary scene of this vibrant city continues to steadily develop and mature, proving that Abu Dhabi is now not just a political and cultural capital but a food destination worthy of a special trip. It promises not only exceptional food but also memorable experiences, making the future brighter than ever for this dynamic destination, as Abu Dhabi’s restaurant landscape evolves. But to prove yourself worthy over and over again, proving you can create once is a big deal. Well, that’s definitely worth a prize.
Retention of Michelin Stars
The prestigious one-star status has been retained by three renowned restaurants that have consistently proven their high standards of service and culinary artistry Here are the three that made this year’s cut.
- Erth
- Hakkasan
- Talea by Antonio Guida
New Bib Gourmand Selections
Recognizing value alongside quality, the committee added three new establishments to the Bib Gourmand list. These join seven previously listed restaurants, including Ryba, Mika, t’azal, Al Mrzab, Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro, and Almayass.
New Additions to the Guide
Eight additional venues have been officially added to the 2026 selection, offering a variety of global culinary concepts
- Cipriani Dolci: Italian dining with a unique twist.
- Antonia: Beachside Italian classics.
- Novikov Abu Dhabi: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
- Villa Mamas: Authentic Khaleeji dishes.
- Taparelle: A fusion of French and Italian culinary traditions.
- Pincode by Kunal Kapur: Traditional Indian street food.
- Strawfire by Ross Shonhan: Specialized Warayaki-style preparation.
- Sand & Koal: Premium beachside dining experience.
The broader regional recognition also includes 25 UAE hotels recently awarded Michelin Keys across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah. Beyond the culinary sphere, local achievements noted recently include the Al Thuraya Astronomy Center’s capture of the Firefox Nebula after 14 nights of observation using two telescopes, highlighting the city’s active cultural and scientific community.
Important Details
- Antonia: Italian favourites served by the beach.
- 10 new places to discover in Abu Dhabi this September.
- Get Updates on Topics You Choose.