The best of the best: Abu Dhabi’s Michelin-starred restaurants
- About Michelin Guide
- Michelin Restaurants
- Michelin Bib Gourmand Award Restaurants
- Restaurants Selected by Michelin
- FAQs
Abu Dhabi has many stellar fine dining establishments catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Currently, the Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide honours and highlights the restaurants offering extraordinary experiences in the city! So, if you want to witness the best of what the UAE capital offers, reserve your table at any of these Michelin-star restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
A Grand Vision – Michelin Guide
In 1889, the Michelin brothers, Andre and Edouard, established their renowned tyre company in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Their vision was ambitious, considering there were barely 3,000 cars in the country then.
To encourage car ownership and, consequently, tyre sales, they created a free travel guide – Guide Michelin. This handy resource included maps, tyre-changing instructions, gas station locations and even recommendations for dining and lodging.
After two decades of providing this information for free, Andre Michelin discovered his guide being used as a workbench prop. Believing that people value things more when they pay for them, he introduced a paid version in 1920. This new MICHELIN Guide included a Paris hotel list, categorised restaurants and paid advertisements.
The Michelin brothers employed mystery diners who anonymously assessed restaurants to ensure the guide’s credibility. In 1926, a star system was introduced to highlight exceptional dining establishments. Over the years, the guide’s rigorous standards and comprehensive coverage have made it a global bestseller, with millions of copies sold worldwide.
The Michelin brothers’ foresight has solidified the company’s commitment to enhancing driving experiences, tourism and the pursuit of unforgettable adventures. Their legacy continues to shape the way we travel and dine today!
So, without further ado, let’s get on with the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi!
ABU DHABI RESTAURANTS WITH MICHELIN STARS
A Michelin star is a 3-star rating system introduced by a French company bearing the same name. It is considered a massive achievement for any restaurant to get even one, let alone three ratings by the Michelin Guide, published annually. The accolade automatically puts a restaurant in the top tier for local and international fine dining.
Here’s the list of the popular Michelin-star restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
ERTH
Erth is the latest addition to the Abu Dhabi Michelin Stars guide. It’s located within the historic Qasr Al Hosn and offers a unique blend of contemporary design and traditional Emirati cuisine. Enjoy delicious dishes like lamb machboos and Liwa dates batheeta in a stunning setting.
- Average cost for two: AED 215
- Location: North Parking, Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi
- Timings: Monday to Friday, 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday, 08:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-58-600-6922 | +971-2-679-4014
HAKKASAN
Hakkasan is one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Abu Dhabi that retained its rating this year. The eatery is co-founded by Chef Alan Yau, a renowned restauranteur known for several leading culinary brands. The brand has over 10 restaurants across the world.
The Abu Dhabi branch is inspired by the London-based venue decor, with a few additional touches of local culture. Hakkasan serves contemporary Chinese cuisine, prepared using the finest ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
It is also recognised as a top romantic restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
- Average cost for two: AED 550 without alcohol
- Location: Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Ras Al Akhdar
- Timings: Daily, 06:00 pm – 11:30 pm
- Contact: +971-2-690-7739
99 SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT
Serving a mix of traditional and innovative Japanese delicacies, 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant also made it to the list of Michelin Star restaurants in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant offers an exclusive waterfront dining experience in the capital.
Their menu includes everything from a freshly prepared variety of sushi to gyozas and expertly prepared seafood, among other things. 99 Sushi Bar also offers a vast selection of premium alcohol to go with their food offerings. It also has one of the best-tasting menus in Abu Dhabi.
- Average cost for two: AED 550 without alcohol
- Location: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island
- Timings: Daily, 12:00 pm – 03:30 pm, 07:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-672-3333
TALEA BY ANTONIO GUIDA
Serving Italian charm on a plate, Talea by Antonio Guida also retained its star for this year’s Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide. The restaurant offers a family-style cuisine that brings traditional Italian cooking and Guida’s brilliant interpretation of them to your table.
Prepared from authentic Italian ingredients and products, every gastronomic masterpiece served at this elegant restaurant is a testament to Milanese culinary supremacy. Whether it’s their signature ravioli or artisanal pizzas, you’re in for a treat.
- Average cost for two: AED 395 without alcohol
- Location: Emirates Palace, Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar
- Timings: Daily, 12:30 pm – 03:00 pm, 06:30 pm – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-690-7999
ABU DHABI RESTAURANTS IN MICHELIN BIB GOURMAND AWARD
Apart from the restaurants that got their Michelin Star in Abu Dhabi, six got the Bib Gourmand Award from Michelin this year. These restaurants are recognised for offering the best value for money for a three-course meal in Abu Dhabi.
AL MRZAB
The vibrant neon sign and bustling crowd at Al Mrzab will catch your eye. While there may be a wait for a table, the friendly staff easily handles the busy atmosphere. The restaurant features traditional Emirati and Kuwaiti cuisine, served in a cosy setting with private cabins, majlis and regular tables.
Don’t miss the delicious khanfaroush, a golden, freshly cooked dessert drizzled with local honey!
- Average cost for two: AED 185
- Location: Airport Road, behind the National Theatre
- Timings: Daily, 07:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-2-666-2333 | +971-2-666-7730
Oii
Another new restaurant with Michelin star awarded Bib Gourmand is Oii. Located near The National Aquarium in Al Qana Marina, Oii offers a relaxed and casual dining experience. Enjoy the bright, airy interior or the spacious outdoor terrace.
The menu features a delicious selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, from grilled octopus to spiced peri peri chicken. Don’t miss the refreshing passion fruit semifreddo for dessert.
- Average cost for two: AED 315 without alcohol
- Location: Al Qana, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-628-2983
ALMAYASS
Almayass, founded in Beirut in 1996, brings a unique blend of Lebanese and Armenian flavours to Abu Dhabi. This popular restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, including the delectable Kibbeh karaz, a combination of lamb and cherries.
- Average cost for two: AED 335 without alcohol
- Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
- Timings: Daily, 12:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-644-0440
BEIRUT SUR MER
Enjoy authentic Lebanese cuisine at Beirut Sur Mer, a beachfront restaurant managed by MBT. Indulge in delicious mezze, mashawi and desserts. With generous portions and reasonable prices, this restaurant with Michelin star is the perfect spot for a satisfying meal after visiting the nearby Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Average cost for two: AED 320 without alcohol
- Location: Lilac 5, Jacques Chirac Street, Saadiyat Cultural District, Soul Beach, Al Saadiyat Island
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 09:00 am – 12:00 am | Friday and Saturday, 09:00 am – 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-2-546-4004 | +971-54-395-4000
OTORO
Headed by Chef Akmal Anuar, Otoro is a modern Japanese dining establishment and among the new restaurants in Abu Dhabi. The place is known for its simple yet exquisite food that promises a compelling and flavourful experience.
- Average cost for two: AED 320
- Location: Al Maqta’ St, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm – 11:30 pm
- Contact: +971-2-886-9995
TAZAL
Successfully retaining its name on the Abu Dhabi Michelin star restaurants list, Tazal combines the East and the West to create an immersive culinary experience. Everything from the decor to the food served on your table is international with a touch of Arabic culture.
- Average cost for two: AED 160
- Location: Al Qana Waterfront, Al Maqtaa
- Timings: Daily, 08:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Contact: +971-50-152-0815
MICHELIN SELECTED RESTAURANTS
In addition to the Michelin-starred restaurants, Bib Gourmands, and Special Awards, nine new restaurants will be featured in the Michelin Guide. These are:
- Al Farah
- José by Pizarro
- Kopitiam by Chandy’s
- Les Dangereux
- Maté
- Ray’s Grill
- Terra
- Yadoo’s House
Restaurants that have retained their place in the Michelin selected list are:
- Butcher & Still
- Byblos Sur Mer
- Café Milano
- Catch by St. Regis
- Cipriani
- Coya
- Dai Pai Dong
- Fouquet’s
- Finz
- Grand Beirut
- Li Beirut
- Li Jiang
- LPM
- Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
- Mazi
- Meylas
- Mijana
- Moksh
- Namak
- NIRI
- Oak Room
- Paradiso
- Punjab Grill
- Silk & Spice
- Tean
- VaKaVa Pan Latin Grill and Lounge by Richard Sandoval
- Villa Toscana
- Zuma
The Michelin inspectors evaluate the food and rate the exceptional service restaurants provide. This year, three Abu Dhabi establishments are contenders for special awards, recognising their outstanding service.
Here are the categories:
- Service Award 2023: Chandran Thanggaraja, Kopitiam by Chandy’s
- Young Chef Award 2023: Rigers Cuka, Oii
- Opening of the Year Award 2023: James Soo Yong Kim, Les Dangereux
FAQs About MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS ABU DHABI
What are the best seafood restaurants in Abu Dhabi?
Want to dine on the freshest catch from the sea? The best seafood restaurants in Abu Dhabi include Finz, Fishmarket and Catch.
What are the best American restaurants in Abu Dhabi?
Some top American restaurants in Abu Dhabi include Texas Roadhouse, Five Guys and Denny’s.
Are there any Michelin Star restaurants in Dubai?
Yes, Il Ristorante, Stay by Yannick Alenno and Al Muntaha are some Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai.
Is Gordon Ramsay a Michelin-star restaurant?
Gordon Ramsay’s culinary empire currently boasts 8 Michelin stars, with his flagship restaurant holding 3 stars for over two decades.
Which city has the most 3-star Michelin restaurants?
Tokyo leads the world in the number of restaurants awarded three Michelin stars in February 2024.
This concludes our Michelin restaurants Abu Dhabi guide. If you want to know more about the best restaurants across the UAE, check out our Michelin-star chef restaurants in Dubai guide.
Don’t forget to add the top restaurants in Abu Dhabi to your list for more options. From affordable eateries to upscale establishments, the options are plenty.
For more information on Abu Dhabi gastronomic scenes, stay tuned to MyBayut!
