We’ve always been staunch believers that Dubai has all the ingredients to become the world’s gourmet haven. So we couldn’t be prouder to see our beloved sandpit officially join the ranks of the world’s food capitals when Dubai’s first-ever Michelin Star restaurants were revealed at the Dubai Opera on June 21.
This exciting information was revealed as part of the debut of the first Michelin Guide Dubai 2022. This makes Dubai one of only 36 cities in the world for which the illustrious restaurant rating system has published a dedicated guide. Dubai’s inaugural Michelin guide has recognised 69 exceptional restaurants across the city and is a digital-only edition.
Of those 69 eateries, only 11 were awarded the coveted Michelin star. Amongst the 11, nine were accorded one star each, while two restaurants managed to snap up the famously hard-to-attain two-star rating!
It’s been roughly 122 years since the first Michelin Guide was published, but even in 2022, a Michelin star is the coveted holy grail of the culinary world that every chef dreams of. The glittering accolade holds a lot of weight.
The fabled three-star award didn’t make its way to Dubai but we think it’s only a matter of time before the City of Gold achieves that gold standard of the culinary world.
Until that happens, here’s the comprehensive list of all the Dubai restaurants that have Michelin’s seal of approval and special awards. Did your favourite joint make the cut? Let us know!
TWO MICHELIN STARS
1. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, Bulgari Resort Dubai
The Bulgari Dubai’s modern Italian eatery cinched the award for it’s top-notch ingredients flown in all the way from Italy and it’s flavourful fish and pasta dishes that are the showstoppers.
2. STAY by Yannick Alléno, One & Only The Palm
A minimalistic philosophy to cooking that lets the flavours and techniques impress the crtics instead of gimmicks is what won this flagship restaurant in the One &Only a two-star rating. Celebrity chef Alléno is the
ONE MICHELIN STAR
1. 11 Woodfire, Jumeirah
Singaporean chef-owner Akmal Anuar’s culinary mastery shines through how deftly an array of vegetables, seafood and meats are grilled to perfection over open flames fulled by oak, hickory or hay.
2. Tresind Studio, Nakeehl Mall Rooftop East, Palm Jumeirah
This homegrown wonder is chef Himanshu Saini’s brainchild. Modern Indian cuisine is shaped by playful creativeness that reintroduces diners to the wonder of good food – think ghee-roasted crab and morel pulao with Assam tea dashi. The intimate dining space which was previously located in voco hotel now has its own rooftop terrace setting.
3. Ossiano, Atlantis, The Palm
French chef Grégoire Berger’s childhood memories-laced 11-course tasting menu paired with the restaurant’s underwater aquarium backdrop (you’ll be staring at The Lagoon) makes this definitely a bucket list meal you need to experience.
4. Hakkasan, Atlantis, The Palm
The Dubai branch of the famed London eatery has been delighting diners since 2001 by reimaging traditional Cantonese recipes and serving up creations that are exclusive to Dubai such as the lychee lobster with yuzu pearl.
5. Hōseki, Bugari Resort Dubai
It’s another Michelin star for the Bulgari with this nine-seater omakase restaurant had everything going for it. Sushi master Masahiro Sugiyama’s bespoke omakase experience uses fresh ingredients imported daily from Japan
6. Armani Ristorante, Burj Khalifa
Precision-based Italian cooking is beautifully plated and served up in the sophisticated surrounds of the world’s tallest building. Italian favorites such as agnolotti del plin, filetto di scorfano and agnello al mirto are specialities.
7. Tasca by José Avillez, Mandarin Oriental Hotel
This first international outpost of Portuguese chef José Avillez is set around an open kitchen where fresh high-end produce comes together to transform into innovative Portuguese dishes that are great for sharing.
8. Torno Subito, W Hotel, The Palm
Chef Massimo Bottura’s Italian eatery masters all the classics such as pasta dishes and desserts but with their own unique twist.
9. Al Muntaha, Burj Al Arab
The restaurant that’s the crowning glory of the Bur Al Arab offers sophisticated and refined French cuisine with Mediterranean influences and is helmed by chef Saverio Sbaragli.