The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2026: Everything to Know About the Capital’s MICHELIN Star Restaurants

Abu Dhabi on the whole received some high praise from the International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, Gwendal Poullennec. He noted that ‘the culinary scene of this vibrant city continues to steadily develop and mature, proving that Abu Dhabi is now not just a cultural capital but a food destination worthy of a special trip’ - confirming what all us Abu Dhabi foodies already know! 

‘The city offers a diverse and exciting array of restaurants … the addition of [3] new Bib Gourmand distinctions and the retention of One MICHELIN Star awards further underscore the city’s commitment to excellence and creativity in gastronomy. As Abu Dhabi’s restaurant landscape evolves, it promises not only exceptional food but also memorable experiences, making the future brighter than ever for this dynamic destination,’ Mr Poullennec added. 

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One MICHELIN Star Restaurants in Abu Dhabi

So just what earns you a MICHELIN Star? It’s no easy fete - to get on, and to retain one - let alone two or three! MICHELIN Stars are awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking, taking into account five universal criteria: 

• the quality of ingredients 
• the harmony of flavors
• the mastery of techniques
• the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine
• consistency - both across the entire menu and over time

Pretty tough going - especially as all of these standards need to be met, day in, day out, no off days! Talent, creativity, dedication and passion all need to be at the forefront of the chef - and restaurant’s - approach. 

Retaining a MICHELIN Star is a massive accomplishment, and for the 2026 edition, three Abu Dhabi restaurants have once again held on to their coveted prize. Erth, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida all retained their MICHELIN Star (sadly, 99 Sushi Bar didn’t secure theirs again this year, but they are still on the Selected list).

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Three New Bib Gourmands in Abu Dhabi - Bringing Our Total to Ten!

The Bib Gourmand award highlights MICHELIN Selected restaurants which offer good quality food at a great price - a big tick from us! 

Bua Thai Café 

This small but mighty Yas Island spot could get lost in the hustle and bustle of Yas Bay Waterfront, but it doesn’t - patrons are always filling the restaurant, a breath of fresh air for lovers of authentic Thai cuisine. The second offering from Chef Bua, following the popularity of Desert Lotus in Al Banda, it’s well priced and the food is always great - and Bua’s passion for her work is so apparent. She’ll bustle around with a big smile on her face, greeting diners and explaining the dishes if she’s in-house. We never visit without ordering the mango sticky rice for dessert, but from the tasty sea cakes to fresh pad Thai there are only winners here. Sit on the terrace when you can - it’s great for people watching on the busy Yas Bay Waterfront.

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3Fils Abu Dhabi 

Our most anticipated opening of 2025? Probably! But it didn’t take long for them to prove the magic of their Dubai restaurant is alive and well in the capital. Against the backdrop of Al Bateen Marina, this Japanese restaurant sprawls over three floors - and it’s always busy. Turn up early to grab a table (and enjoy the sunset through the vast glass windows), or be ready for a bit of a wait - but either way, it’s worth it. Check out our full rundown on 3Fils here - from our favourite dishes to the high praise for their wonderful staff. 

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Goldfish 

Welcome to Abu Dhabi: a paradox of restaurants in malls serving up some of the best food in the city! We love it - and Goldfish is case in point. In the heart of Marina Mall, Akmal Anuar’s contemporary Japanese eatery holds court. Another welcome transplant from Dubai, they’re dishing up everything from delicious sushi and tasty skewers, to more substantial bowls of ramen, Wagyu sliders and noodles aplenty. You won’t leave hungry - portions are generous - and it’s a great one to save for your next shopping trip. Two birds, one stone and a happy stomach!

Who Else Has a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand Award in Abu Dhabi?

• Al Mrzab - Emirati restaurant
• ryba - Seafood 
• Bua Thai - Thai restaurant (new)
• 3Fils - Japanese restaurant (new)
• Beirut Sur Mer - Lebanese restaurant
• Otoro - Japanese restaurant
• Almayass - Lebanese restaurant
• Goldfish - Japanese restaurant (new)
• tazal - Mediterranean restaurant
• Mika - Mediterranean restaurant

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Eight New Restaurants Join the Ranks of 2026 MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi’s Selected List

The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi’s Selected List gathers together a range of restaurants that are recognised for good cooking: from high-end fine dining to cheaper but still delicious, many of our go-to spots have found a home in this category. We adore Kopitiam by Chandy’s, a bit of a hidden gem serving up excellent Malaysian food in downtown Abu Dhabi and rightfully so, La Petite Maison (LPM), Zuma, Niri and Finz have all been recognized again.

The 2026 list has welcomed 8 new members: 

Strawfire by Ross Shonhan - Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental‍

The dynamic Abu Dhabi debut of Australian chef Ross Shonhan, this is one of our absolute favourite spots in the city. The focus is on Warayaki style cooking, where dishes are quickly engulfed with burning straw, imparting unique flavours - request a seat by the open kitchen for maximum wow-factor. Order the prawn toast - you’ll thank us later. We’re a bit shocked they didn’t score a MICHELIN Star this year - fingers crossed for the 2027 Guide.

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Taparelle - Manarat Al Saadiyat‍

We’ve visited more times than we care to admit, this laidback Mediterranean spot has a gorgeous garden (complete with a divine-smelling woodfired pizza oven) and some of the best value cocktails in the city. They join their sister restaurant, Japanese favourite Niri, on the Selected list.

Pincode by Kunal Kapur - The Galleria Al Maryah

Frequently one of our most recommended higher-end Indian restaurants, the food is really excellent. Don’t just stop in when you’re on a shopping trip, their Indian fare is worth a dedicated trip to The Galleria. 

Antonia - Mamsha al Saadiyat‍

The OG Antonia location, with views as gorgeous as their Italian menu. Don’t skip the pizza - grab a few half-trays to share - and end with tiramisu. Walk it off afterwards on the Mamsha esplanade, with a takeaway gelato in hand.

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Cipriani Dolci - Marina Mall

Savoury dishes are fab here, but go for the sweets: cakes, patisseries and delicious house-made ice cream are top notch. 

Villa Mamas - Al Rawdah

‍Led by Bahraini chef Roaya Saleh, head in for elegant Khaleeji-inspired cuisine. The interior resembles a conservatory, filled with plants and shelves lined with homemade spices and syrups - it feels homey yet fresh. 

Sand & Koal - Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

Beachside dining at its best, Sand & Koal is a luxury sandwich between Emirates Palace and the Arabian Sea - what a spot. It’s very chic yet relaxed; tuck into a seafood platter or some deliciously woodfired meat, and linger over a drink to the sound of the sea.  

Novikov Abu Dhabi - The Galleria Al Maryah

‍Another relatively new addition, the Abu Dhabi offering is a welcome addition to the global franchise. Mediterranean cuisine complemented by a pianist tinkling the ivories? It’s enough to transport you off on a European holiday for a few hours.

Special Awards for the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi

Is this our favourite category? Maybe - we love to see individuals recognised for their hard work and dedication. 

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Exceptional Cocktail Award

Strawfire by Ross Shonhan is recognized for the Exceptional Cocktail Award. Strawfire has bucketloads to celebrate, with their live flames and energetic vibes, but their intimate cocktail bar - led by Maria Luz Garcia and Mahesh Dhami - deserves recognition of its own! It’s visually stunning - hello, giant moon - and offers both classic and creative creations. Omakase cocktails, where you can choose your flavours and preference and have a custom made cocktail delivered to your table? Next level. To top it off, Maria and Mahesh are super lovely, as are the rest of the staff - a very well-deserved choice for this award! 

Service Award

Ray's Grill’s Ricardo Bout scored the Service Award for enthusiastic, warm and attentive hospitality. Find them on the 63rd floor of Conrad Etihad Towers to experience this fab service for yourself - from warm welcomes to seamless delivery, it’s a brilliant accompaniment to your excellent dinner and fabulous city views. 

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Young Chef Award

The Young Chef Award went to Villa Toscana’s Vittorio Nania. Located in the St. Regis hotel, praise was given by MICHELIN inspectors for classic Tuscan dishes prepared with skill and passion - they rated spaghetti alle vongole, veal Milanese and a standout tiramisu. The team’s expertise and the restaurant’s rustic charm create an authentic taste of Tuscany, perfect for your next Italian craving. 

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Opening of the Year Award

The Opening of the Year Award goes to 3Fils Abu Dhabi, which has set a high bar in the city since opening this past July. MICHELIN inspectors were hugely impressed by the restaurant housed in the three-story building located on the Al Bateen Marina and its modern Japanese dishes. Sister to the original in Dubai, this much larger outpost offers relaxing and feel-good vibes across its service, atmosphere and food. 

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