(31/10/2025) - The Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 presents its fourth edition, showcasing the latest additions to the city's culinary scene. This year's selection reflects the city's growing sophistication and diversity: eleven new restaurants have been included in the selection, three of which received the Bib Gourmand award for exceptional cuisine at an excellent value for money, while three of the already awarded restaurants have retained their star.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide said: "The Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 restaurant selection shows that the culinary scene in this vibrant city is constantly evolving and maturing. Abu Dhabi is not only a political and cultural capital, but also a foodie destination worth visiting. With a diverse selection of cuisines from around the world, the city offers a varied and exciting range of restaurants, from elegant Italian classics and modern Japanese cuisine to Gulf-inspired flavours and innovative fusion concepts. The awarding of new Bib Gourmand accolades and the confirmation of the stars emphasise the city's commitment to excellence and creativity in gastronomy. Abu Dhabi's restaurant landscape is constantly evolving, promising not only exceptional food but also unforgettable experiences. The future of this dynamic city looks more promising than ever."

One star

-stars are awarded to restaurants that offer outstanding cuisine. Five universal criteria are taken into account: the quality of the ingredients; the harmony of flavours; the mastery of techniques; the personality of the chef reflected in his cooking; and, equally important, consistency both across the menu and over time. In the dynamic world of gastronomy, achieving excellence year after year is a real challenge. This requires not only creativity and talent, but also unwavering dedication, precision and consistency. Receiving a star is one of the most prestigious honours in the industry, and for the 2026 edition, three restaurants have once again proven their mastery: Erth, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida have retained their awards.

Three new Bib Gourmands

The Bib Gourmand award recognises restaurants in the selection that offer high-quality food at a fair price. Tucked away in a huge shopping mall in the heart of Yas Island, Bua Thai Café offers lovers of authentic Thai cuisine a cosy and colourful retreat. The menu offers simple but flavourful Thai dishes, including steamed hagao, bright green chicken curry and the popular mango sticky rice dessert. Guests can enjoy the lively atmosphere inside or choose a seat on the terrace in the cooler months.

3Fils Abu Dhabi brings the acclaimed Dubai restaurant to the capital and has set up shop in Al Bateen Marina. The large, modern Japanese restaurant spans three floors. The design is minimalist and modern, creating a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere where chefs in baseball caps serve modern dishes such as grilled baby chicken, prawns and sashimi straight from the open kitchen. For dessert, the "Take Me To The Moon" is a chocolate lover's dream come true.

Goldfish is located in the heart of the impressive Marina Mall, where Akmal Anuar's modern Japanese restaurant, a sister to the original in Dubai, delights diners. The menu is vibrant and varied, offering a selection of sushi, tasty skewers and larger dishes such as ramen, wagyu sliders and spicy noodles. The portions are generous and offer excellent value for money, making it the perfect place to refuel after a day of shopping.

Recommendations

The Michelin Guide recommends eight new restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

Cipriani Dolci offers all the elegant and stylish features you would expect from the Cipriani name, but with a unique twist for Abu Dhabi. This welcoming venue on the ground floor of Marina Mall is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and light snacks and offers daily changing daily specials and even pizza. Guests can enjoy a fine selection of cakes, pastries and delicious homemade ice cream - perfect for a sweet treat while shopping or to top off any meal.

Antonia is a charming Italian restaurant on the beach overlooking the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf in Mamsha Al Saadiyat. The ambience is reminiscent of the charm of an American pizzeria, but the menu is purely Italian and offers generously portioned carpaccio, classic pasta and, above all, the typical sourdough pizza, which is prepared according to a fifty-year-old recipe. Tiramisu is a perennial favourite among the desserts and rounds off a menu that celebrates Italian home cooking in a relaxed, picturesque setting.

Novikov Abu Dhabi is the local branch of the renowned international restaurant chain and is located in the Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island. Mediterranean cuisine takes centre stage, with highlights such as freshly made pasta, expertly prepared fish, chilled gazpacho and a delicious beer tart. The lunch menu offers excellent value for money and the à la carte selection ensures that there is something to suit every taste. A pianist provides background music throughout the day.

Villa Mamas, under the direction of Bahraini chef Roaya Saleh, makes a distinctive mark on the Abu Dhabi dining scene with its elegant, Gulf-inspired cuisine. The interior is reminiscent of a conservatory, filled with plants, colourful artefacts, fresh fruit and shelves of homemade spices, syrups and cookbooks. The menu showcases popular regional flavours and dishes such as chicken machbous and hummus with lamb cubes, all served in an ambience that feels both cosy and sophisticated.

Taparelle is a visually stunning restaurant in the progressive Manarat Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi's centre for arts, culture and community events. The terrace is an ideal spot for a relaxed meal, and Saturday brunches are a particular favourite. The menu is a creative combination of French and Italian cuisine and offers dishes such as scallops grenobloise, oxtail ragout and crispy fried sea bass.

Pincode by Kunal Kapur invites guests to experience celebrity chef Kunal Kapur's modern interpretation of upscale Indian street food cuisine. The restaurant is located in the Galleria Mall and boasts a stylish interior with fine fabrics and sepia-coloured, black and white wall panels that exude a subtle colonial elegance.

Strawfire by Ross Shonhan is Australian chef Ross Shonhan's dynamic debut in Abu Dhabi, where the blazing flames of the open kitchen are in harmony with the beats of a live DJ. The focus is on the warayaki cooking method, in which the dishes are briefly flambéed with burning straw to create unique flavours. Speciality dishes such as prawn toast, miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and spaghetti mentaiko stand out, while the terrace and open kitchen seating offer both entertainment and comfort. Completing the experience are customised cocktails, a selection of sake and a team dedicated to making every evening memorable.

Sand & Koal offers a luxurious culinary experience on the beach in a pavilion overlooking the magnificent Presidential Palace and the glittering Arabian Gulf. It's the perfect place to enjoy the sunset with a drink before sampling specialities prepared over a wood fire. The menu includes delicious steaks, a 'reef and beef' surf-and-turf and generous seafood platters to share. Desserts such as smoked chocolate mousse and fig tart provide a sweet finish, making this an ideal spot for a romantic evening for two.

Each of these restaurants adds its own unique flair to Abu Dhabi's vibrant culinary landscape, contributing to the city's growing reputation as a premier foodie destination.special awards

Special awards

With its Special Awards, the Michelin Guide shines a spotlight on the diverse achievements in the hospitality industry and honours the most talented and driven individuals in the sector.

Strawfire by Ross Shonhan receives the award for the Exceptional Cocktail. Australian chef Ross Shonhan's Abu Dhabi debut features blazing flames and a high-energy atmosphere in an intimate cocktail bar run by Maria Luz Garcia and Mahesh Dhami, offering both classic and creative creations as well as delicious snacks and attentive service that our inspectors say will make any occasion special.

The award for up-and-coming chef goes to Villa Toscana at the St. Regis Hotel. Our inspectors mentioned that classic Tuscan dishes are prepared here with skill and passion, from spaghetti alle vongole to Milanese-style veal cutlets and an outstanding tiramisu. The team's expertise and the rustic charm of the restaurant create an authentic Tuscan flavour experience.

Ray's Grill receives the Service Award for its enthusiastic, warm and attentive hospitality. Located on the 63rd floor of the Conrad Etihad Towers Hotel, the team impressed our inspectors with their seamless service, contributing to an unrivalled culinary experience for guests. Perfectly prepared steaks and breathtaking views make guests feel welcome and appreciated.

The "Opening of the Year" award goes to 3Fils Abu Dhabi, which has set the standard in the city since its opening last July. Our inspectors were very impressed with the restaurant in the three-storey building at Al Bateen Marina and its modern Japanese dishes. As a sister restaurant to the original in Dubai, this much larger branch offers a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere in terms of service, ambience and food.