Revealed: Dubai’s first Michelin-starred restaurants

After months of speculation and excitement, the list of restaurants in the first-ever Michelin Guide Dubai 2022 is finally out. The names were revealed by Gwendal Poullennic, the international director of the Michelin Guide, during an exclusive ceremony held at Dubai Opera.

The inaugural edition’s selection included 69 restaurants, serving 21 types of cuisine. Two restaurants received two Michelin Stars, nine restaurants received one Michelin Star, and 14 eateries were named Bib Gourmand restaurants.

Poullennic said: “This very first Dubai selection of restaurants marks a historical moment for the Michelin Guide and the Middle East. What makes Dubai’s culinary landscape so distinctive is its reflection of the more than 200 nationalities that call the city home, delivering an epicurean kaleidoscope. One thing all the restaurants in this fast-paced dynamic and elegant city have in common is they are brimming with passion and enthusiasm. Today, Dubai is settled as an inspiring gastronomic destination and we have no doubts that gourmets from all over the world will be seduced by its very unique energy.”

The MICHELIN Guide marked its debut in the Middle East with the MICHELIN Guide #Dubai 2022 highlighting 69 restaurants covering 21 cuisine types. https://t.co/b9BdWopjwP pic.twitter.com/Li098nKsHZ

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 21, 2022

Here are the restaurants that received Dubai’s first-ever Michelin stars:

• The restaurants that were awarded ‘Two Michelin Stars’ are Il Ristorante – Niko Romito and Stay by Yannick Alléno.
• The restaurants that received ‘One Michelin Star’ are 11 Woodfire, Al Muntaha, Armani Ristorante, Hakkasan, Hōseki, Ossiano, Torno Subito, Tresind Studio and Tasca by José Avillez.
• Fourteen Dubai restaurants were awarded Bib Gourmand awards. These awards recognise restaurants that offer great food at reasonable prices. The restaurants that made it to the list are Al Khayma, Bait Maryam, Brasserie Boulud, Fi’Lia, Folly, Goldfish, Ibn Albahr, Indya by Vineet, Kinoya, Ninive, Orfali Bros, REIF Japanese Kushiyaki, Shabestan and Teible.

Green stars

• The award went to Lowe for its sustainable approach to gastronomy.

Michelin Special Awards

• For 2022, the Young Chef Award was given to Solemann Haddad of Michelin-selected restaurant, Moonrise.
• The Sommelier Award this year went to Danijela Tesic of Ossianof for her passion and knowledge of wines. Additionally, her friendly approach with diners made her a good choice.
• The Welcome and Service Award was given to the team at Bait Maryam.

The other 44 restaurants that made it to the Michelin Guide Dubai 2022 list are 3 Fils, Akira Back, Al Mandaloun, Al-Fanar, Amazonico, Avatara, avli by Tashas, Bleu Blanc, Bombay Bungalow, Carnival by Tresind, Ce La Vi, Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco, Cipriani, Clap, Coya, Demon Duck by Alvin Leung, Gaia, Hashi, Hell’s Kitchen, Hutong, Il Borro, Indigo by Vineet, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Little Miss India, Lowe, LPM, Marea, Masti, Mimi Kakushi, Moonrise, Netsuby Ross Shonhan, Nobu, Pierre’s TT, Rhodes W1, Rockfish, Sea Fu, Shang Palace, Siraj, Social By Heinz Beck, Sucre, Tan Cha, The Artisan, Tresind and Zuma.

Michelin star is the ultimate hallmark of culinary excellence. They are awarded to restaurants of a particularly high standard with one, two, or three stars. Unlike other rating systems, Michelin stars are not based on customer reviews, but on undercover inspections by anonymous food experts known as the Michelin Inspectors. The Michelin Guide assigns Michelin stars to restaurants that meet the inspector’s stringent evaluation criteria.

One Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants for “high quality cooking that is worth a stop”; two Michelin Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”; and three Michelin Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”

The inspectors base their decisions on five criteria, including the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking, the harmony of flavours, the personality of the chef through the cuisine and the consistency both over time and across the entire menu.

Dubai becomes the 36th destination globally for the Michelin guide to be present within. In June, the inaugural list of restaurants that make the cut to the guide will be showcased across Michelin’s digital platforms.

Read: The first-ever Michelin Guide Dubai will debut this June