MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025 to Be Revealed This Month
The highly-anticipated third edition of the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi is officially set to launch on Thursday, 31 October 2024, at the glamorous Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental. This exciting announcement follows the recent MICHELIN Guide Dubai launch, where 19 restaurants in the city were awarded MICHELIN Stars, marking a continued celebration of fine dining in the UAE.
The event will feature a special culinary showcase by five guest venues, each known for their unique and innovative approach to gastronomy. Attendees can look forward to creations from:
- 99 Sushi Bar (One MICHELIN Star)
- Erth Restaurant (One MICHELIN Star)
- Dai Pai Dong (MICHELIN Selected)
- Ray’s Grill (MICHELIN Selected)
- Tate from Hong Kong (Two MICHELIN Stars)
Abu Dhabi is already packed with world-class restaurants, and we can't wait to see which establishments earn the coveted MICHELIN Stars this year.
MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi: Last Year’s Highlights
In the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi, four restaurants earned the prestigious One MICHELIN Star:
- 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
- Erth Restaurant
- Hakkasan Abu Dhabi
- Talea by Antonio Guida
There were no recipients for two or three MICHELIN Stars last year, leaving an exciting opportunity for more restaurants to elevate their rankings in the upcoming edition.
The Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes restaurants offering exceptional value for a three-course meal, featured Almayass, Al Mrzab, Beirut Sur Mer, Oii, Otoro, and Tazal in 2024.
Among other notable awards:
- Service Award: Chandran Thanggaraja from Kopitiam by Chandy’s
- Young Chef Award: Rigers Cuka from Oii
- Opening of the Year Award: Les Dangereux
The MICHELIN guide selection also featured numerous outstanding Abu Dhabi restaurants, such as Al Farah, Butcher & Still, COYA Abu Dhabi, Finz, Fishmarket, Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi, and many more.
99 Sushi Bar: A Gastronomic Delight
99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant has already captured the attention of MICHELIN inspectors and food lovers alike with its tantalizing tasting menu and dedication to exceptional Japanese cuisine. The anticipation around what this year will bring for them and other top restaurants is palpable.
What is the MICHELIN Guide?
First published in 1933, the MICHELIN Guide is often regarded as the "Oscars of the food industry." Covering 36 destinations across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and South America, it's synonymous with culinary excellence. Currently, only 138 restaurants globally hold the coveted three MICHELIN Stars, with France and Japan leading the pack in the number of MICHELIN-starred establishments.
How Do Restaurants Earn a MICHELIN Star?
MICHELIN inspectors have been quietly dining across Abu Dhabi's restaurant scene. To receive a star, restaurants are assessed based on specific criteria, including:
- Quality of ingredients
- Mastery of cooking techniques
- Harmony of flavors
- Expression of the chef’s personality
- Consistency over time and across the menu
The system may sound complex, but here’s a simplified version:
- One MICHELIN Star: High-quality cooking, worth a stop
- Two MICHELIN Stars: Excellent cooking, worth a detour
- Three MICHELIN Stars: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey
A MICHELIN Star is not permanent; gaining or losing one can have a significant impact on a restaurant's reputation. So, we eagerly look forward to how the MICHELIN Guide will influence Abu Dhabi's dining landscape and which restaurants will make it to this esteemed list in 2024.
As the guide evolves, there will likely be movement not just among starred restaurants but also in the Bib Gourmand Awards category. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled to see who rises and who surprises us in Abu Dhabi’s dynamic culinary scene.