Abu Dhabi is now widely recognised as one of the Middle East’s most exclusive culinary destinations, with a range of exceptional restaurants maintaining exceptionally high standards. At the pinnacle of this epicurean treasure trove is an array of establishments honoured by the world’s leading authority on fine dining: the esteemed Michelin Guide, distributors of the coveted Michelin Star.
The 2026 edition of the Michelin Guide for Abu Dhabi has expanded to include a total of 56 restaurants, marking an increase from the 48 establishments recognised in the 2025 guide. This growth reflects the city's evolving culinary sophistication and the rising prominence of its dining scene, an expansion and diversification which signifies Abu Dhabi's continued ascent as a premier gastronomic destination, offering a rich variety of dining options across multiple palates and preferences.
Erth
This inspiring Abu Dhabi restaurant stands as a gastronomical game-changer for the city’s food scene.
Located in Al Hosn, the menu is a love letter to Emirati culture, showcasing authentic flavours crafted by chefs who are passionate about exploring the country’s rich culinary heritage. As such, Erth takes pride of place as the world’s first Emirati restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star.
With outstanding starters such as the ‘torched locally farmed salmon crudo’, the hits keep coming via the sharing menu, the highlight of which is arguably the Margoga Gyoza – crispy dumplings filled with locally sourced vegetables in a coconut green curry sauce. The ‘hammour with potato scallop’ is a sensational blend of fish, potato, butter and Arabic masala, which comes with a side of polenta sauce and organic carrot.
A menu brimming with sublime options, Erth is a must-visit for those who value top-class local cuisine.
Talea by Antonio Guida
It’s no surprise that this sumptuous establishment has received a Michelin Star, considering the divine Italian cuisine on offer.
Helmed by authentic Italian chef Antonio Guida, the restaurant is a flavourful journey through classics such as Neapolitan pizza, Venetian baccala, Campanian seafood and Sicilian spaghetti. Guida is a family-style chef who cemented his vast reputation in the frenetic kitchens of Milan before arriving in Abu Dhabi, bringing with him that vibrancy only an Italian chef can bring.
Located in the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, the menu also delivers standouts such as the linguine all’ astice, a sensational lobster dish served with organic tomatoes and basil. Further opulent dishes include the spigola (seabass) and the pollo e carciofi, an extravagant pan-roasted chicken with couscous and artichokes. Whatever you choose from this menu is bound to leave you frantically searching your diary for your next free evening.
Hakkasan
The final Michelin-starred restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Hakkasan is the second Asian restaurant to be awarded the distinction, but this exceptional establishment focuses mainly on Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant shares a location with Talea in the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, just past the western end of Corniche Beach, and boasts timeless classics such as the Peking Duck. A supreme selection of dim sum is another particular highlight, while the fish and poultry/meat menus provide further enjoyment through top-class offerings such as the charcoal-grilled Canadian lobster and the stone-grilled Japanese A5 wagyu beef sirloin.
Furthermore, Hakkasan presents discerning guests with a curated selection of wines to rival the best in the city. With knowledgeable staff on hand to recommend pairings, the restaurant benefits from a sophisticated yet vibrant atmosphere – ideal for family outings or gatherings with friends.
Bib Gourmand Selections
While not Michelin-starred in their own right, Abu Dhabi is home to a variety of Bib Gourmand options – that is, restaurants which have been highlighted for offering high-quality, good value meals at a reasonable price, typically a three-course meal within a set price range.
Almayass is a Lebanese-Armenian fusion restaurant recognised by various outlets such as the New York Times and Food & Wine Magazine, while Ryba is a local seafood establishment featuring Emirati ingredients and spices.
Al Mrzab delivers traditional Emirati and Kuwaiti cuisine, in addition to Beirut Sur Mer, which, as you may have guessed, showcases some of the best Lebanese cuisine in the country. The exceptional Otoro is a nod to contemporary Japanese cuisine, in addition to T’azal and Mika, which both exhibit exquisite Mediterranean dishes.
A new addition to this year’s Bib Gourmand list is the sumptuous Golfish, a contemporary Japanese establishment which boasts a vibrant selection of sushi, skewers and spicy noodle dishes. The Abu Dhabi outlet is a sister branch of the original Dubai restaurant, in case you recognise the name. Bua Thai Cafe has also been presented with the distinction of Bib Gourmand, thanks in large part to its authentic menu, which features classics like steamed hargao, chicken green curry and of course, mango sticky rice dessert. Another new inclusion is 3Fils Abu Dhabi, yet another addition to the city’s abundance of exceptional Japanese restaurants.
Some new restaurants have also been added to the Selected Restaurants list, highlighted for their good cooking. Establishments such as Butcher & Still, Cafe Milano and Coya, all located in the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, have been recognised, while others like Al Farah, Oak Room, Paradiso and Em Sherif Sea Cafe (among others) have also received a spotlight for their exceptional quality and consistency, reflecting the city’s growing culinary excellence.
