11 New Abu Dhabi Restaurants Shine in 2026 Michelin Guide
Abu Dhabi’s culinary journey continues to sparkle on the global stage with the release of the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026. The prestigious guide’s fourth edition highlights the city’s remarkable rise as a gourmet destination — featuring 56 restaurants, including 11 new additions that showcase creativity, quality, and diversity in the capital’s dining scene.
The announcement took place at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental on October 23, 2025, where chefs, restaurateurs, and food lovers gathered to celebrate the city’s growing reputation for fine dining excellence.
Three restaurants retain their Michelin Stars
In a significant achievement, three Abu Dhabi restaurants successfully retained their One Michelin Star distinction this year: Erth, Hakkasan, and Talea by Antonio Guida.
These establishments continue to represent the highest level of culinary craftsmanship and consistency. The Michelin inspectors noted their attention to detail, mastery of flavours, and commitment to innovation, which helped them maintain their stars — a feat that’s notoriously challenging in the world of fine dining.
Erth, located near Qasr Al Hosn, remains celebrated for its Emirati-inspired cuisine served with modern finesse. Hakkasan, known globally for its stylish Cantonese dishes, continues to impress diners with bold yet refined flavours. Talea, helmed by Michelin-starred Italian chef Antonio Guida, maintains its reputation as one of the region’s finest Italian restaurants, offering dishes rooted in authentic tradition with a contemporary twist.
New Bib Gourmand winners bring flavour and value
The Bib Gourmand category, which honours restaurants offering excellent food at good value, saw three exciting new winners this year — Bua Thai Café, 3Fils Abu Dhabi, and Goldfish.
Each of these restaurants reflects Abu Dhabi’s unique blend of accessibility and authenticity.
Bua Thai Café on Yas Island serves comforting, home-style Thai dishes rich in flavour and aroma, capturing the essence of traditional Thai cooking.
3Fils Abu Dhabi, an expansion of Dubai’s award-winning restaurant, has brought its signature modern Japanese-inspired cuisine to Al Bateen Marina, quickly earning rave reviews.
Goldfish, located in Marina Mall, has impressed diners with its casual yet chic take on Japanese street food, offering sushi, ramen, and Wagyu sliders in a welcoming atmosphere.
These Bib Gourmand winners highlight Abu Dhabi’s ability to deliver world-class culinary experiences without exclusivity — a true reflection of the city’s evolving food culture.
Eight new restaurants join the Guide
Beyond the Bib Gourmand selections, eight more restaurants earned their place in the 2026 Michelin Guide, further showcasing the diversity of the capital’s dining landscape.
Standout newcomers include:
Antonia, a warm and rustic Italian spot on Saadiyat Island known for handmade pasta and traditional family recipes.
Villa Mamas, which offers modern Khaleeji cuisine with a twist, drawing inspiration from regional flavours and homestyle cooking.
Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, a show-stopping new entry featuring an open-flame Warayaki-style cooking technique that infuses dishes with deep, smoky flavours.
Other notable additions include Sand & Koal, Cipriani Dolci, Novikov Abu Dhabi, Pincode by Kunal Kapur, and Taparelle, each contributing something distinctive — from European elegance to bold modern fusion concepts.
Michelin Special Awards celebrate creativity and service
In addition to the restaurant listings, the Michelin Guide team presented four special awards recognising outstanding contributions to Abu Dhabi’s culinary landscape:
Exceptional Cocktail Award: Strawfire by Ross Shonhan — for its innovative and artistic beverage creations.
Young Chef Award: Villa Toscana (St. Regis Abu Dhabi) — honouring a rising team that celebrates authentic Tuscan flavours with fresh energy.
Service Award: Ray’s Grill (Conrad Etihad Towers) — for delivering impeccable hospitality and professionalism.
Opening of the Year Award: 3Fils Abu Dhabi — for an exceptional debut that captivated both critics and diners.
These awards highlight not only the city’s rich variety of cuisines but also the passion and dedication of the teams driving Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene forward.
A bright future for Abu Dhabi gastronomy
The Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 cements the capital’s position as one of the Middle East’s top gastronomic destinations. With its mix of fine dining, casual eateries, and innovative newcomers, Abu Dhabi continues to blend local authenticity with global excellence.
From street-style cafés to world-renowned kitchens, the city’s chefs are redefining what dining in the UAE capital means — combining creativity, culture, and community. As the 2026 guide shows, Abu Dhabi’s culinary stars are not just shining; they’re lighting the path for a new era of Middle Eastern gastronomy.
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