Dubai restaurants earn the region’s first-ever Michelin stars

Home to the world’s tallest skyscraper and deepest pool, Dubai is a city known for its grandeur – from its iconic architecture to its exceptional dining. Now, several of the city’s top restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars, marking the first time the prestigious guide has recognized the Middle East.

The Michelin Guide Dubai 2022, launched on Tuesday, includes 69 restaurants. Of these, 11 earned Michelin stars, 14 were awarded a Bib Gourmand for offering great value, and 44 were named 'Michelin-selected.' The guide covers 21 different cuisines, reflecting Dubai’s rich culinary diversity in a city where most of the population hails from abroad.

Two restaurants received two Michelin stars – Stay by Yannick Alleno and Il Ristorante – Niko Romito. Il Ristorante, located at the Bulgari Resort, was praised for its 'modern Italian cuisine, offering balance, purity, and clarity,' while Stay earned recognition for its minimalist French approach, according to the Michelin press release.

Nine restaurants earned one Michelin star, including the intimate nine-seat Japanese restaurant Höseki, the innovative Chinese eatery Hakkasan, and Tasca by José Avillez, which serves up exceptional Portuguese dishes.

“Our inspectors have spent years studying the local food scene and we are thrilled to showcase Dubai’s vibrant and promising rise as a culinary destination,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, in an interview with Dinogo.

“We’ve seen a remarkable shift in the quality of Dubai’s food scene, with an increasing number of independent, locally-run restaurants helmed by homegrown talent. The city now boasts a diverse culinary landscape, and there’s even more to come,” he added.

The Dubai guide could serve as a stepping stone for Michelin to recognize culinary excellence across the Middle East. With Dubai attracting around 16 million visitors annually, the guide may further fuel tourism to the city.