Dubai on the global culinary map... the highlights of the Michelin Guide 2026

The UAE celebrated the launch of the fifth edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai, during a ceremony hosted by the Atlantis The Royal Hotel, which included 122 restaurants with kitchens representing 38 types of cuisine. The selections reflect the diversity of the culinary scene, from local restaurants to fine dining destinations, cementing Dubai's place on the global culinary map.

What are the highlights of the 2026 edition? 3 Michelin stars The Dubai restaurants “FZN by Björn Frantzén” and “Trèsind Studio” maintained three Michelin stars, confirming their exceptionalism, which is the highest rating given by the guide to restaurants that deserve a special visit. Two Michelin Stars Orfali Bros has risen to two Michelin stars just two years after obtaining its first star, strengthening its position as one of the most prominent restaurants that embody the culinary arts in the Middle East.

The restaurant combines the Aleppo, Armenian and Turkish roots of the Orfali brothers, while its signature dishes and “Voyage” menu reveal a more refined, thoughtful and personal style of cooking. On the other hand, the following restaurants maintained their classification among the 2026 selections: One Michelin star Two new restaurants entered this year’s list and obtained one Michelin star.

“Birch” offers a modern experience inspired by Chef Arslan Berdiyev’s Turkmen roots, while “KIGO” offers a seasonal Japanese experience that combines the methods of sushi omakase and kai seki. By joining the 12 restaurants that maintained their stars, the total number of restaurants with one star rating increases to 14. 4 new restaurants “Bib Gourmand” awarded by the Michelin Guide Dubai 2026 Four new restaurants receive the “Bib Gourmand” award, which honors distinguished restaurants at reasonable prices, bringing the total number of restaurants to 22.

Italian cuisine is served in a simple and generous style, in an atmosphere that combines a “bistro” and a specialty store, where guests can browse cookbooks alongside the menu. Chef Chen serves up bold and authentic Asian dishes, including mango sticky rice and milk cake.

Orfali Bros' sister restaurant serves dishes inspired by the three brothers' Syrian roots, memories and journeys. Japanese rolls are prepared to order right in front of guests, along with pickles and seasonings that add a distinctive flavor to the menu.