After 69 of its luxurious and modest restaurants were listed in the renowned French guide, Dubai became the first city in the Middle East to have Michelin-starred restaurants.
Founded in 1900 by brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin, the Michelin Guide is a global reference for food lovers.
Eleven were awarded Michelin stars and 14 received a Bib Gourmand (deemed to provide value for money), along with 44 more ‘Michelin-selected’ restaurants.
Spanning 21 cuisines, the guide aims to reflect the culinary diversity in a place where the vast majority of the population are foreign workers from around the world.
Two restaurants received two Michelin stars — Stay by Yannick Alleno, and Il Ristorante — Niko Romito. Il Ristorante, which is located at the Bulgari Resort, was recognized for “its modern Italian fare, which comes with balance, purity, and clarity” and Stays for its “less-is-more approach” to French cuisine, according to a Michelin press release.
Nine restaurants were awarded one Michelin star, including nine-seat Japanese restaurant Höseki, innovative Chinese restaurant Hakkasan, and Tasca by José Avillez, which serves Portuguese cuisine.
Despite the selection encompassing cuisines from European and Asian continents, no restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine was awarded a star.
However, there was recognition for Middle Eastern cooking amongst the Bib Gourmand awardees – a category for restaurants that offer a three-course gourmet experience priced at an average of 250 dirhams (around $68).
Recipients include Levantine restaurant Bait Maryam, and Al Khayma — featuring rustic Emirati cooking.
