From avant-garde Indian cuisine and underwater gastronomy to impeccable European classics—discover the culinary treasures of the emirate, recognized by the world's most prestigious award.
Forget the stereotypes. Today, Dubai's greatest treasures aren't just skyscrapers and islands, but also MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Since 2022, when the legendary guide first arrived in the emirate, the local gastronomic scene has experienced a real boom. Its highlight came in 2025 with the emergence of the first three-star establishments—a mark of the highest global recognition. Welcome to the guide to culinary Dubai: a city where dinner can become the main adventure of your journey.
What is the MICHELIN Guide?: The MICHELIN Guide is the world's most influential restaurant rating, existing since 1900. Its anonymous inspectors evaluate restaurants according to five strict criteria: quality of ingredients, chef's skill, harmony of flavors, uniqueness of cuisine, and consistency from visit to visit. Stars are the ultimate accolade in the world of gastronomy.
The pinnacle of craftsmanship: Restaurants with three and two stars
Here, on Dubai's gastronomic Olympus, they play for keeps. These restaurants don't chase trends—they set them. Every dinner here is a performance staged by world-renowned chefs, where every detail is refined to perfection. In 2025, Dubai finally joined the elite club of cities with three-star restaurants, and here they are—the main stars of the scene.
Trèsind Studio (***)
- What it is: A gastronomic theater where your stereotypes about Indian cuisine (curry, flatbreads, spice) are broken down into atoms and rebuilt anew as 16 fantastic miniatures. Chef Himanshu Saini is a true magician, transforming familiar flavors into something entirely new.
- What makes it special: This is the world's first Indian restaurant awarded three stars, and it fully lives up to its status. Prepare to be amazed every minute—with presentations, textures, and unexpected combinations. It’s not just dinner; it’s an exhilarating show.
- Location: Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah
- Price range: $$$$ (1095 AED for the tasting menu)
FZN by Björn Frantzén (***)
- What it is: Scandinavian precision meets Asian soul in the hands of one of the greatest chefs of our time. Björn Frantzén, who has already earned three stars for his other projects, has brought his signature cuisine to Dubai—impeccable, intricate, and built on ingredients of absolute quality.
- What makes it special: The feeling of being part of something exclusive. Here, everything is perfected down to the last detail: from the interior design to the very last petal on the plate. Be sure to try the signature grilled langoustine with truffle emulsion—a dish gourmet travelers fly halfway around the world to experience.
- Location: Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
- Price range: $$$$ (2000 AED for the tasting menu)
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito (**)
- What it is: Imagine perfect Italian cuisine stripped down to its essentials. Chef Niko Romito isn’t reinventing the wheel—he’s rebuilding it from cosmic materials. His philosophy is absolute purity of flavor, where just three or four flawless ingredients take center stage, and elegance lies in simplicity.
- What makes it special: This is one of those moments when you taste what seems like a familiar risotto or vitello tonnato and realize you’ve never truly eaten them before. Impeccable service and luxurious surroundings are included.
- Location: Jumeirah Bay Island
- Price Range: $$$$
STAY by Yannick Alléno (**)
- What it is: Great French cuisine presented by a living legend, Yannick Alléno. This isn’t museum-quality classicism; it’s vibrant, breathing gastronomy where traditional techniques are used to create modern masterpieces.
- What makes it special: An incredibly elegant and romantic atmosphere. High ceilings, soft lighting, and immaculate white tablecloths—this place is designed for the most special moments. It’s the perfect choice to celebrate something important or simply enjoy an evening of pure beauty.
- Location: One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
- Price Range: $$$$
One MICHELIN Star: A map of Dubai's gastronomic diversity
It’s precisely the one-star category that represents the true heart of Dubai’s vibrant culinary scene. Here, you’ll find a diverse array of stars, from guardians of European classics to bold experimenters and creators of unique worlds. It’s a veritable kaleidoscope of flavors, and to help you navigate without getting lost, we’ll highlight some of the most striking directions and their stellar representatives.
For connoisseurs of classics
If you believe that the best has already been invented and that impeccable execution is key, pay attention to Armani Ristorante. This is quintessential Italy, full of understated Milanese chic, located right in the heart of Burj Khalifa. White tablecloths, carefully crafted recipes, and exceptional service reign supreme here.
For those seeking new flavors of Asia
Dubai is a melting pot, and Asian cuisine here reveals itself in the most unexpected ways. Looking for an exclusive experience? Head to Hōseki, where an omakase dinner for just 9 guests is almost a meditative ritual, accompanied by panoramic city views. Every piece of sushi here is a work of art, crafted by a master right before your eyes.
For those who want a "Wow" factor
Some restaurants are memorable not only for their food but also for their breathtaking atmosphere. Two major highlights are undoubtedly Ossiano, where you dine in a surreal underwater world inside a giant aquarium surrounded by 65,000 marine creatures, and 11 Woodfire, a ruggedly elegant grill where the magic of live fire transforms simple yet top-quality ingredients into true culinary masterpieces.
Affordable luxury and a "green" future: Bib Gourmand and Green Star
The MICHELIN Guide isn't just about sky-high prices. These categories are a real treasure for the savvy gourmet.
- Bib Gourmand: This award recognizes 26 establishments where you can enjoy superb food at reasonable prices (a three-course dinner for under 250 AED). It's your secret pass to a world of high quality without breaking the bank. Among them is BOCA in DIFC, a vibrant Mediterranean restaurant with a focus on zero waste, and the legendary LPM, serving quintessential French Riviera dishes in an ever-buzzing atmosphere.
- MICHELIN Green Star: An award for restaurants with a conscience that care about sustainability. In Dubai, there are three pioneers of this movement: the previously mentioned BOCA, which expertly collaborates with local farms, LOWE with its own farm and philosophy of minimizing waste, and Teible, which has embraced radical seasonality and local produce.
Dubai's gastronomic map: Where to look for stars
Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai are concentrated in several key areas, each with its own distinct character.
Palm Jumeirah: a treasure island for foodies
This is the golden stage for culinary blockbusters. It's here, in iconic hotels, that you'll find all of Dubai's three-star restaurants. People come here for "destination dining," where the visit to the restaurant itself is the highlight of the evening.
Downtown Dubai and DIFC: the heart of the city, beating to the rhythm of fine dining
The high-energy pulse of the city's dining scene. This business and tourist hub offers establishments perfectly suited to the dynamic pace of the metropolis. Ideal for a business lunch, dinner after shopping at Dubai Mall, or simply being at the center of the action.
Jumeirah: hidden gems and an authorial approach
Along the coast of Jumeirah lie more intimate, almost boutique culinary experiences. This area is cherished by connoisseurs seeking authentic and unconventional gastronomic adventures away from the tourist hustle and bustle.
Planning your gastronomic journey: Practical tips
Are you inspired and ready for culinary discoveries? Here are a few tips to help make your visit flawless.
Reservations, dress code, and etiquette
- Reservations: For restaurants with 2-3 stars, you should book a table 2-4 weeks in advance, and even earlier during peak season. The most reliable method is through the official websites of the establishments.
- What to Wear (or Dress Code): Dubai is a relaxed city, but elegance is appreciated at restaurants of this caliber. The golden rule is Smart Casual. For men, this means trousers (no shorts in the evening!) and closed-toe shoes (forget flip-flops). For women, a dress, a stylish jumpsuit, or a pantsuit will do. At establishments with two or three stars, men will likely need a jacket in the evening—this isn't a strict requirement, but it will certainly ensure you feel appropriately dressed. As for beachwear and sportswear, it's best to save those for other occasions.
- Tipping: A service charge (10%) is almost always included in the bill. However, if the service was truly exceptional, it's considered good manners to leave an additional 5-10% on top of the total.
Attention: deposit and cancellation policy: Planning an evening at a top restaurant? Remember that most establishments of this level will require a deposit upon booking. It may be non-refundable if you cancel your visit less than 24-48 hours before the scheduled time. Always read the terms carefully.
How much does a star-studded dinner cost?
And now for the burning question: how much does it cost to experience something truly exquisite? Prices in the world of fine dining are dynamic, but to help you plan your budget, we’ve compiled the main price ranges. Always check the current prices on the restaurant’s website before your visit!
MICHELIN Category | Price Range per Person (AED) | Best Format |
---|---|---|
Bib Gourmand | up to 250 | Full three-course dinner |
One Star (*) | 350 - 800 | Business lunch or à la carte dinner |
Two/Three Stars (***) | 1095 - 2000+ | Tasting menu only |
How to save money without sacrificing quality?
1. Choose business lunches: Many one-star restaurants, such as Armani Ristorante or 11 Woodfire, offer attractive set menus during the day at very reasonable prices.
2. Discover Bib Gourmand: This category guarantees excellent value for money.
Tips for different travelers
- For a romantic evening: Immersing yourself in the underwater world at Ossiano or enjoying the aristocratic classics at STAY by Yannick Alléno will provide the perfect backdrop for your feelings. Don’t forget to mention when booking that you have a special occasion.
- For a family dinner: Most fine-dining restaurants aren’t geared toward young children. Consider 11 Woodfire, which has a more relaxed atmosphere and offers high chairs for kids.
- For solo travelers: Opt for places with a bar counter or an open kitchen, like sushi bars. This will make you feel comfortable and allow you to witness the magic of master chefs at work.
What makes gastronomic Dubai unique?
So what exactly is the magic of Michelin-starred Dubai? It’s not just a collection of famous names. It’s the incredible drive and boldness of a city that has set out to be the best at everything—including gastronomy. Here, they aren’t afraid to experiment, invest colossal resources into concepts that couldn’t exist anywhere else, and invite the world’s top chefs, giving them complete creative freedom. Today, Dubai isn’t merely a place where you can enjoy a delicious meal. It’s a giant open-air culinary laboratory, where the future of gastronomy can already be tasted today.
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