Abu Dhabi is now ranked as one of the world’s best cities to live in. The UAE capital is home to an expat population hailing from all corners of the earth, who have brought a multitude of cultures, ideas and cuisines to the city. As the city continues to grow, so does its culinary scene; Abu Dhabi is now home to a range of Michelin-starred restaurants, with more likely to come in the next few years. Read on to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s Michelin Star restaurants.
Erth
This inspiring Abu Dhabi restaurant stands as a gastronomical game-changer for the city’s food scene.
Located in Al Hosn, the menu is a love letter to Emirati culture, showcasing authentic flavours crafted by chefs who are passionate about exploring the country’s rich culinary heritage. As such, Erth takes pride of place as the world’s first Emirati restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star.
With outstanding starters such as the ‘torched locally farmed salmon crudo’, the hits keep coming via the sharing menu, the highlight of which is arguably the Margoga Gyoza – crispy dumplings filled with locally sourced vegetables in a coconut green curry sauce. The ‘hammour with potato scallop’ is a sensational blend of fish, potato, butter and Arabic masala, which comes with a side of polenta sauce and organic carrot.
A menu brimming with sublime options, Erth is a must-visit for those who value top-class local cuisine.
99 Sushi Bar
Located in the Four Seasons Hotel on Al Maryah Island, 99 Sushi Bar is a refined example of modern Japanese fare. Having received its Michelin Star in 2025, the restaurant has been the recipient of a slew of positive reviews, and for good reason.
Subtlety and care is the name of the game here, and with produce sourced from the owners’ native Spain, this Mediterranean-style take on a Japanese culinary tradition dating back centuries is a fantastic addition to the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
With sushi options such as the delectable lobster maki with sake, wakame seaweed, cucumber and yuzu, in addition to a sensational anchovy and sardine nigiri, visitors are presented with a seemingly endless supply of top-quality seafood options. The tasting menu for two is also an exquisite option for the refined palate.
99 Sushi Bar remains a firm favourite for the city’s gourmands, continuing to push the boundaries where incomparable sushi dishes are concerned.
Talea by Antonio Guida
It’s no surprise that this sumptuous establishment has received a Michelin Star, considering the divine Italian cuisine on offer.
Helmed by authentic Italian chef Antonio Guida, the restaurant is a flavourful journey through classics such as Neapolitan pizza, Venetian baccala, Campanian seafood and Sicilian spaghetti. Guida is a family-style chef who cemented his vast reputation in the frenetic kitchens of Milan before arriving in Abu Dhabi, bringing with him that vibrancy only an Italian chef can bring.
Located in the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, the menu also delivers standouts such as the linguine all’ astice, a sensational lobster dish served with organic tomatoes and basil. Further opulent dishes include the spigola (seabass) and the pollo e carciofi, an extravagant pan-roasted chicken with couscous and artichokes. Whatever you choose from this menu is bound to leave you frantically searching your diary for your next free evening.
Hakkasan
The final Michelin-starred restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Hakkasan is the second Asian restaurant to be awarded the distinction, but this exceptional establishment focuses mainly on Chinese cuisine.
The restaurant shares a location with Talea in the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, just past the western end of Corniche Beach, and boasts timeless classics such as the Peking Duck. A supreme selection of dim sum is another particular highlight, while the fish and poultry/meat menus provide further enjoyment through top-class offerings such as the charcoal-grilled Canadian lobster and the stone-grilled Japanese A5 wagyu beef sirloin.
Furthermore, Hakkasan presents discerning guests with a curated selection of wines to rival the best in the city. With knowledgeable staff on hand to recommend pairings, the restaurant benefits from a sophisticated yet vibrant atmosphere – ideal for family outings or gatherings with friends.
Bib Gourmand Selections
While not Michelin-starred in their own right, Abu Dhabi is home to a variety of Bib Gourmand options – that is, restaurants which have been highlighted for offering high-quality, good value meals at a reasonable price, typically a three-course meal within a set price range.
Almayass is a Lebanese-Armenian fusion restaurant recognised by various outlets such as the New York Times and Food & Wine Magazine, while Ryba is a local seafood establishment featuring Emirati ingredients and spices.
Al Mrzab delivers traditional Emirati and Kuwaiti cuisine, in addition to Beirut Sur Mer, which, as you may have guessed, showcases some of the best Lebanese cuisine in the country. The exceptional Otoro is a nod to contemporary Japanese cuisine, in addition to T’azal and Mika, which both exhibit exquisite Mediterranean dishes.
As one of the most intriguing cities of the 21st century, Abu Dhabi continues to generate immense interest from high-net-worth individuals from around the world. As the city grows, more and more fine dining restaurants are sure to be added to an emerging culinary scene, which is currently one of the fastest-growing in the world. For now, these selections stand as some of the best in the city and are a must-visit for anyone who has an interest in upscale cuisine.
