dubai: The culinary world of Dubai reached new heights in 2026, as the Michelin Guide ceremony showcased a city that has evolved from a “glitzy import hub” to a global powerhouse of homegrown talent. The 2026 selection emphasizes sustainability, local ingredients, and the rise of “New Middle Eastern” cuisine.
Here is the complete breakdown of every new Star and Bib Gourmand winner in the Michelin Guide Dubai 2026.
1. The Three-Star Milestone (The Pinnacle)
For the first time in history, Dubai now boasts two restaurants with the coveted Three Michelin Stars (meaning “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”).
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (Atlantis The Royal): Elevated to 3 Stars this year. The inspectors praised its “flawless execution of British culinary history” and its unparalleled service.
- Trésind Studio (St. Regis Gardens): Retained its 3 Stars. Chef Himanshu Saini continues to redefine Indian fine dining, turning every course into a theatrical masterpiece.
2. New Two-Star Entrants
The Two-Star category saw one massive new addition in 2026:
- Row on 45 (Grosvenor House): After debuting strongly last year, Jason Atherton’s 17-course “pinnacle of dining” has been upgraded to 2 Stars. The inspectors highlighted the intimacy of the three-act dining journey.
3. The New One-Star Stars
Five new restaurants joined the One-Star elite this year, reflecting a heavy shift toward DIFC and Jumeirah:
- Smoked Kitchen (Al Quoz): A massive win for “Homegrown Dubai.” This industrial-chic spot uses open-fire cooking and fermented local ingredients to create a bold, smoky menu.
- L’Amo Bistro del Mare (Dubai Harbour): Finally recognized for its impeccable Italian seafood and one of the most stunning “window views” in the city.
- Jun’s (Downtown Dubai): Chef Kelvin Cheung’s “North American-Asian” fusion was praised for its emotional storytelling and unique flavors (like the famous Rainbow Heirloom Carrots).
- Enigma (Palazzo Versace): Awarded for its masterful execution of modern Persian cuisine.
- Reif Japanese Kushiyaki (Dubai Hills): After years as a Bib Gourmand favorite, Chef Reif Othman has finally secured his first Star for his creative and precise take on Japanese casual-fine dining.
4. The 2026 Bib Gourmand Winners (Value & Flavor)
The Bib Gourmand category (recognizing “friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices”) grew significantly in 2026, focusing on neighborhood gems.
| New Winner | Neighborhood | Cuisine Style |
| Kulture House | Jumeirah | African-Emirati Fusion |
| Lana Lusa | Dubai Water Canal | Portuguese Home-cooking |
| The Crossing | Sheikh Zayed Road | Elevated Indian (Cross-regional) |
| Taverna Greek | Madinat Jumeirah | Authentic Hellenic Seafood |
| Bait Maryam | JLT | Palestinian Soul Food (Retained) |
5. The Green Star: Sustainability Heroes
The Michelin Green Star highlights restaurants at the forefront of sustainable practices.
- The Sustainable City Kitchen: A new entry for 2026, recognized for sourcing 90% of its produce from the community’s own bio-domes and maintaining a zero-waste kitchen.
- Lowe (Al Barari): Retained its Green Star, continuing to lead the city in ethical sourcing and waste reduction.
6. Special Awards 2026
- Young Chef Award: Chef Akmal Anuar (Goldfish/11 Woodfire) for his continued influence on the homegrown scene.
- Sommelier Award: The team at Ossiano, for their world-class pairing in an underwater setting.
- Service Award: The Guild (DIFC), recognized for bringing high-energy but impeccable “New York style” service to Dubai.
Conclusion
The 2026 Guide proves that Dubai is no longer just chasing global trends—it is setting them. The inclusion of Al Quoz’s Smoked Kitchen in the Star list and the rise of local flavors in the Bib Gourmand section show that the “soul” of Dubai’s food scene is more vibrant than ever.
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Would you like me to find the full tasting menu prices for the new One-Star winners, or should I help you book a table at one of the 2026 Bib Gourmand spots?