Michelin Guide Dubai 2026: Orfali Bros Earns Two Stars, Two New Starred Restaurants
Michelin unveiled the fifth edition of its gastronomic guide dedicated to Dubai at a ceremony held at Atlantis The Royal with its destination partner, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). According to Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides, the selection now features "nearly twice as many establishments" as at its launch, and the group took the opportunity to reveal a new global editorial platform, Mindful Voices.
Two Three-Star Tables, 19 New Entries in the Selection
The 2026 selection covers 38 types of cuisine. It is distributed among 2 three-star restaurants, 4 two-star restaurants, 14 one-star restaurants, 22 Bib Gourmand establishments and 80 Michelin-Selected category establishments. The 19 new entries include 2 one-star restaurants, 4 Bib Gourmand establishments and 13 Michelin-Selected restaurants.
FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio retained their three stars. Orfali Bros was promoted to two stars, two years after earning its first star, joining Il Ristorante-Niko Romito, Row on 45 and Stay by Yannick Alléno, which maintained their distinction.
Birch, led by chef Arslan Berdiev, and Kigo, dedicated to seasonal Japanese cuisine, made their entrance with one star. They join the 12 restaurants that retained theirs. According to the guide, the new entries reflect the growth of independent concepts and menus increasingly tailored to the local clientele.
Five Special Awards and Launch of the Mindful Voices Platform
Five special awards were presented. The Restaurant Opening of the Year award went to Gonzalo Platero and the restaurant Window, located in the Alserkal district. The Sommelier award was given to Ninad Jani (Avatāra), the Service award to Akinori Tanigawa and the Kigo team.
The Young Chef award recognized Rémy Marquignon, executive chef of Ossiano, and the Exceptional Cocktails award went to Zahra Erfanian Azmoodeh of Carbone Dubai.
The ceremony also served as the first presentation of Mindful Voices, the Michelin Guide's global editorial platform created in 2026, which brings together chefs and hoteliers to share their practices. Zachary Roy, Operations Manager at Lowe restaurant, presented his establishment's approach to local sourcing, whole ingredient utilization and organic waste composting.
The group, headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, operates in 175 countries and employs 122,600 people.
