Inside Dubai’s booming food scene

With the launch of the first-ever Michelin Guide in Dubai, the emirate has earned its place on the global culinary map.

Michelin Guides International Director Gwendal Poullennec said: “Our inspectors have been in the field in Dubai for years monitoring the evolution of the local culinary scene and the selection we are revealing reflects the potential of Dubai as a culinary hub with a lot of diversity.”

Stay by Yannick Alléno in One&Only The Palm and Il Ristorante – Niko Romito in Bulgari Dubai were the highest-scoring restaurants on the list, each claiming two stars, while nine restaurants scooped one star.

Commenting on the win, One&Only The Palm Culinary Director Yannick Alléno said bookings increased by 30% overnight.

“I'm very proud to be one of the first chefs who came to Dubai to establish it as a gourmet destination,” said Alléno. “And Michelin is very important for the city because it means that the market is mature. There are so many restaurants of very high quality.”

Trèsind Studio was among the restaurants to win one star. Executive Chef Himanshu Saini was elated by the accolade.

“It feels amazing to win my first Michelin star,” he said. “I think it will motivate the staff.

There is pressure to retain one [star] and there’s motivation to go for two.”

The launch of the Michelin Dubai Guide follows the inaugural edition of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants earlier in 2022, a regional Middle East and North Africa listing by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants association. Dubai dominated the list. Three of the top five restaurants are in Dubai, including Trèsind Studio in fourth place, Zuma Dubai in second place and – taking the number one slot – 3Fils, a humble harbourside eatery with an Asian-themed menu. Expertly crafted