Ranging from a Lebanese seafood restaurant to an American brasserie, five new spots have been recognised by the third edition.
After another year of its inspectors working hard to uncover the best restaurants across the capital, the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi has officially launched. As for the biggest takeaway from its third edition? All current restaurants with MICHELIN Stars retain their awards, for starters, demonstrating the consistency and culinary skill required to retain the award for another year. These restaurants are Erth, 99 Sushi Bar, Hakkasan, and Talea by Antonio Guida.
It’s also clear that Abu Dhabi’s gastronomic scene continues to evolve, as five restaurants have been added to The Guide: Mika (a lively spot at Yas Marina offering a taste of the Riviera), Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard (French classics at this outpost of the Côte-d’Or original), Em Sherif Sea Café (a taste of authentic Lebanese cooking), Broadway (a modern American brasserie at Emirates Palace), and Ryba (a specialist in local fish cooked on the charcoal grill). Additionally, both Mika and Ryba are both recipients of a Bib Gourmand; the former for the exceptionally good value of its fresh and flavoursome Mediterranean cuisine, the latter for its affordable fish and seafood specialities. They join a list of five restaurants that have retained their Bibs: T’azal, Al Mrzab, Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro, and Almayass.
“Our famously anonymous inspectors experienced incredible Abu Dhabi, from its authentic traditions to its amazing innovations,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guides. “We have no doubt about its exciting potential as a one-of-a-kind culinary destination. As we know, it is demanding to be selected into the MICHELIN Guide, but it is even harder to maintain the distinctions as our selections are annual. It implies that year by year, no matter the season, the period, the context, restaurants have to achieve the highest level of quality, with an unwavering commitment to excellence. This year, local professionals haven’t failed in this commitment, proposing the most tasty and unique gastronomic experiences to their guests on a daily basis, demonstrating passion and consistency. With the coming years, we expect chefs will continue to be attracted to Abu Dhabi and the standard of its cuisine to continue to rise.”
With its Special Awards, The MICHELIN Guide aims to highlight and celebrate the amazing diversity of the roles within the hospitality industry, as well as its most talented and inspiring professionals. This year’s Young Chef Award goes to Yasmina Hayek from Em Sherif Sea Café. The 28-year-old is continuing her family’s culinary legacy, which began with her mother Mireille Hayek in Beirut. Driving the business forward to a younger audience has been key to her success, yet this vision for expansion hasn’t come at the expense of quality. “Our Inspectors were impressed by both Yasmina’s authentic Lebanese dishes and her forward-thinking approach,” added Poullennec.
The Welcome and Service Award, meanwhile, was awarded to the team at Mika. What makes dining at this lively spot at Yas Marina such a joy is not just the food but also the warm, friendly and engaging service, headed up by Chef-Owner Mario Loi. Elsewhere, Ryba was the recipient of The Opening of the Year for 2025. Passionately run by Emirati chef-owner Faisal Mohamed Alharmoodi, this bright local restaurant tucked away in a spot away from the city centre at Al Mina Souq was lauded for its appealing menu, which makes great use of fish from the market just down the road at Zayed Port.
DSCVR: The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025. @michelinguide
