TLDR:
• Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi’s third edition
• Five new restaurants added
• Two new Bib Gourmand recipients
ABU DHABI (The Thursday Times) — The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi has unveiled its much-anticipated third edition for 2025, offering an extensive and refined look into the city’s ever-evolving culinary landscape. The capital of the UAE continues to shape itself as a premier destination for gastronomes, retaining its high culinary standards. All four existing MICHELIN-starred establishments — Erth, 99 Sushi Bar, Hakkasan, and Talea by Antonio Guida — successfully upheld their awards.
The latest edition features five new additions, each adding to the city’s diverse food offerings. The lively Yas Marina is now home to Mika, a Mediterranean gem providing an energetic atmosphere and a Riviera-inspired menu. Bord’O by Nicolas Isnard, an extension of its Côte-d’Or heritage, promises classic French fare that brings a taste of Burgundy to Abu Dhabi’s gastronomic scene. Em Sherif Sea Café introduces authentic Lebanese cuisine with a modern twist, while Broadway at Emirates Palace delivers an upscale, modern American brasserie experience. Completing the list is ryba, a local highlight situated in Al Mina souq, where local fish meets the charcoal grill for a deliciously simple yet satisfying experience.
Mika and ryba have both earned Bib Gourmand awards, distinguishing themselves for quality dining at reasonable prices. Mika’s Mediterranean delights and ryba’s fresh fish offerings, prepared to perfection, captured the attention of MICHELIN’s inspectors for their exceptional value and dedication to culinary craft. They join five other Bib Gourmand mainstays: t’azal, Al Mrzab, Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro, and Almayass.
Honouring excellence and new culinary journeys
Gwendal Poullennec, the International Director of The MICHELIN Guides, praised Abu Dhabi’s remarkable progress in becoming a unique culinary hotspot. Acknowledging the immense effort required for restaurants to earn and retain MICHELIN distinctions, Poullennec credited local chefs and teams for their unwavering passion and exceptional service. He expressed optimism about Abu Dhabi attracting even more culinary talent in the years to come. According to Poullennec, maintaining annual MICHELIN recognition is no small feat; it reflects a relentless pursuit of gastronomic excellence.
With the 2025 edition, The MICHELIN Guide also introduced special awards to commend the talent and diversity found within Abu Dhabi’s hospitality scene. Yasmina Hayek from Em Sherif Sea Café received the Young Chef Award. A 28-year-old culinary prodigy, Yasmina carries forward her family’s legacy while expanding its appeal to a younger demographic. The inspectors noted her authenticity and innovative approach to Lebanese cuisine, blending tradition with forward-thinking techniques.
Mika’s Service Award celebrates the outstanding dining experience provided under Chef-Owner Mario Loi’s leadership. His team impressed with attentive yet unobtrusive hospitality, ensuring every visit left a memorable impression. Inspectors lauded the genuine warmth and well-coordinated efforts of Mika’s staff, setting a benchmark for service quality in Abu Dhabi’s bustling food scene.
A new culinary chapter
Another significant accolade, Opening of the Year, went to ryba. Nestled in the souq of Al Mina, ryba is more than a restaurant; it is a homage to Abu Dhabi’s maritime heritage. Chef-Owner Faisal Mohamed Alharmoodi’s menu capitalises on the nearby fish market, crafting simple yet elegant dishes that honour the freshness of local ingredients. The inspectors highlighted Alharmoodi’s commitment to quality and the vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere of his establishment, suggesting that ryba’s opening has raised the bar for local dining.
The third edition of The MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi not only reflects the city’s burgeoning culinary reputation but also demonstrates its broader impact on the global gastronomic map. The awards serve as a testament to the chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality teams that continuously innovate and refine their craft, making Abu Dhabi a gastronomic destination of growing international acclaim.
