Dubai holds no shortage of records – tallest, widest, most expensive – but the records that residents are most proud of are those that amplify the city’s talent. At the Michelin Guide Dubai 2026 awards on 6 October, Orfali Bros became the highest-ranking Middle Eastern restaurant in the Guide’s global collection. The homegrown concept, helmed by Syrian brothers Mohamad, Wassim and Omar, was awarded two stars at the ceremony, moving up from its one-star recognition. “To every Arab chef with a dream that feels too big, let me tell you something: do it. And if you are wondering where, Dubai. This city gave us the chance to bring our story to the table and share it with the world. There is room here for yours too,” wrote Mohamad Orfali on Instagram after the announcement.
The ceremony welcomed Birch, Chef Arslan Berdiev’s tasting-menu concept, and Kigo, a season-driven omakase, into the One Star club. Kigo’s Head Chef, Akinori Tanigawa, was also presented with the Service Award. Other awards included the Exceptional Cocktail Award for Carbone; Opening of the Year, awarded to Window; Dubai Sommelier Award, presented to Ninad Jani of avatāra; and the Young Chef Award for Rémy Marquignon of Ossiano.
Middle Child, S.E.A Bistrot, Yubi Dubai and Three Bros were all recognised in the Bib Gourmand category. As for Michelin Selected restaurants, Barrafina Dubai, Rialto, Revolver Dubai, Ramen Hisa, Window and Carbone were amongst the new additions.
FZN by Björn Franzen and Trésind Studio retain their Three Michelin Star rankings, while Row on 45, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito and Stay by Yannick Alléno remain in the Two Michelin Star category. Consecutive wins of the One Michelin Star honour include Moonrise, Jamavar, Tasca by José Avillez, 11 Woodfire, Smoked Room, Ossiano, Hakkasan Dubai, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Hõseki, Al Muntaha, avatāra and Manāo.
With astounding competition and an unforgiving year, restaurants that have paused operations were among those that have been removed from the Michelin Guide. La Dame de Pic unfortunately did not retain its One Star ranking. In the Bib Gourmand category, Hoe Lee Kow, Indya by Vineet, Aamara and Teible were not included for 2026, while StreetXO, Boca, Sucre, Osteria Funkcoolio and Armani Ristorante are included in those removed from the Michelin Guide selections. See the full Michelin Guide Dubai 2026 here
