3 Abu Dhabi restaurants get MICHELIN stars

As many as 42 restaurants in the UAE capital made it to the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi, with three getting the coveted one star "for their high-quality cooking".

They are - Talea by Antonio Guida, for pleasing diners with its “Cucina di Famiglia” or family style Italian cuisine; Hakkasan, a restaurant celebrating traditional Cantonese flavours; and contemporary Japanese restaurant 99 Sushi Bar. 

Another four restaurants received a Bib Gourmand for "offering good food at moderate prices". 

Almayass gets a nod for its Lebanese and Armenian influences, while Beirut Sur Mer is all about enjoying Lebanese food by the sea. Otoro was picked for its take on contemporary Japanese cuisine, while Tazal’s Mediterranean food stood out for its exhilarating infusion of European influences and Arabic touches.

"The wonderful diversity of the cuisine proposed by these three restaurants perfectly illustrates the curiosity of local gourmets, as well as how Abu Dhabi welcomes international cultures to make them shine at their best level," said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.

"This first MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi selection is the beginning of a long journey for a city with unlimited gastronomic potential. Our inspectors discovered a rich variety of cuisines offered in Abu Dhabi, from creative dishes conceived by some of the world’s most renowned chefs, to traditional cuisines of the region: Middle Eastern, Lebanese and, of course, Emirati."

Meanwhile, the MICHELIN Guide Special Awards for Service went to Rawad Hamdan and team at Restaurant Li Beirut; Sommelier Award went to Marlon Nuque, Zuma Restaurant and the Young Chef Award went to Luigi Stinga, Restaurant Talea by Antonio Guida.

The full selection of the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2023 will be available for free on the MICHELIN Guide website and app.