At an event held at One&Only One Za’abeel hotel in Dubai, Michelin unveiled its new selection of restaurants for The Michelin Guide Dubai 2024.

A total of 106 establishments, covering 35 different types of cuisine, have been picked by the famously anonymous Michelin Inspectors and made it to this year’s final selection.  

For this third edition, The Michelin Guide Dubai recognises four new one Michelin Star restaurants, and one new two Michelin Stars restaurant, as well as six new Bib Gourmands.

“Dubai is now truly recognised as an international gastronomic destination and its impressive development continues year on year,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The Michelin Guides.

“Its appeal isn’t just with international travellers or local gourmets; talented chefs and restaurateurs from around the world are now also attracted by its vibrant dining scene and arrive keen to make their own mark in the city.

“With so many different styles of restaurant and types of cuisine, there really is something for everyone.”   

One new restaurant awarded two Michelin Stars

Row on 45 is not only new to the Guide but goes straight in with two Michelin Stars. It comes from acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton and is located on the 45th floor of The Grosvenor House. It offers a tasting menu to just 22 people, where Japanese ingredients are married with French techniques to provide exquisite and refined dishes. ‘Refinement Of Work’ indeed. 

Four restaurants newly awarded one Michelin Star

Dubai adds four new one Michelin Star restaurants to its constellation.

La Dame de Pic is acclaimed chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s debut in Dubai and she is rewarded with a Michelin Star for her modern French cuisine. She introduces a few subtle local influences in some of her famous and celebrated signature dishes. 

Smoked Room is another restaurant that goes straight into the Guide with a Michelin Star. In 2024, Chef Dani García introduced Dubai diners to this sister restaurant to his flagship in Madrid. Fire and grills are used to great effect in the creative dishes.   

Sagetsu by Tetsuya, under talented chef Tetsuya Wakuda and his team, offers a sublime culinary experience by fusing Japanese and French culinary influences in chic, serene surroundings. It also goes straight into the Guide with a Michelin Star.  

Orfali Bros is run by three Syrian brothers and provides globally influenced small plates that are bold and balanced. This deservedly popular restaurant has matured and developed and, having previously received a Bib Gourmand, is now the recipient of a Michelin Star.   

All the restaurants awarded one Michelin Star in the 2023 selection maintain their distinction this year, bringing the total to four restaurants with two Michelin Stars and 15 restaurants with one Michelin Star. 

Six restaurants receive a Bib Gourmand 

In addition to the new Michelin Stars, six new Bib Gourmands were announced for Dubai. Named after Bibendum, the official name of the Michelin Man, the Bib Gourmand is the award for restaurants that offer great quality, great value cooking.  

The six restaurants are: 

• DUO Gastrobar: a contemporary restaurant offering a mix of Asian and European flavours.
• Revelry: little sister to avatāra, which is next door, this Indian 'tapas bar' offers a mix of the traditional and the modern.
• Berenjak: Plenty of Persian classics are on offer at this sister branch to the London original.
• Hoe Lee Kow: another venture from notable local chef Reif Othman, this Korean eatery specializes in barbecue. 
• REIF Japanese Kushiyaki – Dubai Hills: a second branch, this one in Dubai Hills, offering everything from kushiyaki to classics with a modern twist. 
• Konjiki Hototogisu: a very likeable Japanese restaurant on the second floor of the Mall of the Emirates, specialising in ramen and other favourites.

Michelin Special Awards 

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.  

Young Chef Award

This year, the Young Chef Award goes to Jesus Lobato Suarez who, at just 30 years old, is Head Chef at Smoked Room, which has gained a Michelin Star for 2024. This focused young chef has a calming and relaxed demeanour. He leads from the front and has a maturity well beyond his years.  

Sommelier Award

The Sommelier Award goes to Michael Mpofu, the South African Sommelier at Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco. His warm, affable and friendly approach is coupled with a clear passion for wine. Michael’s infectious and engaging style and his comprehensive knowledge puts every guest at ease and elevates every dining experience. His recommendations are always spot on.

The Service Award

The Service Award is given to the team at DuangDy by BO.LAN. The warm Thai hospitality is led by General Manager Apichaya Khomson and Team Leader Veerawich (Champion) Chanthawatthamkul. The team makes a great effort to ensure everyone feels so welcome and their friendliness and warmth makes dining here a true pleasure.  

The Opening of the Year for 2024

The Opening of the Year for 2024 goes to The Guild. ICD Brookfield is now home to somewhere that really does offer something for everyone. From a coffee shop to a greenhouse-style meeting room, a cocktail bar to a choice of two restaurants, whatever it is you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.

The Guild is strikingly designed, deservedly busy, run with confidence and ability, and is a great addition to the city’s dining scene. – TradeArabia News Service