Best Restaurants in Dubai to Try: Michelin Picks, Local Favourites and Value Spots
Dubai’s food scene changes fast. New restaurants open every month, others close just as quickly, and every guide seems to name a different “best”. If you want to eat well without wasting time or money, it helps to start with a trusted shortlist.
This guide covers the best restaurants in Dubai to try in 2026, from Michelin-starred fine dining to great-value Bib Gourmand spots, Emirati food and new openings.
Quick answer: The best restaurants in Dubai to try in 2026 include FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio (three Michelin stars), Orfali Bros, Row on 45, STAY by Yannick Alléno and Il Ristorante Niko Romito (two stars), plus value favourites such as Berenjak, Kinoya, 3Fils, Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant and Bait Maryam. Check each restaurant’s current status before booking.
Michelin Guide Dubai 2026 at a Glance
The fifth edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai was announced on 6 October 2026 at Atlantis The Royal. It covers 122 restaurants across 38 cuisines.
| Category | Number | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Three Michelin Stars | 2 | Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey |
| Two Michelin Stars | 4 | Excellent cooking, worth a detour |
| One Michelin Star | 14 | High-quality cooking, worth a stop |
| Bib Gourmand | 22 | Great cooking at reasonable prices |
| Michelin Selected | 80 | Good cooking, recommended by inspectors |
Check the official Michelin Guide for the full and latest list.
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Dubai
Three Michelin Stars
- FZN by Björn Frantzén: Retained its three stars in 2026.
- Trèsind Studio: Also retained its three stars.
Two Michelin Stars
- Orfali Bros: Promoted to two stars in 2026. It is run by three brothers from Aleppo and draws on Aleppian, Armenian and Turkish heritage.
- Il Ristorante Niko Romito
- Row on 45
- STAY by Yannick Alléno
One Michelin Star
Newcomers Birch and KIGO joined this group in 2026. Birch is known for contemporary, produce-driven cooking, while KIGO serves seasonal Japanese cuisine. Established one-star restaurants include 11 Woodfire, Al Muntaha, avatāra, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Hakkasan Dubai, Hōseki, Jamavar, Manāo, Moonrise, Ossiano, Smoked Room and Tasca by José Avillez.
Best Value Restaurants in Dubai (Bib Gourmand)
You do not need a tasting menu to eat well in Dubai. The Bib Gourmand list highlights restaurants with excellent food at friendlier prices. The 2026 list includes:
- 21 Grams
- 3Fils
- Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
- Bait Maryam
- Berenjak
- DUO Gastrobar (Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Hills)
- Goldfish
- Harummanis
- Hawkerboi
- Khadak
- Kinoya
- Konjiki Hototogisu
- REIF Japanese Kushiyaki (Dar Wasl)
Four new Bib Gourmand restaurants joined in 2026: Middle Child, S.E.A BISTROT, Three Bros and YUBI Dubai. Three Bros is the sister restaurant of Orfali Bros, while YUBI Dubai serves made-to-order hand rolls with homemade pickles and condiments.
Best Restaurants for Emirati and Regional Food
If you want to taste local flavours, start with:
- Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant and Bait Maryam, both Bib Gourmand picks for Emirati cooking
- Orfali Bros, for modern Levantine cooking
- Berenjak, a well-known Bib Gourmand pick for Persian food
New Restaurants Worth Watching
The 2026 guide added 19 new restaurants overall. Newcomers include Carbone Dubai, China Tang Dubai and Revolver Dubai in the Michelin Selected list, along with the two new one-star restaurants. WINDOW was named Michelin’s Opening of the Year.
Best Restaurants in Dubai by Occasion
| Occasion | What to try |
|---|---|
| Special celebration | A three-star or two-star restaurant such as FZN, Trèsind Studio or Row on 45 |
| Casual dinner with friends | A Bib Gourmand pick such as Berenjak, Kinoya or 3Fils |
| Trying local flavours | Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant or Bait Maryam |
| Date night | A one-star restaurant or a Michelin Selected newcomer |
| Quick, great-value bite | Hawkerboi, YUBI Dubai or Konjiki Hototogisu |
Practical Tips for Eating Out in Dubai
- Book early. Popular restaurants fill quickly, especially on weekends and during festivals.
- Check the current status. Some award-winning restaurants have been temporarily closed, so confirm that your choice is open before you reserve.
- Expect premium prices at the top. One analysis found that around 69% of restaurants in the 2026 guide are in the two highest price bands, so Bib Gourmand picks are useful for value.
- Check dress codes for fine dining and hotel restaurants.
- Alcohol rules: Alcohol is served in licensed venues, mostly in hotels, so check before you go if this matters.
For official event and dining information, see Visit Dubai. If you love food events, the Dubai Food Festival is usually held early in the year, but dates change, so check the official site.
FAQs
What are the best restaurants in Dubai to try?
FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio hold three Michelin stars, while Orfali Bros, Row on 45, STAY by Yannick Alléno and Il Ristorante Niko Romito hold two. For value, try Bib Gourmand picks such as Berenjak, Kinoya and 3Fils.
Which Dubai restaurants have Michelin stars?
The 2026 guide lists 20 starred restaurants: two with three stars, four with two stars and 14 with one star.
What is a Bib Gourmand restaurant?
It is a Michelin distinction for restaurants that offer good-quality cooking at reasonable prices. Dubai has 22 in the 2026 guide.
Where can I try Emirati food in Dubai?
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant and Bait Maryam are both in the 2026 Bib Gourmand list for Emirati cooking.
Do I need to book restaurants in Dubai in advance?
Yes, especially for popular and award-winning restaurants. Book early and confirm that the restaurant is open.
Final Thoughts
The best restaurant in Dubai is the one that suits your budget, your mood and your company. UAE Living Guide offers a starting list, but menus, openings and closures change quickly, so always check the restaurant’s latest details before you book.
