Abu Dhabi is now firmly on the global food map: The 2025 Michelin Guide features 46 restaurants, including 6 starred establishments – 2 of them newly awarded. With five Green Stars for sustainability and a dazzling array of global cuisines, the UAE capital is proving it can impress far beyond skyscrapers and oil wealth – on the plate.
The scent of cardamom and grilled seabass floats on the warm desert breeze. It’s just past sunset in Abu Dhabi, and inside the newly starred Oii, the kitchen erupts in quiet celebration. A waiter whispers: “We did it.” The Michelin Guide 2025 has just been announced – and the city is buzzing.
This year, the prestigious guide recognized 46 restaurants across Abu Dhabi, a city rapidly becoming a culinary capital in its own right. Among them, 6 restaurants now hold Michelin stars, including 2 newcomers: Oii and Erth. Both bring something fresh to the Emirati table – Mediterranean fusion and modern local cuisine with an eco-conscious twist.
Oii, a contemporary spot inspired by Mediterranean traditions, is a newcomer that’s already turning heads with bold flavors and a stunning ambiance. Meanwhile, Erth offers a modern take on traditional Emirati cuisine, sourcing ingredients locally and presenting dishes like edible art. Their Michelin stars affirm that Abu Dhabi’s food scene is not just diverse – it’s world-class.
Returning stars include Hakkasan, Talea by Antonio Guida, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant and José by Pizarro – all of which retained their one-star status, cementing their roles as culinary landmarks in the region.
Five restaurants were also honored with the Michelin Green Star for their commitment to sustainability. Sanderson's and Alkalime, for instance, focus on organic produce, zero-waste kitchens and supporting local farmers – a rare but growing trend in the Gulf.
What sets Abu Dhabi apart is its culinary mosaic. The Guide features everything from Japanese omakase to Levantine street food, and from fine French dining to reimagined Emirati classics. The city’s food culture mirrors its population: cosmopolitan, curious, and increasingly conscious of quality and story.
“It’s about more than stars,” says Gwendal Poullennec, Michelin Guide’s International Director. “It’s about people, identity, and how food tells the story of a place.”
The Michelin Guide’s spotlight on Abu Dhabi is more than a culinary accolade – it's a signal to investors. Areas like Saadiyat Island and Al Maryah Island are seeing increased interest from buyers and developers, spurred by tourism growth and lifestyle appeal. Proximity to high-end restaurants is becoming a key selling point for luxury apartments and mixed-use developments.
For real estate investors, this culinary rise suggests an ongoing urban transformation. Properties near gastronomic hotspots are gaining value, and demand for lifestyle-oriented commercial spaces – think concept cafés, boutique hotels, and chef-led venues – is rising.
In short: Michelin stars don’t just elevate chefs – they elevate neighborhoods. Smart investors are taking note.
