Which Abu Dhabi restaurants can earn Michelin stars?

A star in the making…

last week Announcing that the Michelin Guide is coming to Abu Dhabi The first time this November has us very curious which restaurants will end up with the coveted Michelin stars (or two, maybe even three). Of course, that’s all still to be decided, but that doesn’t stop us from wildly speculating about which food stations in the capital may soon be bathed in stellar light.

We think it’s fair to say that Dubai’s recent reveal has yielded some surprising and exciting results – so there’s a legitimately expected excitement in the air right now.

If not the star, there is the coveted guide, and the Bib Gourmand award to be presented. Only one thing is for sure – Michelin’s enduring commitment will ensure that everyone in Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage industry will do their best to show their brilliance. These are our best tried-and-tested guesses as to who might get the glory of guide recognition.

Fouquet’s

This Parisian import sits under the roof of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and comes from some pedigrees. The menu was designed in collaboration with Pierre Gagnaire, the same Michelin-starred chef responsible for the food at Fouquet’s on the Champs-Élysées. It’s well-versed in French cuisine, with an occasional distinctly Middle Eastern twist. when we dine therewe walked into the Louvre with braised lamb shoulders, served with green lentil hummus seasoned in a curry sauce – describing it as “a palate adventure that begins with a stroll down Victor Hugo Avenue, but has Destination through the souks of Abu Dhabi’s Old Town”. @fouquetsabudhabi

Hakka people

Another name associated with the Michelin constellation, Hakkasan is a global chain of upscale Cantonese restaurants, and this Abu Dhabi outpost has a very special location. You’ll find it at the Emirates Palace, a clever mix of dim sum, seafood, spices and other food tinder, often based on ancient Chinese recipes. Two London-based Hakka have won Michelin stars, and Dubai’s own location has been awarded one in this year’s inaugural guide. Our pick from the Abu Dhabi menu? Typhoon lobster, Chilean sea bass with organic honey and top dim sum options. Our verdict after eating there? “The aesthetic element of the Hakkasan course is important, yes, but the art is no different from the food. It’s all about the overall experience. The chef speaks through the food, and while we can try to describe it here, the only one who hears this beautiful mantra The way is to try it. You really should.” @hakkasanabudhabi

LPM

Al Maryah Island may not be the first place you look for a modern French bistro (almost any city or provincial town in mainland France is a more logical choice), but don’t worry if you do. LPM offers a chic white tablecloth promenade along the meridian of authentic European cuisine, with a compact menu full of faithfully reproduced continental charm.we checked La Vie en Rosé Brunch Earlier this year, he put it this way: “Without the rush of a live cooking station, without the elbowing of a buffet, these are essentially a la carte Dishes are carefully prepared in the kitchen and there is no doubt that they belong to the upper troposphere of Abu Dhabi’s culinary world. Gentle, professionally sourced, well tailored, and French with a stubborn attention to detail. You can taste the char, the refined juices, and the simple but important flavors of the meat. ” @smcbdhabi

tome

When we first visited Niri in Mamsha Al Saadiyat, it was a completely offshore decision – no reservations, no reservations, just hungry moths attracted by the izakaya-style interior and the natural light of cherry petals Cherry blossoms. It’s not fair to compare restaurants, they should be able to stand on their own two feet, but the human impulse to sort by similarity is electromagnetic. This is really very much like a mini zuma (dishes are served at a fraction of the cost). The dishes that stood out to us were the spinach nasu goma and the miso suzuki.this is our overall feeling of the place After our first visit there: “Savouring our last moments at Niri, we believe this restaurant is a great addition to the Saadiyat dining scene. It pays homage to haute Japanese cuisine and goes well beyond the capital’s sushi and ramen The restaurant’s off the beaten path. The fact that it’s licensed for adult drinks offers another way to enjoy the venue, a choice spot for ocean view sunsets and some next-level snacks.” @niriabudhabi

commend

Local culinary legend Chef Akmal Anuar (who earned one star in the inaugural Dubai Michelin Guide for his Dubai restaurant 11 Woodfire) opened his first Abu Dhabi restaurant this year and is a keeper. The location pin is located at the canal-front destination Al Qana, an exciting new dining and leisure venue in the capital. Otoro is an authentic and clinically researched reimagining of the Osaka kitchen, and our dazzling selection of dishes is: “Melting in your mouth Shabu Shabu Burger (Dhs110). A burger like no other, its more Sliced ​​wagyu, perfectly toasted bread and buttery caramelized onions make each bite juicier than the last. We licked our fingers clean.” @otoro.ad

Heaven

Another newcomer to the capital, Paradiso is Groupe Barrière’s latest Abu Dhabi project, a restaurant built on the culinary vision of three Michelin star winners, chef Pierre Gagnaire (Fouquet’s) and French gastronomy queen chef Nicole Rubi (Nice La Petite). the woman behind Mason). The menu is a symphony of strong Mediterranean flavours, with core Gallic delicacies such as snails and catfish served alongside other EU passport dishes – their pizzas, for example, have already earned reputation and acclaim from the capital’s gourmets. Our postcard from Paradiso read: “It was a tough decision, but it’s probably just our new favourite restaurant in Yas Bay. It’s certainly on par with other examples of Mediterranean restaurants in Abu Dhabi. In love The scenery, the “only” food. @paradisoabudhabi

cut

Emirates Palace definitely has the potential to find itself representing a double star system, the recently launched Talea. It’s the culinary engine powered by multi-Michelin-starred chef Antonio Guida. A modern space with faux frescoes on the walls depicting scenes from various Italian cities and accented details on the ceiling. we passed out Over the squid alagrilia fish and making a low coo over what they did with the ricola fillet (amberjack). Our verdict: “Talea is an excellent Italian job, blowing the doors of our expectations clean. Best Italian food in town? Just maybe.” @taleauae

Zuma

You know the name, you’ve heard the hype — but there’s a reason for both, they’re essentially the same. Zuma is a preeminent restaurant chain, and this Abu Dhabi location is not its weak link. Dining highlights include fatty tuna nigiri (with an option for uni for uber bougie brigade), wagyu beef tartare with truffles and oranges, miso-cured black cod and a dramatic wasabi harvest ceremony. We went home and pondered the following thoughts: “The Zuma passed the hype check with flying colors, and while it might not be in the average casual date night price range, it’s at the top of the pick list for those special occasions for good reason. ” @zumabudhabi

curve ball

In our opinion, other excellent restaurants in Abu Dhabi mentioned in the guide or in the Bib Gourmand gong include: Antonia, Oak Room, Coya, Maartaban, Ushna, Byblos Sur Mer, Mare Mare and Li Beirut.

But what do you think? Are we right on the money, or are we missing the obvious? Let us know in the comments.

Image: Served/Archived Content