Dubai’s culinary world is holding its breath as the Michelin Guide prepares to unveil its 2025 selection on May 22. Now in its fourth edition, the prestigious guide’s annual announcement has become a pivotal moment for the city’s restaurants, capable of cementing reputations and turning local chefs into global stars. The invite-only ceremony will reveal which establishments have earned or retained the coveted Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmand awards, and Green Stars.
From Tyres to Tables
The Michelin Guide’s origins are surprisingly humble. It was created in 1900 by the Michelin tyre company to encourage motorists to travel more, thereby wearing out their tyres and boosting sales. What began as a simple road-trip handbook has since evolved into the world’s most respected authority on fine dining. Today, a team of anonymous, highly trained inspectors travels the globe, paying for their meals to ensure impartiality and deciding which restaurants meet their exacting standards.
Understanding the Michelin Ratings
The guide’s accolades are tiered to reflect the quality of the dining experience. A single star signifies “high-quality cooking, worth a stop,” while two stars denote “excellent cooking, worth a detour.” The highest honour, three stars, is reserved for “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.”
Beyond the stars, the guide also presents two other important distinctions. The Bib Gourmand award recognises restaurants offering exceptional food at moderate prices. The Green Star is awarded to establishments at the forefront of sustainable gastronomy, demonstrating a strong commitment to ethical and environmental practices.
A Look Back at the 2024 Winners
The 2024 edition celebrated the depth and diversity of Dubai’s food scene, honouring a total of 90 restaurants. The list showcased a vibrant mix of established players and ambitious newcomers, reinforcing the city’s status as a global culinary destination.
One-Star Honourees
Fifteen restaurants were awarded one Michelin Star. Newcomers included La Dame de Pic, Sagetsu by Tetsuya, and Smoked Room. In a notable achievement, the popular local restaurant Orfali Bros was promoted from a Bib Gourmand to a one-star rating, highlighting the strength of homegrown talent.
Two-Star Excellence
Four restaurants held the esteemed two-star rating. Tresind Studio, Stay by Yannick Alleno, and Il Ristorante – Niko Romito all retained their status. They were joined by Row on 45, a fine-dining concept that earned its second star in a remarkable debut. The city still awaits its first three-star restaurant, a milestone many hope will be reached this year.
Sustainability and Value
The guide also recognised restaurants for their commitment to sustainability, awarding Green Stars to BOCA, Lowe, and Teible. These establishments have integrated eco-conscious principles into their operations, contributing to green innovation and investment across the Mena region. For diners seeking value, 18 restaurants received a Bib Gourmand, including new additions like DUO Gastrobar and Hoe Lee Kow, proving that exceptional meals don’t always require a premium price.
Debunking Common Michelin Myths
Despite its global influence, several misconceptions persist about the guide. Contrary to popular belief, stars are awarded based solely on the quality of the cooking, not the formality of the dining room; casual eateries and street food stalls have earned stars elsewhere. Inspectors always visit anonymously and pay for their meals, meaning restaurants cannot apply or pay for inclusion. The guide celebrates all cuisines, with Dubai’s winners representing Emirati, Indian, Japanese, and Levantine flavours among many others.
A Michelin Star is a significant business driver, often leading to a surge in reservations and international attention. For Dubai, the guide’s presence underscores its transformation into a serious food destination. As the city anticipates the 2025 results, the culinary community waits to see which new stories of ambition and creativity will be told.
