Abu Dhabi is not only reputable because it is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, or perhaps, its wealth, the second most populous Emirate in UAE also has a lot of amazing cuisines served by renowned Michelin-starred restaurants to show for the hype and buzz around the busy city.
As a matter of fact, Abu Dhabi is home to most of the best and top restaurants in the entire UAE from casual to fine dining, and as such specializes in a lot of international cuisines ranging from indigenous Emirati dishes to Italian cuisines, and French dishes among several others. To complement this great food taste, restaurants make sure to welcome their respective guests in the best welcoming and appealing way as possible.
This singular act by the various outlets has brought about the inception of a star-ranking which allows restaurants to know how well they are doing with respect to competition and standard. Michelin stars are a rating system used by the Michelin Guide to recognize and grade restaurants on their quality for over a century, and this has become a sort of standard measure in the industry.
On that note, we will be highlighting the top 10 best Michelin star restaurants in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
1. Hakkasan
Just like its 11 other locations across the globe, Hakkasan in Abu Dhabi is a highly-rated Michelin-starred restaurant best-known for its modern and luxurious cooking. The restaurant offers exquisite international and indigenous dishes, although it is more prominent for its Chinese – specifically Cantonese – cuisine, which has been its major focus since opening in the country back in June 2010. However, the restaurant does not only serve good food, but also a great aesthetics both interior and exterior, thanks to the Paris-based designer, Gilles & Bossier who attempted a replication of what the restaurant looks like in London, although, maintaining a unique, and Arabian flair.
Hakkasan
Emirates Palace – Corniche Road,
Abu Dhabi, UAE
2. Bord Eau
Bord Eau is a top restaurant that highly maintains a high rating as it is Michelin-starred. While it is located in the very heart of Abu Dhabi, the restaurant has remained a number one destination for lovers of French Cuisine, and as such, lived up to the standard. The Award-winning restaurant is prominent for its usage of haute cuisine techniques in the preparation of dishes like pan-seared venison tenderloin with William pear, Brussels sprout, figs among several others.
Bord Eau
Level 3, Lobby Level, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Khor Al Maqta
Abu Dhabi, UAE
3. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill
Located in the closet of Khor Al Maqta, the upscale restaurant is Michelin-rated, and its prominent ‘black flames’ is a symbol of its unfading standard. While the interiors alone are an highlight of its exquisite nature, customers also get to enjoy a quality mixed selection of grill cuisine, traditional English dishes, alongside a great selection of wine list. The owner, Marco Pierre White, is one of the UK’s all-time greatest chefs and the youngest-ever chef to receive three Michelin stars at his restaurants, in 1994, at the age of 33.
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill
Ground floor, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta,
Abu Dhabi, UAE
4. Rasoi by Vineet
As the first Indian chef to earn two Michelin stars, Vineet Bhatia is not done making his mark in the United Arab Emirates. Less than a couple of months ago, the master chef brought his famed Rasoi brand to Abu Dhabi. Not only is Rasoi one of the best Indian restaurants in the city of Abu Dhabi right now, the restaurant also offers its customers fairly-priced dishes which include includes tandoori salmon, koli paneer, biryani, and many more. The restaurant also offers amazing vegetarian dishes.
Rasoi by Vineet
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road,
Abu Dhabi, UAE
5. Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
Celebrated master chef, World Gourmet Club alumni and grand chef of the iconic Taj Group of Hotels for four decades, is the brain behind Martabaan. The restaurant which recently opened in June 2019, brings ‘contemporary-classic’ Indian fine-dining to the magnificent Emirates Palace, with star dishes including varqui crab and masala chai crème brûlée. Hemant Oberoi is Michelin-starred and has cooked for some of the most powerful people in the world, including Barack Obama and Prince Albert of Monaco.
Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi
Emirates Palace – Corniche Road,
Abu Dhabi, UAE
6. Villa Toscana
With a primary focus on Italian specialties, Villa Toscana is built to showcase a modern and sophisticated appearance. The restaurant prepares its dishes based on the inspirations it derives from the regional Tuscany, Umbri, and Emilia-Romagna. The outlet offers a lot of varieties of meal, and most prominently, a takeaway tasty pizza.
Villa Toscana
Nation Towers – The St. Regis Abu Dhabi – Corniche Road
Abu Dhabi, UAE
7. Al Maqam
Meaning ‘gathering place’ in Arabic, Al Maqam is a Michelin-stared restaurant with a lot of space in it to accommodate as many people as possible. The major offerings here are the indigenous and Arabic cuisines that are served alongside other international dishes. There is also a variety of settings for different seasons and guests can either sit at the dining table or in a more traditional way, on low sofas. Also, guests can either choose to dine in the spacious hall with fire pits during winter, or the palm-thatch terrace which provides a sensational view of the dessert.
Al Maqam
Arabian Night village, Razeen area of Al Khatim,
Abu Dhabi, UAE
8. Indigo
Indigo is an Indian inspired restaurant, although in its own case, is more regional in its approach. There is more than enough varieties of dishes here ranging from the Indian cuisine, indigenous dishes which share the vibrant modern style or approach to cooking. One of their prominent dishes is usually prescribed for two people, Sikadaari Raan, and it consists of roasted leg of lamb, stuffed prunes, pickled onions, and cheese baked under the ‘purdah’ pastry and served with a roast gravy.
Indigo
Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah),
Abu Dhabi, UAE
9. Marakesh
This Moroccan restaurant located somewhere in the center of Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa street, competes greatly with several others of its kind, although, ranked atop. Marakesh is certified as a Michelin-rated restaurant and it hosts a lot of activities other than its Morocco-inspired dishes. Post dinner entertainers such as belly dancers, singers and Moroccan bands help to stimulate excitement at the venue. Some of the prominent dishes here include North African-inspired salads, fishes, sea foods, among several others.
Marakesh
Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street, Al Markaziya,
Abu Dhabi, UAE
10. Market Kitchen
Owned by French-American celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who currently holds two Michelin stars, and dozens of restaurants to his name, from Las Vegas, to London, Paris, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, and more. Market Kitchen is a great spot that cannot be left out from a list like this. Apart from its delightful culinary offerings, the restaurant boast trendy interiors and cool atmosphere. Familiar dishes on a whole new level, such as the ahi tuna steak with almond sauce, pancetta and spicy ricotta pizza, house-made pasta with broccoli pesto, and many more can be enjoyed here.
Market Kitchen
Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi – Street #3, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Al Markaziyah Area
Abu Dhabi, UAE
