Dubai’s dining scene has taken another step onto the world stage. The Michelin Guide unveiled its fifth Dubai selection on October 6 at Atlantis The Royal. The selection now includes 122 restaurants representing 38 cuisine types. The biggest story is the rise of Orfali Bros, which earned a second star.
Orfali Bros Rises
Orfali Bros was promoted to two Michelin stars, two years after earning its first. Michelin describes the change as an evolution from a brilliant neighbourhood bistro into a flagship of Middle Eastern gastronomy. The cooking is rooted in the brothers’ Aleppian, Armenian and Turkish heritage. Its signature dishes and Voyage menu show more refinement, depth and personality. One new dish combines umami caramel cream with caviar.
Notably, the same family also runs Three Bros, a sister restaurant. It received a Bib Gourmand this year. Michelin says its dishes bring the three Syrian brothers’ childhood, heritage, and travels to the table. As a result, the family now features in two categories of the guide.
Three-Star and Two-Star Restaurants
Dubai’s highest-rated restaurants kept their distinctions. FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio retained their three stars. Three other restaurants kept their two stars: Il Ristorante-Niko Romito, Row on 45, and STAY by Yannick Alléno. Together with Orfali Bros, four restaurants now hold two stars.
Two New One-Star Restaurants
The guide also added two new one-star restaurants. Birch debuts with Chef Arslan Berdiev’s contemporary menu. His Turkmen roots and travels shape the cooking, which uses produce such as Uzbek tomatoes. A hanging installation reminiscent of birch bark gives the room its character.
KIGO also joins with one star. It offers two ways to experience seasonal Japanese cooking: sushi omakase at the counter or kaiseki at a table. Michelin’s inspector describes it as a speakeasy-style experience that feels like Tokyo. In total, 14 Dubai restaurants now hold one star.
New Bib Gourmand Winners
The guide recognised four new Bib Gourmand restaurants, which are known for great value. Middle Child serves Italian dishes in a bistro and deli. S.E.A Bistrot offers Chef Shane’s bold Asian cooking, with a mango and sticky rice dessert that has its own following. Three Bros, as noted, joins the list. Finally, YUBI Dubai serves hand rolls made to order. Dubai now has 22 Bib Gourmand restaurants.
Special Awards
Michelin also presented five Special Awards. Window, at Alserkal, won Opening of the Year, with chef Gonzalo Platero recognised for wood-fired cooking. Ninad Jani of avatāra won the Sommelier Award. Akinori Tanigawa and the KIGO team won the Service Award. Rémy Marquignon of Ossiano won the Young Chef Award. Finally, Zahra Erfanian Azmoodeh of Carbone Dubai won the Exceptional Cocktails Award.
What the Numbers Show
The selection welcomed 19 new additions. These include two one-star restaurants, four Bib Gourmands and 13 Michelin-Selected restaurants. Michelin says the additions highlight the rise of standalone concepts. It also notes menus increasingly tailored to local diners. Moreover, the guide partners with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism as its destination partner.
Why It Matters
For Arab readers, the story carries extra meaning. Orfali Bros’ promotion is a milestone for Middle Eastern cooking at the highest level. It shows that restaurants built on regional heritage can compete with the best fine dining in the world. At the same time, the guide’s growth signals that Dubai’s food scene is expanding beyond hotel dining rooms. Therefore, visitors have more options than ever, from casual Bib Gourmand spots to multi-course tasting menus.
