Dubai’s third MICHELIN Guide ceremony took place on July 4th at One&Only One Za’abeel hotel with a total of 106 restaurants being included on the prestigious list
The headline news this year was the awarding of Two MICHELIN Stars to Row on 45, along with the awarding of One MICHELIN Star to 4 other restaurants, as well as 6 new Bib Gourmands
Dubai continues to solidify its reputation as a global gastronomic hub, and the third edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai, held recently on July 4th, once again showcased the immense talent within the industry in the city. The ceremony, held at the One&Only One Za’abeel hotel, unveiled an exciting selection of restaurants that showcased the city’s vibrant and diverse dining scene. At Katch International, we take great pride in celebrating the achievements of the country’s best dining destinations, and in this blog, we will highlight some of these exceptional culinary successes.
The Legacy of the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide's origins date back to 1889, founded by brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Their initial vision was to boost the automobile industry by providing a guide that included maps, tyre repair information, and listings of places to eat and stay.
This humble red guidebook evolved over the years, and in 1926, Michelin began awarding stars to fine dining establishments. By 1936, the criteria for one, two, and three stars were established, setting the stage for what would become a global standard for culinary excellence.
Today, the Michelin Guide rates over 30,000 establishments across three continents. Its anonymous inspectors ensure that the awarded restaurants maintain high standards, making the guide a trusted source for food enthusiasts worldwide.
Highlights from the Dubai Ceremony
The 2024 Michelin Guide Dubai ceremony was a grand celebration of culinary artistry, featuring 106 establishments and 35 different types of cuisine. This year, Dubai welcomed a new two-star restaurant and four new one-star restaurants, along with six new Bib Gourmand recognitions.
Row on 45 emerged as the star of the night, becoming the fourth restaurant in Dubai to receive two Michelin Stars. Helmed by acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton, Row on 45 offers an exclusive tasting menu for just 22 guests on the 45th floor of Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai. The restaurant seamlessly blends Japanese ingredients with French techniques, creating dishes that epitomise refinement and sophistication.
Spotlight on Row on 45
Row on 45, located in Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai, stands out not only for its stunning views but also for its exceptional culinary offerings. Under the guidance of Jason Atherton, the restaurant has quickly gained acclaim for its innovative approach and exquisite dishes. The tasting menu, designed to provide an immersive dining experience, showcases a harmonious fusion of Japanese and French culinary traditions, reflecting Atherton’s dedication to excellence.
Celebrating Other Michelin Winners
Among the new one-star restaurants, La Dame de Pic, led by renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic, brings modern French cuisine with subtle local influences to Dubai. Smoked Room, a sister restaurant to Chef Dani García’s flagship in Madrid, impresses with its creative use of fire and grills while Sagetsu by Tetsuya, another new entrant, offers a sublime fusion of Japanese and French culinary influences under the talented chef Tetsuya Wakuda. Finishing off the new entries is Orfali Bros, run by three Syrian brothers, which presents bold and balanced globally influenced small plates, earning its first Michelin Star after previously receiving a Bib Gourmand.
The Bib Gourmand category, which recognises great quality and value, saw six new exciting additions this year. DUO Gastrobar, Revelry, Berenjak, Hoe Lee Kow, REIF Japanese Kushiyaki – Dubai Hills, and Konjiki Hototogisu were all honoured for their excellent and affordable dining experiences. Finding your way onto this list is no mean feat, and the newest additions were worthy recipients due to their hard work and dedication to perfect the craft of culinary excellence.
Special Awards and Recognitions
The guide also showcased a series of special awards with this year’s Young Chef Award going to Jesus Lobato Suarez of Smoked Room, recognising his maturity and leadership at just 30 years old. The Sommelier Award was given to Michael Mpofu of Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco for his exceptional wine knowledge and engaging style, The Service Award honoured the team at DuangDy by BO.LAN for its warm Thai hospitality, and The Guild was named Opening of the Year for its diverse and strikingly designed dining options.
The third edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai not only highlighted the city’s impressive array of dining options but also underscored its growing reputation as an international culinary hub. With new stars shining brightly, Dubai continues to attract top chefs and food enthusiasts from around the world, promising a future filled with exceptional culinary experiences.
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