Michelin Guide Dubai: Biggest myths around food Oscars and why you can't buy your way in

Dubai’s dining scene is about to get its ultimate report card — and not everyone will make the cut.

On Thursday, May 22, the Michelin Guide will reveal its hotly anticipated 2025 Dubai selection at a glittering, invite-only ceremony.

Now in its fourth edition, this isn’t just another night of culinary small talk and sparkling toasts — it’s the food world’s equivalent of the Oscars, where stars (Michelin ones, not Hollywood) are handed out, reputations are made, and egos… well, sometimes bruised.

Because let’s be honest: a Michelin Star isn’t just a badge of honour — it’s the ultimate holy grail. The difference between being fully booked for the next six months or quietly forgotten. Between global recognition and staying local.

So what is the Michelin Guide really all about? Why does it spark so much hype — and heartache? And why is this year’s Dubai edition more exciting than ever?

Here’s your all-access explainer — complete with last year’s winners, this year’s bold predictions, and the myths that just refuse to die.

So, wait — this whole thing started with tyres? Yup. Believe it or not, the Michelin Guide wasn’t born in a fancy Parisian bistro — it was cooked up by the Michelin tire company in 1900.

The goal? Get people to drive more, wear out their tyres, and maybe stop for a meal or two along the way. Basically: road trip inspo before it was cool.

Fast-forward a century, and that humble guidebook has morphed into the ultimate kingmaker in the culinary world.

Today, the Michelin Guide is less "mechanic" and more "magic wand" — an anonymous squad of globe-trotting inspectors now decides which chefs ascend to legend status, and which ones don’t make the cut.

A single star? That’s “you’ve arrived” territory. Two stars? Now you’re elite.
Three stars? Darling, you’re culinary royalty — the kind worth flying halfway around the world for.

Dubai joined this high-stakes club in 2022, and it hasn’t looked back since. In just a few years, the city’s food scene has gone from ambitious to undeniably world-class — and now, the Michelin Guide is here to keep score.

Not all stars shine equally. In the Michelin universe:

There are also two additional categories:

The 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai was nothing short of a culinary coronation. The ceremony celebrated both bold newcomers and seasoned heavyweights who’ve kept their stars shining bright.

A total of 15 restaurants walked away with one MICHELIN Star, including crowd favourites like 11 Woodfire, Armani/Ristorante, and Hakkasan. New entries such as La Dame de Pic, Sagetsu by Tetsuya, and Smoked Room made a striking debut — while Orfali Bros, a much-loved local gem, made the impressive leap from Bib Gourmand status to a one-star rating, proving that homegrown talent is not just surviving but soaring.

On the more exclusive end of the spectrum, four restaurants held onto their coveted two-star status — among them, Tresind Studio, Stay by Yannick Alleno, and Il Ristorante – Niko Romito. Joining that rarefied club was Row on 45, a fine-dining experience that clearly made its mark on inspectors.

Sustainability also took centre stage with Green Stars awarded to BOCA, Lowe, and Teible — restaurants that have woven eco-consciousness into their core identity, without compromising on creativity or flavour.

And for those chasing flavour without breaking the bank, 18 restaurants earned the Bib Gourmand label, including fresh additions like Berenjak, DUO Gastrobar, Hoe Lee Kow, and Konjiki Hototogisu. From Reif Japanese Kushiyaki’s twin locations to the unmissable 3Fils, these spots reminded everyone that Michelin-level satisfaction doesn’t always come with a luxury price tag.

All in all, the 2024 winners list was a reminder that Dubai is no longer just a playground for fine dining imports — it’s a city where culinary innovation and serious ambition are thriving in every corner.

With the 2025 selection set to drop on May 22, expectations are high. Could a new restaurant reach two-star status? Will Dubai finally see a three-star nod? Will more homegrown spots get the recognition they deserve?

Despite its global fame, there’s still a lot of mystery and misinformation surrounding the MICHELIN Guide. Let’s clear a few things up:

MYTH: Only fine-dining restaurants can win

FACT: Food quality is what matters — not white tablecloths. Casual joints, hawker stalls, and tiny bistros can win stars if the cooking is top-notch.

FACT: You cannot buy or apply your way in. Michelin inspectors pay for meals and visit anonymously.

FACT: Michelin awards stars across all cuisines — from sushi to shawarma. Dubai’s own winners represent Emirati, Indian, Japanese, and Levantine flavors.

FACT: Stars reflect current performance. A lost star often signals a change in consistency or leadership — not failure.

FACT: Inspectors are anonymous, trained professionals who evaluate over multiple visits and under the radar.

Being Michelin-recognized is about more than just prestige. It’s a business and brand booster. Restaurants often see massive spikes in reservations and global exposure. For Dubai, it’s part of a larger shift — a transformation from luxury playground to global food destination.

The MICHELIN Guide isn’t just about stars — it’s about stories. Of chefs who dare. Of cuisines that connect cultures. Of cities like Dubai, which continue to surprise and inspire on the world’s culinary stage.

Get ready. Dubai’s next chapter in fine dining is about to unfold.