Closed restaurants retain Michelin stars as industry confusion reigns
Michelin selection of closed restaurants draws quizzical reactions from industry experts.
Dubai's annual Michelin Guide 2026 has been revealed, showcasing a mix of established dining establishments and new contenders vying for recognition. This year, 20 restaurants have secured at least one Michelin star, with FZN by Bjorn Frantzen and Tresind Studio retaining their three-star status. Orfali Bros, owned by Syrian brothers Mohammad, Wassim and Omar Orfali, has earned its first two-star rating, a testament to their contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine.
New additions to the guide include Birch, led by chef Arslan Berdiev, and Kigo, a Japanese fine-dining restaurant offering sushi omakase and kaiseki menus. Despite several restaurants being temporarily closed due to the ongoing challenges in Dubai's restaurant industry, Michelin has remained committed to assessing their performance once they reopen.
Among the restaurants retaining their stars for 2026 are Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Ossiano, and Smoked Room, which are currently closed. The guide also includes 122 establishments representing 38 different cuisines, marking a significant growth from the previous year's selection.
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- Michelin Guide Dubai 2026: Closed restaurants retain stars as new winners emerge thenationalnews.com
