Dubai awards first-ever Three Michelin Stars to two restaurants

For Kenyan travellers with a passion for exceptional cuisine, Dubai presents an irresistible allure.

The city's dedication to culinary excellence was recently celebrated at the fourth Michelin Guide Ceremony, held at Address Sky View, showcasing 119 establishments across 35 cuisine types.

Dubai is increasingly accessible to Kenyan travellers, with 19 weekly flights averaging three per day from Nairobi, as tracked by Flight Connections. 

The ease of travel, combined with Dubai's world-class dining scene, is making the city a magnet for discerning African travellers.

In 2024, the city welcomed 18.72 million international overnight visitors, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), with Africa representing a substantial 20% of this influx.

The growth continues into 2025, with 5.31 million international visitors in the first quarter, 4% of whom came from Africa.

Two restaurants received Three Michelin Stars for the first time since the destination was launched in 2022, marking a historical moment in Dubai’s culinary scene.

A new addition to the Guide, FZN by Björn Frantzén was awarded Three Michelin Stars. This true destination restaurant with a stellar team is acclaimed Swedish chef Björn Frantzén’s debut in the Middle East. It offers a highly sophisticated experience with an array of dishes blending Scandinavian and Asian influences that make great use of the finest luxury ingredients.

Trèsind Studio was promoted to Three Michelin Stars in its fourth appearance in the Michelin Guide Dubai, making history as the first Indian restaurant in the world to earn the Guide’s highest accolade. 

This immersive Indian concept highlights Chef Himanshu Saini’s limitless levels of imagination and creativity. The tasting menu showcases traditional Indian dishes from various regions, re-imagined and superbly crafted into vibrant, eye-catching, and flavourful creations.

Jamavar’s Dubai outpost joined the 2025 Dubai selection with One Michelin Star. Located in Dubai’s Opera district, this acclaimed Indian restaurant offers perfectly balanced and harmonious dishes crafted with prime ingredients.

Helmed by Dubai-born chef Abhiraj Khatwani, Thai restaurant Manāo is an ode to the cuisine closest to his heart. The new One Michelin Star establishment serves an 11-course tasting menu comprised of re-imagined Thai classics with a twist, with flavours staying true to the cuisines vibrant and authentic roots.

There are now 14 restaurants in the Michelin Guide Dubai with One MICHELIN Star, a distinction that highlights high-quality cooking, worth a stop.

In addition to the Michelin Stars, 5 new restaurants were added to the Bib Gourmand category. Named after Bibendum, the official name of the Michelin Man, the Bib Gourmand recognition goes to restaurants that offer great quality, great value cooking.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide said, "Dubai’s rapid transformation into a global culinary hub is testament to its diversity and excellence.”

His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), added: "The launch of the fourth edition of the Michelin Guide Dubai, including the naming of the city's first Three MICHELIN Starred restaurants, marks another pivotal moment in Dubai's journey as a world-class gastronomic destination, and is a testament to bold innovation, extraordinary talent and culinary distinction.”

"Just as Three Michelin Stars signify a restaurant that is ‘worth a special journey’, so the same applies to Dubai as a destination; from celebrated homegrown eateries to globally renowned names, this vibrant gastronomic landscape truly reflects the diversity and dynamism of a city that always aims to inspire the world.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Michelin, whose dedication to excellence continues to elevate Dubai's reputation, highlighting the crucial role of restaurants in driving Dubai's destination appeal, economic growth, and global competitiveness. The people from almost 200 nationalities that live in Dubai are at the heart of the unique fabric of the city, and we congratulate all the restaurateurs, chefs and talents behind the establishments included in this year's Guide."

The Michelin Guide Inspectors use the same five criteria all around the world: the quality of the ingredients; mastery of cooking techniques; the harmony of the flavours; expression of the chef’s personality in the cuisine; and consistency, both over time and across the entire menu.