This is going to come as a bit of a shock, but Dubai does NOT have any Michelin starred restaurants to date. Dubai’s dining scene is definitely burgeoning due to the increase in internationally renowned restaurants finding a place here, and the culture amongst expats of eating out. Despite this prime market, Michelin has left the Middle East untouched with the most stars being awarded to Tokyo and then Paris. That is not to say that there is a lack of exceptional restaurants to visit in Dubai. The emirate has curated a fine selection of famous Michelin star receiving chefs from other countries, inviting them to set up shop in Dubai.  All top hotels now feature their very own imported brand restaurants, with existing fame in London, Paris, New York, etc. Some examples of this would include: Rhodes Mezzanine by award winner Gary Rhodes; Gordon Ramsay’s Verre; the eponymous Nobu; and Indian Michelin star winner Atul Kochhar’s Rang Mahal.  With such a superb collection of exquisite dining experiences, why is there this lack of Michelin presence?

The answer to this lies in the fact that Dubai restaurants often lack authenticity and experience comparable to that of fine dining establishments in other parts of the world. Restaurateurs invest in high quality chefs and cooks, and an expensive and luxurious décor—with prices that reflect the level of distinction. Nonetheless, Michelin awards accolades on much more than appearances and good food. Stars are awarded to restaurants that encompass all aspects of a dining experience – service, atmosphere, food and wine, décor, appropriate pricing and lastly consistency of excellence. Whilst Dubai restaurants do have the necessary quality and appeal to garner customers, they often lack in terms of service. Poor menu knowledge, over-pricing, and inconsistency are sadly bringing down what could be world-class caliber restaurants.

A restaurant must have all elements working concomitantly to create an atmosphere of perfection. It must have openness within exclusivity; minimalism within intricacy. To achieve this, owners must invest more in staff training and employing experienced waiters and maitre d’s. It won’t be long till Dubai features on the map as the prime gourmet food capital of the world.

List of Celebrity Chef’s and their restaurants in Dubai:
http://www.alrasub.com/top-twenty-celebrity-chef-restaurants-in-dubai/

What’s On Best Rated restaurants in Dubai:
http://whatson.ae/dubai/knowledge/9509/best-restaurants-dubai/