Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
The second edition of the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi is out and sees the addition of one more restaurant with One Michelin star – Erth.
Its name means “legacy” and it sits in the shadow of the historic Qasr Al Hosn, in a beautifully designed property inspired by the local area. The food is equally memorable, as the kitchen adds its own modern twists to the refined Emirati dishes, says the Michelin Guide.
Three restaurants – Tales by Antonio Guida, Hakkasan and Sushi Bar – were named in the inaugural edition.
A total of 46 restaurants in the UAE capital have been mentioned across categories, including the four Michelin Stars and 6 Bib Gourmands, and covering 21 different types of cuisines.
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The Michelin Guides, said: “Our inspectors continue to be impressed by the dynamism of Abu Dhabi and the sheer variety of cuisines on offer. Our newest recipient of a Michelin Star, Erth restaurant, sums up the city so well, as it offers a truly unique experience inspired by the beauty and traditions of the region.”
In the Bib Gourmand category, two additions have taken the count to six. Oii is a warm and welcoming brasserie with a menu brimming with sunny, fresh and satisfying Mediterranean dishes that have been skillfully prepared and attractively presented.
The competitive prices and the “charming” team behind the outlet impressed the Michelin evaluators.
The waiting list at the super-busy Al Mrzab is a testament to the traditional restaurant’s popularity. Despite that, the chefs take obvious care when preparing the classic, good value Emirati and Kuwaiti dishes.
The two join Almayass, Beirut Sur Mer, Otoro and Tazai. Including Erth, a total of nine restaurants were added to this year’s guide which also includes Ray’s Grill, Yadoo’s House, Maté, José by Pizarro, terra, Kopitiam by Chandy’s, Al Farah and Les Dangereux.
The cuisines range from Spanish to Malaysian, Argentinean to Emirati. This selection perfectly illustrates the ambition and passion chefs have in this thrilling destination, with Abu Dhabi’s restaurants having impressed the anonymous Michelin Inspectors.
The city’s exponential growth has been accompanied by increasing numbers of new restaurant openings, while the diversity of the culinary scene is mightily impressive. There were also three awards given as a special dispensation.
Chandran Thanggaraja got the Service Award for his “hands-on approach” at his Kopitam by Chandy’s restaurant with genuinely welcoming and friendly service.
Les Dangereux got the Opening of the Year Award. The Guide’s inspectors were impressed by the spacious restaurant at the western end of Mamsha Al Saadiyat. Besides the good looks, the delectable dishes also found favour.
It’s early days for this restaurant owned by James Soo Young Kim, but the Michelin Inspectors are looking forward to discovering how it evolves.
Not only did Oii get the Bib Gourmand tag, the inspectors observed there was one man responsible for inside and outside the kitchen.
The responsibilities of running a kitchen and a front of house team are normally split between two people but here they are managed by just one: Chef-Manager Rigers Cuka.
Impressed, the inspectors have chosen Cuba for the Young Chef Award, who has a great talent for cooking, but also one with managerial skills well beyond his years.
