Our Gourmet Favorites in the Orient
Culinary Highlights Between the Levant & Arabian Peninsula
Culinary Highlights Between the Levant & Arabian Peninsula
The Orient has long established itself as a culinary hotspot – not only for traditional delights but also for fine dining at the highest level. In metropolises like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha, award-winning Michelin restaurants impress with innovative menus that blend local flavors with international haute cuisine. Between spectacular locations, star chefs of world renown, and a unique mix of tradition and modernity, gourmets experience here moments of enjoyment that set standards worldwide. Our selection showcases the most exclusive gourmet addresses in the Orient – for all those who want to discover travel through the palate.
The Orient is much more than just sun, luxury, and culture – it is also a hotspot for extraordinary cuisine. In this blog post, we provide an insight into our personal gourmet favorites in the Orient: restaurants that carry international accolades, set culinary trends, and create unforgettable experiences.
FZN by Björn Frantzén
Located in Atlantis The Royal is FZN, the first restaurant of Swedish top chef Björn Frantzén outside of Europe. With his Nordic signature and Asian influences, he delights gourmets worldwide – he holds three Michelin stars in Stockholm. Guests in Dubai can also expect an extraordinary menu that combines puristic elegance with creative textures. Due to the private presentation of the individual courses, dining here is not just a meal but a comprehensive experience.
Trèsind Studio
In The St. Regis The Palm, you will find Trèsind Studio – for many, currently the best Indian restaurant in the world. Head chef Himanshu Saini was awarded three Michelin stars in 2024, making the studio a must-visit destination for gourmets. The menus are true works of art that modernly interpret the diversity of Indian cuisine – each dish tells a story.
Al Muntaha – Burj Al Arab
High up in the Burj Al Arab, Al Muntaha offers French haute cuisine at a star level – accompanied by one of the most spectacular views of Dubai. Here, it's not just about the cuisine; it's also about the experience: the combination of refined elegance, Arabian luxury, and a view over the sparkling sea makes the evening unforgettable. Our highlight: the gigantic and diverse cheese selection is a poem for gourmets who don’t always need sweetness for dessert.
Tasca by José Avillez – Mandarin Oriental Jumeira
Portuguese star chef José Avillez has opened Tasca, his first international restaurant – and was immediately awarded a Michelin star. Authentic Portuguese flavors, interpreted with creative lightness, make Tasca a lively meeting point by the beach. The open terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf is particularly lovely. We are big fans of the seafood appetizers, which are also ideal for a light lunch.
101 Dining Lounge & Marina – One&Only The Palm
The 101 Dining Lounge & Marina is an elegant retreat on one of Dubai's most exclusive peninsulas. Here, Mediterranean cuisine meets cosmopolitan flair. With its location directly by the water, a view of the skyline, and the combination of a relaxed beach club and fine dining, the 101 ranks among the most beautiful addresses in the city. Particularly noteworthy is the unique private dining: a separate room with vaulted walls reminiscent of coral, individually adjustable lighting, and a fascinating LED floor. With space for up to twelve guests, an absolutely exclusive atmosphere is created.
Michelin in the Orient – where there are stars, where there aren't
The Michelin Guide evaluated Dubai for the first time in 2022, followed by Abu Dhabi and Doha (Qatar). The United Arab Emirates and Qatar are now the only countries in the Orient with official Michelin awards. There are currently no evaluations in Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, or Lebanon. Saudi Arabia is on the verge: A dedicated Michelin Guide will be published here starting in 2026, focusing on Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla.
More Culinary Highlights in the Orient
Even beyond the official stars, there are restaurants known far beyond the region for us:
- CUT by Wolfgang Puck (Manama, Bahrain) – an international gourmet steakhouse in Four Seasons Bahrain Bay, regularly listed among the best restaurants in the Middle East.
- Hakkasan (Muscat, Oman) – the Omani branch of the famous Hakkasan group, which has already been awarded Michelin stars in the UAE.
- Maraya Social – Jason Atherton (AlUla, Saudi Arabia) – Fine dining on the roof of the spectacular Maraya Concert Hall. Here, the British star chef modernly interprets Mediterranean cuisine and creates a culinary experience in an incomparable setting with a view of the Ashar Valley.
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