Michelin Guide awards three stars to Dubai restaurants Tresind Studio and FZN by Bjorn Frantzen

The National

23-05-2025

The Michelin Guide has announced its 2025 list for Dubai, awarding three stars for the first time in the Emirates. Indian restaurant Tresind Studio, which already had two stars, earned its third this year after what head chef Himanshu Saini described as a 'marathon' effort by his team of 'champions' over the past few years. The immersive dining restaurant opened in 2018. It is now the only Indian restaurant in the world to have three Michelin stars. 'Tresind Studio can only be Tresind Studio in this country, in this city, in Dubai,' said Saini. Moments earlier, European eatery FZN by Bjorn Frantzen became the first restaurant in the UAE to be awarded three stars. 'What a moment, what an achievement … I came to Dubai for the first time 16 years ago, to imagine being here now on stage feels unreal,' said head chef Torsten Vildgaard. Chef-patron Bjorn Frantzen, who already helms three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore and his native Sweden, brought FZN and its more relaxed sister venue, Studio Frantzen, to Dubai in November. As the ceremony unfolded at Address Sky View in Downtown Dubai, two new restaurants were awarded one star each, while five were added to Michelin's Bib Gourmand category – which represents worthy value-for-money restaurants. Three green stars and four special awards were also handed out. Tresind Studio and FZN by Bjorn Frantzen took home the most sought-after accolade, but many more restaurants were recognised and awarded throughout the evening. This year, two restaurants, Manao and Jamavar, were newly awarded one star, bringing the total number of one-Michelin-starred restaurants in Dubai to 14. Retaining their stars for 2025 were 11 Woodfire, Al Muntaha, Avatara, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Hakkasan, Hoseki, La Dame de Pic Dubai, Moonrise, Orfali Bros, Ossiano, Smoked Room and Tasca by Jose Avillez. Massimo Bottura's Torno Subito and Sagetsu by Tetsuya, which held one star each in past years, shut down in November and April, respectively. While no new establishments received two stars, Jason Atherton's Row on 45, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito and Stay by Yannick Alleno all retained theirs. Three green stars recognising culinary excellence amid sustainable operations were also announced, going to Boca, Lowe, and Teible. The category recognises 'just-as-esteemed' and friendly establishments that serve good food at reasonable prices, and five new restaurants were added to the list: Duo Gastrobar Creek Harbour, Harummanis, Hawkerboi, Khadak and Sufret Maryam. The restaurants that already hold the accolade are: 3 Fils, 21 grams, Aamara, Al Khayma, Bait Maryam, Berenjak, Duo Gastrobar, Goldfish, Hoe Lee Kow, Indya by Vineet, Kinoya, Konjiki Hototogisu, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki (Dar Wasl and Dubai Hills outposts), Revelry, Shabestan and Teible. In total, 22 restaurants made it into this year's Michelin Guide within the Bib Gourmand category, which gets its moniker from Bibendum, the Michelin Man. The guide explains it is 'not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize'. Four special awards were also handed out. Sin Keun Choi at Ronin won Opening of the Year, although nobody from the team were there on the night to collect the esteemed red placard. Shiv Menon of Boca received the Sommelier Award, while the Special Service Award went to Mohama Gala of Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Abhiraj Khatwani, 30, took home the Young Chef of the Year award. The Dubai-born chef opened his restaurant Manao, late last year. Speaking to The National after the ceremony, Khatwani said: 'It feels good, but the major achievement is probably the one star, because it's the hard work of the whole team.' Mohamed Orfali – one of the three brothers behind Orfali Bros and brainchild of Manao alongside Khatwani – added: 'We worked on the Manao concept together for years, but just executed it about five months ago. And here we are, one Michelin star!' Elsewhere, 78 restaurants – 15 of them first-timers – were named as Michelin-selected, meaning they are highly valued by the Guide's anonymous food inspectors. New entrants to the list include: Baoli, BordoMavi, Dragonfly, Gerbou, Indikaya, Late Eatery, Lena Dubai, Mimi Mei Fair, Osteria Funkcoolio, Ronin, Sexy Fish, Studio Frantzen, Tang Town, The Spaniel and Xu. A total of 119 establishments were recognised in Dubai this year, with 35 different cuisines represented. Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, took to the stage to laud Dubai's foodie scene. 'Dubai is a city that never fails to amaze. It has become a global culinary destination that attracts enthusiasts from around the world,' he said, thanking the emirate's relentless effort. 'Dubai will remain at the forefront of global culinary cuisine … setting new standards around the world.'