Dubai’s latest restaurants to be recognised by the Michelin guide: Avatara, Revelry, Reif, Hoe Lee Kow, Duo

The gastronomic landscape of Dubai continues to flourish, as evidenced by the recent unveiling of The Michelin Guide Dubai 2024. This third edition of the prestigious guide has further cemented Dubai’s status as an international culinary destination, recognizing a total of 106 establishments across 35 different cuisines. The event, held at the opulent One&Only One Za’abeel hotel, brought together the crème de la crème of Dubai’s culinary world to celebrate excellence in gastronomy.

Michelin Star Recipients

The highlight of the evening was the announcement of a new two-Michelin-starred restaurant, alongside four new one-Michelin-starred establishments. These accolades represent the pinnacle of culinary achievement and are coveted by chefs and restaurateurs worldwide.

Row on 45, helmed by acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton, made a spectacular debut in the Michelin Guide by securing two Michelin Stars straight out of the gate. Perched on the 45th floor of The Grosvenor House Dubai, this exclusive dining venue offers a tasting menu to just 22 fortunate diners per service. The restaurant’s concept, “Refinement Of Work,” is brilliantly executed through a marriage of Japanese ingredients and French techniques, resulting in exquisite and refined dishes that have clearly impressed the Michelin inspectors.

In the one-Michelin-Star category, four restaurants were newly honored:

1. La Dame de Pic: This marks the Dubai debut of renowned chef Anne-Sophie Pic. The restaurant showcases modern French cuisine with subtle local influences incorporated into some of Pic’s famous signature dishes.
2. Smoked Room: Another newcomer to Dubai’s dining scene, this restaurant is an offshoot of Chef Dani García’s Madrid flagship. As the name suggests, fire and grills play a central role in the creative dishes served here.
3. Sagetsu by Tetsuya: Under the guidance of talented chef Tetsuya Wakuda and his team, this restaurant offers a sublime culinary experience that fuses Japanese and French influences in an elegant, serene setting.
4. Orfali Bros: Run by three Syrian brothers, this restaurant has evolved from its previous Bib Gourmand status to earn a coveted Michelin Star. It serves globally influenced small plates that are both bold and balanced, earning it a devoted following among Dubai’s diners.

Bib Gourmand Recipients

The Michelin Guide also recognizes restaurants offering high-quality cuisine at reasonable prices through its Bib Gourmand award. This year, six new establishments in Dubai received this distinction:

1. DUO Gastrobar: Has set out to make expensive, high quality food available at affordable prices across Dubai
2. Revelry: Indian tapasbar in Dubai Hills
3. Berenjak: Persian/Iranian cuisine.
4. Hoe Lee Kow: Amazing Korean BBQ restaurant.
5. REIF Japanese Kushiyaki – Dubai Hills: This establishment specializes in Japanese kushiyaki.
6. Konjiki Hototogisu: Japanese cuisine.

Special Awards

The Michelin Guide also presented several special awards to recognize outstanding individuals and teams in the hospitality industry:

• Young Chef Award: Jesus Lobato Suarez, the 30-year-old Head Chef at Smoked Room, received this accolade, highlighting the bright future of Dubai’s culinary scene.
• Sommelier Award: Michael Mpofu, the South African Sommelier at Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco, was honored for his expertise in wine selection and pairing.
• Service Award: The team at DuangDy by BO.LAN was recognized for their exceptional service standards.
• Opening of the Year: The Guild was named the most impressive new restaurant opening of 2024.

Dubai Hills and Its Culinary Scene

Dubai Hills, a relatively new development in Dubai, is rapidly becoming a gastronomic hotspot. The area boasts a mix of residential and commercial spaces, including a variety of dining options. With six restaurants in the Michelin Guide it is a must visit and will definitiely attract both food lovers and buyers alike to the community. One restaurant stands out, Avatara with it’s one star in the Michelin guide.

Dubai Hills Bib Gourmand Restaurant Descriptions

DUO Gastrobar, A modern restaurant concept that aims to challenge the notion that high-quality gastronomic food must come with high prices. Key aspects of Duo include:

1. Philosophy: They strive to make high-end cuisine accessible to a wider audience, emphasizing ambition, ideas, and attitude over large budgets.
2. Cuisine: Duo offers modern European cuisine with subtle Asian influences. They focus on simple, high-quality ingredients to create memorable, everyday dishes that are both interesting and addictive.
3. Drinks: The bar features a carefully curated wine list reflecting the founders’ travel experiences, with many options available by the glass.
4. Atmosphere: The interior design is described as laconic and comfortable, with natural colors, pleasant textures, and rounded details that create a memorable but not flashy ambiance.
5. Values: Duo aims to attract people who appreciate taste, quality, and attention to detail. They emphasize trust, open-mindedness, and a passion for adventure.

Duo Gastrobar a Bib Gourmand recipient presents itself as a place where like-minded individuals can gather to enjoy high-quality food and drinks in a welcoming, stylish environment, all at more accessible prices than traditional high-end restaurants.

Revelry is an Indian tapas bar located in Dubai Hills Estate, offering a unique culinary and drinking experience inspired by India’s diverse seasons and culinary traditions. Key aspects include:

1. Concept: The bar menu, called “Ṛtú(Seasons of India)”, is crafted to reflect India’s four distinct seasons: summer, autumn, monsoon, and winter. This concept showcases the country’s agricultural heritage and diverse flavors.
2. Menu: Revelry offers a combination of Indian tapas and exotic drinks. The menu includes special cocktails, mocktails, a bar menu, and food options. They also offer a business lunch.
3. Authenticity: Cocktails are named in Hindi, adding to the authentic Indian experience. The menu is a collaboration between Head Mixologist Vince Varghese and Chef Rahul Rana, incorporating their memories and experiences from different regions of India.
4. Atmosphere: While not explicitly described, the concept suggests a modern, culturally rich environment that celebrates Indian cuisine and mixology.
5. Location: Situated in Dubai Hills Estate, Business Park 1, Dubai Hills, Dubai.

Revelry Indian Tapas Bar presents itself as a unique dining destination that offers a journey through Indian flavors, both in food and drinks. It aims to provide guests with an immersive experience that celebrates the diversity and richness of Indian culinary traditions in a contemporary tapas bar setting.

REIF Japanese Kushiyaki is a unique culinary concept that goes beyond being just a restaurant. Key aspects include:

1. Philosophy: REIF Othman, the chef behind the concept, emphasizes relationships over quantity. The restaurant focuses on creating an experience rather than simply serving food.
2. Culinary Approach: The cuisine is described as a fusion of “two paradoxical worlds,” suggesting a blend of traditional Japanese kushiyaki (grilled skewers) with innovative culinary techniques or flavors.
3. Artistic Vision: REIF Japanese Kushiyaki is portrayed as a form of culinary art. It aims to create a relationship between the diner, the chef (artist), and the food (artwork). The concept emphasizes constant reinvention and surprise.
4. Experience: The restaurant positions itself as more than just a dining venue, promising a comprehensive experience for guests.
5. Multiple Venues: The mention of “Venues” in the menu suggests that REIF Japanese Kushiyaki may have multiple locations.
6. Services: Besides regular dining, they offer private dining options, catering services, and gifting solutions. There’s also mention of “REIF Worldwide,” hinting at a global presence or influence.

REIF Japanese Kushiyaki presents itself as a high-end, artisanal culinary experience that blends Japanese tradition with innovative cooking. It aims to offer more than just a meal, focusing on creating memorable experiences and relationships with its patrons through its unique approach to food and dining.

Hoe Lee Kow is a unique Korean BBQ restaurant concept by Chef Reif Othman, located in Dubai Hills Business Park. Key aspects include:

1. Concept: The restaurant offers an unconventional twist on traditional Korean BBQ, described as “K-BBQ, but not as you know it!”
2. Cuisine: Chef Reif Othman combines his passion for exploring diverse cultures, ingredients, and flavors to create a non-traditional yet exciting interpretation of Korean cuisine.
3. Menu: Features a mix of succulent BBQ classics and innovative Korean-inspired creations, using premium ingredients and Chef Reif’s creative flair.
4. Atmosphere: Described as playful, upscale, and unconventional, promising a memorable dining experience.
5. Special Events:
   
   • Soju Gogi Weekends: Unlimited soju, cocktails, beers, and Korean BBQ on Saturdays and Sundays.
   • Wine Down Weekdays: Happy hour with buy-one-get-one offers on beverages, Monday to Thursday.
   • Business Lunch: Daily Hanjeomsim Business Lunch on weekdays.
   • Chimaek Nights: Korean fried wings and beer pairing on Thursdays.

Hoe Lee Kow presents itself as a vibrant, modern take on Korean cuisine, offering an exciting dining experience that blends traditional Korean flavors with innovative culinary techniques. The restaurant aims to surprise and delight guests with its unconventional approach to Korean BBQ in an upscale, playful setting.

Avatara: Avatara, meaning ‘descent’ in Sanskrit, often refers to the incarnation of a deity or divine being in Hinduism. With One Michelin star it’s at the pinnacle of vegetarian alternatives.

1. Concept: This restaurant offers a “Reincarnation of Soulful Indian Food,” suggesting a modern or innovative approach to traditional Indian cuisine.
2. Accolade: It claims to be the world’s first and only vegetarian Indian restaurant to receive a MICHELIN Star, positioning it as a high-end, fine dining establishment.
3. Cuisine: The restaurant specializes in vegetarian Indian cuisine. It also caters to vegan and gluten-free diets upon request, showing flexibility and inclusivity in its menu offerings.
4. Dining Experience: Described as a “fine dining experience,” implying a high level of service, ambiance, and culinary expertise.
5. Menu: While specific menu items aren’t mentioned, the focus on vegetarian Indian cuisine suggests a diverse range of plant-based dishes inspired by Indian culinary traditions.

This restaurant is a unique, high-end dining destination that combines the rich traditions of Indian cuisine with modern culinary techniques and a focus on vegetarian offerings. Its MICHELIN Star status underscores its commitment to quality and innovation in the realm of plant-based Indian fine dining.

Impact of Michelin Recognition on Dubai’s Culinary Scene

The continued recognition of Dubai’s restaurants by the Michelin Guide has significant implications for the city’s culinary landscape. As Gwendal Poullennec, international director of The Michelin Guides, noted, “Dubai is now truly recognised as an international gastronomic destination and its impressive development continues year on year.”

This recognition is attracting not only international travelers and local food enthusiasts but also talented chefs and restaurateurs from around the world. They are drawn to Dubai’s vibrant dining scene, eager to make their mark in this culinary melting pot.

The diversity of cuisines represented in the Michelin Guide Dubai 2024 – spanning 35 different types – underscores the city’s cosmopolitan nature and its ability to cater to a wide range of palates and preferences. From high-end tasting menus at two-Michelin-starred restaurants to value-for-money offerings at Bib Gourmand establishments, Dubai’s culinary scene offers something for everyone.

Moreover, the Michelin Guide’s recognition serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement and innovation in the local restaurant industry. Chefs and restaurateurs strive to maintain their stars or earn new ones, driving up standards across the board. This healthy competition benefits diners, who can expect increasingly sophisticated and diverse dining experiences.

The guide’s impact extends beyond the restaurants themselves. It boosts Dubai’s profile as a luxury travel destination, attracting food-focused tourists who plan their trips around dining at Michelin-starred establishments. This, in turn, contributes to the city’s tourism industry and overall economy.

The Michelin Guide Dubai 2024 has once again highlighted the city’s status as a global culinary destination. With new stars awarded, more Bib Gourmand recipients recognized, and special awards celebrating individual and team achievements, Dubai’s restaurant scene continues to evolve and impress.

The diversity of cuisines and styles represented in this year’s guide – from the Japanese-French fusion at the two-Michelin-starred Row on 45 to the globally influenced small plates at the newly starred Orfali Bros – reflects Dubai’s cosmopolitan nature and its ability to attract international culinary talent.

Dubai Hills is again needed a mention as a prime culinary destination for all types of foodies, there are very few places in the world with as many Michelin guide mentions at such a short proximity to each other.

As Dubai’s culinary landscape continues to mature, we can expect to see even more innovative concepts, refined techniques, and exciting flavor combinations in the years to come. The city’s restaurants, buoyed by Michelin recognition and driven by passionate chefs and restaurateurs, are sure to keep pushing the boundaries of gastronomy, cementing Dubai’s place on the global culinary map.

For food lovers, whether locals or visitors, Dubai offers an ever-expanding array of dining experiences, from high-end tasting menus to value-for-money gems. As the city’s culinary scene continues to flourish, one thing is certain: the future of dining in Dubai looks bright, diverse, and delicious.