Dubai’s reputation as a global dining destination continues to grow, and the latest Gault&Millau UAE Guide has once again highlighted the restaurants setting the standard for exceptional cuisine across the country.
Announced during an exclusive ceremony at Atlantis The Royal, the prestigious restaurant guide revealed its newest rankings, with Trèsind Studio and FZN by Björn Frantzén earning the highest honours and cementing their positions among the UAE’s finest dining destinations.
Trèsind Studio Named UAE Restaurant of the Year
Taking the top spot is Trèsind Studio, the acclaimed Indian fine-dining restaurant located at The St. Regis Gardens in Palm Jumeirah. Led by celebrated chef Himanshi Saini, the restaurant received the highest score of 19 out of 20, along with the coveted five-toque rating.
The restaurant is renowned for its modern interpretation of Indian cuisine, combining traditional flavours with innovative techniques and artistic presentation. Every tasting menu is carefully curated, delivering an immersive dining experience that has earned international recognition.
Chef Himanshi Saini also received the Chef of the Year award, further highlighting her contribution to the UAE’s evolving culinary landscape.
FZN by Björn Frantzén Secures Second Place
Joining Trèsind Studio at the top is FZN by Björn Frantzén, located at Atlantis, The Palm. The luxury restaurant also earned the prestigious five-toque distinction, making it one of only two restaurants in the UAE to achieve the guide’s highest rating this year.
FZN is known for its sophisticated tasting menus inspired by Scandinavian techniques while incorporating global flavours and premium ingredients. Elegant interiors, meticulous service, and beautifully executed dishes have quickly established it as one of Dubai’s must-visit fine-dining experiences.
Other Restaurants Receiving Top Toques
The latest Gault&Millau guide also recognised several outstanding restaurants with three-toque awards, celebrating venues that consistently deliver exceptional cuisine and creativity.
Among the notable names are:
- Moonrise
- Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
- Jara by Martín Berasategui
- Ristorante L’Olivo at Al Mahara
- TakaHisa
- Orfali Bros
These restaurants showcase a variety of international cuisines while maintaining remarkable technical skill and distinctive culinary identities.
Meanwhile, 25 restaurants earned two toques, including favourites such as Armani/Ristorante, Avatara, Jun’s, Krasota, MANĀO, Smoked Room Dubai, and Maison Dali.
Nearly 50 restaurants received one toque, recognising consistently high-quality dining experiences across Dubai and the wider UAE. Among them are 11 Woodfire, BB Social Dining, Gohan, Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, Indego by Vineet, Mimi Kakushi, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, and Trèsind.
Understanding the Gault&Millau Toque System
Founded in France in 1965 by food critics Henri Gault and Christian Millau, Gault&Millau has become one of the world’s most respected restaurant rating systems.
Rather than relying solely on luxury or reputation, inspectors evaluate every aspect of the dining experience, including:
- Quality of ingredients
- Creativity and technical execution
- Service standards
- Ambience and atmosphere
- Beverage selection
- Staff knowledge and hospitality
Restaurants are scored on a 20-point scale, with establishments earning between 13 and 20 points receiving one to five toques.
Gault&Millau Rating Guide
One Toque (13–13.5/20)
Restaurants demonstrating strong culinary fundamentals with well-executed traditional or contemporary cuisine.
Two Toques (14–14.5/20)
Venues showcasing quality ingredients and refined techniques while presenting fresh interpretations of classic dishes.
Three Toques (15–16.5/20)
Restaurants with a distinct culinary identity, exceptional execution, and creative menus built around seasonal produce.
Four Toques (17–18.5/20)
Exceptional restaurants delivering highly original cuisine with remarkable precision and a unique chef-driven philosophy.
Five Toques (19–20/20)
The highest recognition awarded to restaurants offering world-class dining experiences and extraordinary culinary excellence.
Dubai Continues to Raise the Fine-Dining Standard
The latest Gault&Millau UAE rankings reinforce Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading gastronomic destinations. From innovative Indian tasting menus and Nordic-inspired fine dining to award-winning Japanese, Mediterranean, and contemporary concepts, the city continues to attract internationally acclaimed chefs and ambitious culinary talent.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply exploring Dubai’s ever-evolving restaurant scene, the latest Gault&Millau guide provides an excellent starting point for discovering some of the UAE’s most exceptional dining experiences.
FAQs
Trèsind Studio claimed the top spot with a five-toque rating and a score of 19/20, earning the title of UAE Restaurant of the Year.
Gault&Millau is an internationally respected restaurant guide that evaluates dining experiences based on food quality, creativity, service, ambience, and overall excellence.
A five-toque rating is Gault&Millau’s highest honour, awarded to restaurants that deliver world-class cuisine and an exceptional chef-led dining experience.
FZN by Björn Frantzén, located at Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, received a five-toque rating and ranked among the UAE’s top restaurants.
Restaurants are scored on a 20-point scale and awarded one to five toques based on factors such as cuisine, technique, service, ambience, and beverage offerings.
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