It is a prize a restaurant or a chef would die for to possess. It is the culinary equivalent of an Oscar in the film industry. The Michelin star is the medal that diners of the world strive for. It signifies quality and sophistication.
Technically there are no Michelin-starred restaurants in the Arab countries, as Michelin does not publish a city guide yet. However, many restaurants in Dubai are owned by chefs who have earned Michelin stars in other countries.
Dubai’s restaurants where Michelin-starred chefs worked
Marina Social
At Marina Social Restaurant, you can savor a breathtaking view of Dubai Marina while enjoying exclusive British cuisine from Michelin-starred Jason Atherton. The Mediterranean inspires the menu’s design, and the chefs work in an open kitchen. Top orders include corn-fed chicken breast with truffle potato puree and mango and yoghurt cheesecake for dessert.
Al Mahara
Al Mahara restaurant is home to a renowned French Korean Michelin-starred chef named Kim Joinie-Maurin. The seafood on the Al Mahara menu includes grilled tiger prawns served with asparagus and lemon butter and sea bass that is breaded and salt-baked and served with warm tartare sauce, rosemary potatoes, and seasonal vegetables.
Rhodes W1
Gary Rhodes died in 2019, but his legacy lives on because of the trendy Dubai restaurant where he was head chef. Rhodes W1 is host to some of the most bright and colorful interiors in London. At the same time, the menu is an Anglo-French-inspired celebration of comforting English and French dishes, such as slow-roasted pork belly or a fancier rendition of chicken Kyiv. In addition to British and French traditions, desserts mix these two traditions using a raspberry souffle and a rich, gooey toffee pudding.
Nobu
Famous for attracting A-list celebrities and appearing in songs and TV shows, Nobu (the eponymous sushi restaurant) opened a branch in Dubai. Nobu Matsuhisa, the Michelin-approved chef, oversees the menu, which consists of his signature hits from Japan-Peru, such as yellowtail sashimi, wagyu beef tacos.
Many chefs who own restaurants consider the Michelin star essential for their businesses and careers. However, one of France’s most famous chefs, Bernard Loiseau, committed suicide in 2003 after his restaurant’s rating was lowered in the Michelin guide. Likewise, Gordon Ramsay, a renowned British chef, cried after his restaurant lost two stars in the evaluation.
Obtaining a Michelin Star
Usually, members of the Michelin professional team enter a restaurant without disclosing their purpose. They sample the food like any other customer, paying close attention to every detail, and then agree on the restaurant’s level. The team invented the star in 1926 to recognize restaurants with delectable food. Then the three stars appeared to identify excellent restaurants and classify them according to their quality.
Criteria for classification
- Ingredients of superior quality.
- Acquire proficiency in flavoring and cooking techniques.
- The dining experience reflects the chef’s personality.
- The balance of flavors.
- Consistency between inspector visits.
This means that the team will visit the restaurant multiple times to ensure that it maintains the previous standards even after being awarded the star. Several restaurants have already had their Michelin star withdrawn due to its low level.