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The esteemed Gault&Millau guide just awarded two Dubai restaurants a history-making five toques. And yes, we’re already calling in for a table.
The ceremony marked the guide’s fifth edition in the country, which has played a pivotal role in recognising talent in the gastronomy industry and changing the face of culinary excellence in the UAE and around the world.
The event took place on February 2, at Atlantis The Royal, bringing together 250 chefs, sommeliers, restaurateurs and industry names for the reveal of the 2026 ratings and awards.
Eighteen awards were presented on the night, including five new categories, and guests were given the fifth edition of the Gault&Millau UAE guide, now expanded to 203 establishments across four emirates.
The defining moment of the evening came down to two names. FZN by Björn Frantzén and Trèsind Studio were both awarded the guide’s highest honour, five toques, each receiving a 19 out of 20 score, marking a history-making result for the city.
Toques are Gault&Millau’s way of rating restaurants, with more toques indicating a higher score and a stronger overall experience, from the cooking to consistency. This year, the guide awarded 88 toques across the UAE, an indication of how broad the food scene has become.
The ceremony also carried a wider message about how the country’s hospitality landscape is evolving. In an address on the night, Ali Akawi, CEO of ITP Media Group, expressed his pride in witnessing Gault&Millau UAE’s contribution to the country’s “surge in creativity,” and reflecting on “the growing richness, diversity and reach of the UAE’s restaurant and hospitality sector.”
Among the big wins, Trèsind Studio was named Restaurant of the Year, with Himanshu Saini taking Chef of the Year. Meanwhile, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, TakaHisa, Orfali Bros and Zuma Dubai also picked up awards.
The UAE is already known for bringing us some of the best experiences out there, and nights like this signify that the dining scene is continuing to expand and get even more refined. If you’re looking to add new go-to spots to your list, you can find the full lineup of winners here.
