Gault&Millau UAE 2026: the restaurants and talents of the year

On February 2, 2026, the Gault&Millau UAE gala was held at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, bringing together over 250 gastronomy professionals, from chefs and sommeliers to restaurant and hotel managers. The event was an opportunity to present the new edition of the guide, now enriched with 203 establishments across across four emirates, illustrating the rapid evolution of the local culinary scene and showcasing both emerging talents and established chefs.

A 2026 edition marked by diversity

This year, 18 distinctions were awarded, valuing both establishments and human talent. Among the winners:

• Trèsind Studio was named Restaurant of the Year, and its chef, Himanshu Saini, received the title of Chef of the Year.
• FZN by Björn Frantzén was named International Brand of the Year.
• JW Marriott Marquis Dubai was awarded Sustainable Cuisine of the Year, underlining the growing focus on responsible practices.

Individual awards also highlighted human expertise: Arturo Scamardella was named Sommelier of the Year and Petr Krajča Room Manager of the Year, reminding us that the quality of the culinary experience depends as much on those who serve as on those who cook.

Understanding the toques

As usual, the guide relies on the toque system to rank establishments. In 2026, two restaurants achieved the maximum distinction of five toques, a rare level of excellence. A total of 88 toques were awarded, reflecting the depth and quality of the local gastronomic landscape. This edition of the Gault&Millau UAE guide does more than simply list addresses: it tells the story of a rapidly expanding gastronomy, where creativity, rigor and diversity of talent shape a dynamic and constantly evolving culinary scene.