“But where are we doing dinner?” It’s the question that puts the best of the best groupchats into a stalling halt. Dubai has options, one may even say, it has too many options. And the last time you listened to your co-worker about where to take a date, you didn’t get to the second.
But fear not, the fifth edition of Gault&Millau UAE Gala has just wrapped at the Atlantis The Royal. They got to business; their business was rating the best of the city’s food scene– and only five of a sea of restaurants have achieved a Gault&Millau’s stamp of approval. The entire city’s food scene is buzzing as two of the iconic restaurants in Dubai have achieved the ultra elite five-touque status!
Here is who made the list:
The Five Toque Club
In a historic move, the guide has awarded its greatest honour—the five toques to two iconic culinary powerhouses in Dubai. The greatest feat is that both achieved a score of 19/20, which is considered extremely rare for Gault&Millau.
Trèsind Studio [Restaurant of the Year 2026]
Trèsind Studio won the restaurant of the year curated by chef Himanshi Sain, and the main course dish at the St. Regis Gardens won the five toques. If you haven’t checked out their “Rising India” Menu , you are missing out on pure theatre. It’s beautiful, soulful and officially the best in the business.
FZN By Björn Frantzén
The restaurant has only been open since late 2024; it is complementary to the world-renowned Frantzen in Stockholm and has been on everyone’s to-go-to places in Dubai. It is located at Atlantis The Palm and offers a curated high-energy Nordic-Japanese experience that feels like a niche house party more than a generic restaurant.
Why We’re Obsessed
The 2026 Toque guide expanded to include 203 other fine dining establishments, but the spotlight is on Himanshu Saini winning Chef of the Year (yes, again!) to the avant-garde service at FZN, the fine dining scene has never been this good.
If you are looking into an ultra-cool immersive experience while you dine out, these ratings are the ultimate guide for “where to be seen dining” for the year ahead.
Next, read about Gault & Millau-approved restaurants to visit this weekend in the UAE here.