Dubai’s 2026 Michelin Guide features 16 dining establishments that are now closed, raising fresh questions over how the gourmet guide is funded and evaluated. The controversy coincides with the inclusion of two prominent Greek restaurants in the emirate’s upscale culinary scene.
Closed Establishments Retain Michelin Stars in Dubai
The latest, expanded edition of the gourmet guide includes 16 restaurants in the city that are now closed. This unusual overlap has sparked debate and scrutiny over how the organization evaluates and funds its selections during a difficult period for the local hospitality industry. Dubai’s dining scene faces renewed scrutiny over its prestigious restaurant rankings, prompting questions about how the organisation evaluates establishments during a difficult period for Dubai’s hospitality industry.
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Defending the decisions, Michelin explained that the restaurants’ distinctions remain based on previous inspections. Inspectors will reassess the affected dining spots when they reopen. The wider controversy surrounding the 2026 guide centres on establishments that retained their distinctions despite being closed.
Greek Dining Representation in the 2026 Guide
Despite the controversy surrounding closed venues, Hellenic gastronomy maintains a visible presence in the emirate’s high-end dining landscape. The guide additionally acknowledges eateries that have successfully advanced their food menus amid tough times for the food and beverage industry.
Estiatorio Milos operates at Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah, bringing a contemporary interpretation of Greek dining to one of Dubai’s most prominent luxury hospitality destinations. The restaurant focuses on Hellenic tastes, featuring traditional dishes from Greece, fresh produce, and seafood as core elements of its food selection. Michelin praises its Greek offerings, including tomato and aged feta salad, alongside a selection of Greek wines, combining Mediterranean culinary traditions with an upscale dining experience aimed at international visitors and Dubai residents.
Its addition underscores the enduring footprint of Greek food within the local dining scene, where global culinary styles vie for local and tourist patronage. However, neither Estiatorio Milos nor Avli by Tashas holds a Michelin star in the 2026 Dubai Guide, as both appear in Michelin’s Greek cuisine category, which is distinct from its list of starred restaurants. Bill Giannopoulos serves as a Junior Editor at Greek City Times, covering Greek and international news, sport, and history.