The Gault&Millau UAE Gala took center stage at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah on January 31. More than 200 of the UAE’s finest chefs, sommeliers, and restaurateurs gathered at the Al Falak Ballroom for a night of celebration and recognition.
The coveted “toques”, symbolizing the highest level of gastronomic achievement, were awarded to deserving establishments following thorough and anonymous assessments by Gault&Millau’s independent reviewers. The toques are not just about the food but encompass the entire dining experience, from ambiance to service and, of course, the quality of the cuisine.
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Leading the charge with an impressive four toques and the highest score of the evening, a stellar 17.5 points, was Al Muntaha. Nestled in the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, this French and Italian fine-dining gem claimed the title of Gault&Millau’s Best Restaurant in the UAE, with its Head Chef Saverio Sbaragli also named Chef of the Year.
Samuel Lacroix, also from Burj Al Arab, scored the Sommelier of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Dubai’s culinary scene shone brightly with two other four-toque winners, namely Ossiano, under the guidance of Grégoire Berger, and Trèsind Studio, led by the talented Himanshu Siani.
Noteworthy establishments that secured three toques included Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, L’Atelier Robuchon, Ristorante L’Olivo, Row on 45, and STAY by Yannick Alléno.
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, L’Atelier Robuchon, Ristorante L’Olivo, Row on 45, and STAY by Yannick Alléno claimed three toques, showcasing their prowess in delivering personalized dishes with exceptional execution and a commitment to local and seasonal produce.
A total of nine restaurants earned two toques, including the likes of City Social, Moonrise, Takahisa, and The Artisan Il Ristorante, adding a diverse range of culinary experiences to the list.
The one-toque category, denoting a score of 13-13.5/20, included a remarkable 43 restaurants, each recognized for mastering essential techniques in either traditional or modern cuisine. Notable names in this category encompassed 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Dubai, BB Social Dining, Hakkasan, and Zuma Dubai, among others.
Among the stellar newcomers making their mark on the list were the dreamy Eugène Eugène, the effortlessly cool DIFC haunt Uchi, and the degustation experience by Chef Reif Othman, TERO.
What Is Gault&Millau?
The Gault&Millau guidebook, originating in France in 1965, employs a comprehensive points system to evaluate restaurants on a scale of 0 to 20, with toques ranging from one to five. A single toque signifies a score between 13 and 13.5, representing mastery of essential traditional or modern cuisine techniques. As the toques increase, so does the culinary prowess, culminating in the coveted five toques, denoting cuisine of unparalleled excellence and a place among the best restaurants in the world. Each rating reflects the overall dining experience, encompassing factors like ambiance, tableware quality, service, staff knowledge, and, most importantly, the quality of the food.
With the arrival of the likes of Gault&Millau and Michelin Star in Dubai, the city’s food scene is at its very best. Make sure to check out these top-rated restaurants for an unforgettable dining experience.
Looking for more top restaurants in Dubai? Check out our full guide.
