The 2026 edition of the Gault&Millau UAE Gala marked another milestone for the region’s culinary scene, bringing together leading chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality figures to celebrate excellence across dining, service and innovation. The awards reflected the growing maturity of the UAE as a global food destination, with both home-grown concepts and international names recognised on the night.
Restaurant of the Year
Trèsind Studio emerged as Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 gala, reinforcing its status as one of the UAE’s most influential dining destinations. The restaurant was recognised for its progressive approach, technical precision and ability to consistently deliver a standout experience.
Category Winners Across the Industry
A wide range of awards acknowledged different pillars of the dining experience. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai was named Sustainable Kitchen of the Year, highlighting a strong commitment to responsible practices. Birch at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC took Breakthrough Restaurant of the Year, recognised for its rapid rise and creative impact. Trèsind Studio also received Home-grown Restaurant of the Year, underlining the strength of locally developed concepts.
International Brand of the Year was awarded to FZN by Björn Frantzén at Atlantis The Palm, while Moonrise at Eden House received the Heritage Award for its celebration of culinary roots and storytelling.
Additional honours included Zuma Dubai for sake, Orfali Bros at Wasl 51 for non-alcoholic drinks, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal for wine, and TakaHisa at Banyan Tree Bluewaters for champagne.
Chef of the Year
Chef Himanshu Saini of Trèsind Studio was named Chef of the Year, recognised for his creative leadership and continued influence on the region’s fine dining scene.
Additional Individual Awards
Carmen Rueda Hernandez of BRIX Journey received Pastry Chef of the Year. Arturo Scamardella of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal was named Sommelier of the Year. Petr Krajča of Row on 45 earned Restaurant Manager of the Year, while Rahul Babu Shrestha from the same venue was recognised as Future Great.
These awards highlighted the talent behind the scenes that shapes the guest experience beyond the kitchen.
Toque Ratings and the Gault&Millau Scoring System
Gault&Millau rates restaurants on a 20-point scale, with toque awards reflecting score thresholds. In 2026, the highest honour was achieved by Trèsind Studio and FZN by Björn Frantzén, both earning the top toque distinction.
Several venues received four-toque ratings, including La Dame de Pic, Al Muntaha and Row on 45, while a broad selection of restaurants across Dubai and the wider UAE earned three, two and one toque ratings. The spread of recognised venues demonstrated the depth of quality across the market.
The Bigger Picture for UAE Dining
The 2026 results continue a strong upward trajectory for the UAE’s restaurant industry. Each year, the Gault&Millau guide expands its coverage, reflecting increased competition, higher standards and a more diverse culinary offering. The balance between international prestige brands and ambitious local concepts remains a defining feature of the scene.
The Gault&Millau UAE Gala 2026 showcased a dining landscape that is confident, ambitious and globally relevant. With innovation, craftsmanship and hospitality at the forefront, the winners set a clear benchmark for the year ahead and reinforce the UAE’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic food destinations.