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ABU DHABI: The launch event for the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2026 was held on Thursday at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, with three of the city’s restaurants retaining their coveted star status.

Now in its fourth edition, the annual guide provides a directory of the best places to eat in Abu Dhabi, including the cream of the crop, the one Michelin star-rated Erth, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida.

Michelin stars are awarded on the basis of several criteria, including the quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, consistency over time and across the menu, and the expression of a chef’s personality through their dishes.

This year’s guide also includes 10 restaurants recognized in the Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes those places that offer high-quality food at more moderate prices.

Joining the list for first time in 2026 were Bua Thai Cafe, Goldfish and 3Fils Abu Dhabi, with the latter also picking up the Opening of the Year Award, which was presented to its chef Jun Kamiyama.

Almayass, Al Mrzab, Beirut Sur Mer, Mika, Otoro, Ryba and Tazal all retained their Bib Gourmand status from last year.

It was a special night for Vittorio Nania from Villa Toscana, who won the Young Chef Award.

“When you have passion, there is no recipe,” he said as he collected his prize. “Just believe in what you believe and push harder every day. That’s it.”

The year’s Michelin Service Award, which is presented to an individual or team that shows exceptional hospitality or service, went to chef Ricardo Bout from Ray’s Grill, a steakhouse at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers known for its panoramic views and signature chargrilled steaks.

The Michelin guide also includes “Selected” restaurants, which are recommended for their quality. Joining the list for the 2026 edition were Antonia, Cipriani Dolci, Novikov Abu Dhabi, Pinched by Kunal Kapur, Sand & Koal, Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, Taparelle and Villa Mamas.

Those that remained on the list from last year were Broadway, Em Sherif Sea Cafe, Namak, Meylas, Li Jiang, Li Beirut, Finz, Dai Pai Dong, Coya, Byblos Sur Mer, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, Cafe Milano, Villa Toscana, Zuma, Catch at St. Regis, Bord’ Eau by Nicolas Isnard, Mijana, terra, Al Farah, Ray’s Grill, Kopitiam by Chandy’s, Jose by Pizzaro, Mate, NIRI, Paradiso, Punjab Grill, Oii, Grand Beirut, La Petite Maison, Butcher & Still, 99 Sushi Bar, Moksh, Fouquet’s, Oak Room and Tean.

Located in the eastern part of Riyadh, a few minutes away from the Granada Mall, Katf coffee shop has a bright and inviting atmosphere.

The interior is simple and colorful, creating a pleasant first impression. However, the seating arrangements are not particularly comfortable, suggesting that the space might be designed for short visits rather than long study or work sessions. This design choice was somewhat surprising to me.

Although the cafe is quite small and the seating could be improved, many customers still seem to come to Katf to work or study.

The availability of Wi-Fi is a definite plus and adds to the cafe’s appeal as a convenient spot for brief productivity breaks.

However, what I genuinely appreciated at Katf was the coffee. The beans were perfectly roasted. One cup of the Coffee of the Day was enough to explain why many people come to the cafe, along with its reasonable prices and friendly staff.

I also ordered the zaatar, black olive and feta cheese babka that was beautifully displayed and one piece of the chocolate cake the cafe has named the “emotional cake.”

The food and service are my favorite things about this coffee shop. I also like the wall covered in positive notes — it is a thoughtful and creative way to invite customers to share their impressions of Katf and connect with the place.