The Michelin Guide is set to release its second list for Dubai on May 23. Before then, though, the anonymous Michelin inspectors, who have been visiting restaurants around the emirate for some months now, have made their selection of Bib Gourmand restaurants for 2023.
Japanese-inspired spot 3Fils; 21Grams, which serves Balkan cuisine; and Aamara, a fine-dining Indian restaurant have all made the cut.
While a Michelin star (or two or three) are considered one of the highest culinary accolades a restaurant can get, Bib Gourmand represents value-for-money spots. Named after Bibendum, the Michelin Man and official company mascot of the Michelin Group, the Bib Gourmand category is “not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize”, according to the guide.
It recognises “just-as-esteemed” and friendly establishments that serve good food at reasonable prices.









Of the three venues revealed for 2023 thus far, 3Fils was part of the debut Michelin Guide Dubai (having received an honorary mention in 2022), while the other two are new to the Michelin family. 3Fils also won top honours on yet another culinary list, coming in at first place on Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2022 and fifth place in 2023.
Stasha Toncev, founder of 21grams, says the award is a testament to the power of community support.
"We have always strived to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, a cherished homegrown space. This recognition from Michelin inspires us to continue nurturing this sense of belonging.
"We have also been privileged to bring Balkan cuisine to the forefront of the culinary world. This accolade reflects our commitment to showcasing the rich flavors, vibrant traditions and diverse culinary heritage of the region. The Michelin recognition marks an important milestone in our journey, but it is just the beginning."
Lists such as these, awarded by culinary experts and industry insiders, are highly sought after by local foodies and gastro-tourists alike, who often plan their social and travel calendars based on the award-winning restaurants they want to sample.
See the full list of Bib Gourmand restaurants in Abu Dhabi (which got its own Michelin Guide late last year) and Dubai, although it remains to be seen which of these venues will make the cut this year.
Bib Gourmand restaurants in the Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi 2022
- Almayass
- Beirut Sur Mer
- Otoro
- Tazal
Bib Gourmand restaurants in the Michelin Guide Dubai 2022
- Al Khayma
- Bait Maryam
- Brasserie Boulud
- Fi'lia
- folly
- Goldfish
- Ibn AlBahr
- Indya by Vineet
- Kinoya
- Ninive
- Orfali Bros
- Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
- Shabestan
- Teible
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• Sebastien Aguilar, who heads SimplyFI.org, a non-profit community where people learn to invest Bogleheads’ style
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Compared to the industry, investing using the common sense approach of a Boglehead saves a lot in costs and guarantees higher returns than the average actively managed fund over the long term.
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• Sam Instone, director of financial advisory firm AES International
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• Demos Kyprianou, a board member of SimplyFI.org
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Bogle has given countless investors the ability to get on with their life while growing their wealth in the background as fast as possible. The Financial Independence movement would barely exist without this."
• Zach Holz, who blogs about financial independence at The Happiest Teacher
"Jack Bogle was one of the greatest forces for wealth democratisation the world has ever seen. He allowed people a way to be free from the parasitical "financial advisers" whose only real concern are the fat fees they get from selling you over-complicated "products" that have caused millions of people all around the world real harm.”
• Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.org
"In an industry that’s synonymous with greed, Jack Bogle was a lone wolf, swimming against the tide. When others were incentivised to enrich themselves, he stood by the ‘fiduciary’ standard – something that is badly needed in the financial industry of the UAE."
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Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
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Timeline
1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line
1962
250 GTO is unveiled
1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company
1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens
1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made
1987
F40 launched
1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent
2002
The Enzo model is announced
2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi
2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled
2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives
2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company
2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street
2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary