Abu Dhabi’s dining scene is changing as it’s growing. The city is thriving not just in luxury shopping and popular tourist spots but also in the food scene. It is bringing in high-quality restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. One of the shining stars in this journey is Mika—a cosy yet elegant eatery in Yas Marina that’s recently earned a well-deserved spot in the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025.
This recognition is no small feat. Mika has not only stood out as a Michelin guide restaurant in Abu Dhabi but has also played a strong role in shaping how locals and tourists experience food in the capital. Let’s take a closer look at how Mika fits into Abu Dhabi’s bigger culinary picture and what makes it so special.
A Rising Star with Humble Roots
Mika was never about chasing awards. Chef Mario Loi and his team started with a clear vision—to create heartfelt Mediterranean food in an approachable, warm setting. From the beginning, it was about quality ingredients, seasonal flavors, and great hospitality.
Yet, it’s this very simplicity and authenticity that caught the attention of food lovers—and eventually, MICHELIN inspectors. In the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025, Mika was awarded a Bib Gourmand, a recognition given to restaurants that serve high-quality meals at reasonable prices. That, in itself, says a lot about Mika’s role in redefining fine dining in the region.
Supporting a More Accessible Culinary Scene
One of the biggest trends highlighted in the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025 is the rise of restaurants that offer amazing food without being overly formal or expensive. Mika is a great example of this shift. It has helped break the idea that fine dining needs to be stiff or out of reach for the average diner.
At Mika, guests can enjoy dishes made with precision and care—without needing to dress up or spend a fortune. This kind of accessibility is important because it opens the door for more people to experience quality cuisine, and it encourages the local food culture to grow in new directions.
Setting a New Standard for Service and Experience
Aside from its outstanding food, Mika also shines through the personal touch of Chef Patron Mario Loi. Recognised with the MICHELIN Service Award — an individual honour celebrating his exceptional dedication to hospitality — Chef Mario sets the standard for the warm, thoughtful service guests experience at Mika. Whether it’s a friendly smile, a thoughtful menu suggestion, or remembering a returning guest’s name, his approach ensures that everyone who walks through Mika’s doors feels personally welcomed and valued.
This level of service helps raise the bar for restaurants in Abu Dhabi. It shows that great food should go hand-in-hand with great service, and that the entire dining experience matters—not just what’s on the plate.
Seasonal, Sustainable, and Story-Driven
Chef Mario Loi’s approach at Mika also reflects another key trend found in the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025—a strong focus on sustainability and storytelling. Mika’s menu changes with the seasons, using ingredients that are fresh, local when possible, and always thoughtfully sourced.
The dishes themselves often carry a personal touch, inspired by Chef Mario’s own upbringing and experiences. One bite into their famous tiramisu, for example, and you’re not just tasting dessert—you’re tasting a family recipe, a memory, a story. This blend of personal narrative and sustainable cooking gives diners something far more meaningful than just a good meal.
Boosting Abu Dhabi’s Global Food Reputation
Thanks to restaurants like Mika, Abu Dhabi is quickly becoming a global food destination. The city has always had high-end hotel dining and international chains, but now there’s a growing number of homegrown spots that offer character, charm, and originality.
Mika brings a European soul to the Middle Eastern table, making it a cultural bridge on a plate. Tourists and residents alike are seeking these authentic, unique experiences, and Mika delivers that beautifully.
As Abu Dhabi gains more recognition in global food circles, Mika’s presence in the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025 helps spotlight the city’s potential. It tells the world: this isn’t just a city of skyscrapers and luxury malls—it’s a city with a heart, a flavor, and a story to tell.
Inspiring Other Local Chefs and Restaurateurs
Another quiet but powerful way Mika contributes to the food scene is by inspiring others. When a relatively small, independently run restaurant can earn a spot in the MICHELIN guide, it sends a strong message to other chefs and entrepreneurs in the region: passion, care, and consistency can take you far.
Mika proves that you don’t need to be a big name or backed by a hotel group to make a real impact. This kind of motivation is exactly what Abu Dhabi needs to keep its culinary scene thriving in the long term.
A Place That Feels Like Home
At the end of the day, what makes Mika so memorable is how it makes people feel. Yes, the food is excellent. Yes, the service is top-notch. But it’s the warmth, the soul, and the genuine love for food and people that make Mika more than just a restaurant.
This emotional connection is something that many modern diners look for, and it’s something that more restaurants in Abu Dhabi are starting to prioritise. Mika is leading by example, showing that comfort and elegance can live side by side.
Looking Ahead…
Mika’s journey is still evolving, but its impact is already clear. By staying true to its roots, embracing the values of quality and care, and aligning with the standards set in the MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi 2025, Mika is helping shape the future of food in the city.
As more people discover Abu Dhabi not just as a travel destination but also a culinary one, restaurants like Mika will continue to play a big role in defining what the city tastes like.
One plate at a time, Mika is building something lasting—not just for today, but for the future of Abu Dhabi’s food story.
