15 December 2025
Share
The MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia makes history with its first-ever launch in the Kingdom, introduced digitally in three stages via a dedicated MICHELIN Guide platform. The announcements were made on the 15th of each month from October to December 2025, following the debut announcement in June in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission.
A total of 51 restaurants, spanning across Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla, make up the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 selection, with 11 establishments earning the Bib Gourmand distinction, while 40 others join the selected category.
“Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a culinary destination where tradition meets global creativity,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “MICHELIN Inspectors enjoyed dining everywhere whether humble village houses steeped in heritage to chic contemporary spaces that celebrate modern design. The country’s tables showcase a rich mix of influences, blending Saudi roots with Levantine warmth, Peruvian flair, and international sophistication. This diversity reflects a nation proud of its culture yet open to the world, offering experiences that surprise and delight at every turn. Saudi Arabia is not just preserving its culinary identity it’s shaping a vibrant future for its gastronomic scene.”
RELEVANT: Everything you need to know about the MICHELIN Guide
Riyadh
Riyadh, the Kingdom’s vibrant capital, fuses heritage and modernity from UNESCO listed Diriyah to cutting-edge urban developments. Its dynamic dining scene pairs global flavors with traditional hospitality as the city advances toward Vision 2030.7 new Bib Gourmands
- Em Sherif Café - A family-owned group brings its generous Lebanese flavors to Riyadh, with vibrant décor, shareable portions, and must-try riz bi halib dessert.
- Fi Glbak - Chef Hisham Baeshen’s first venture blends five Saudi regions into a vibrant communal dining experience crowned by kunafa beneath a tree trunk suspended from the ceiling.
- KAYZŌ - Chic interiors and an open kitchen frame a menu of vibrant Japanese dishes crafted for sharing and paired with bold mocktails.
- Mirzam - Get your breakfast fix near King Abdullah Financial District with dishes celebrating Saudi regions through generous portions perfect for sharing.
- Najd Village - Set in charming Najd-style interiors, Saudi cuisine shines through in the ‘Sofra’ or ‘Village Trip’ menus for a feast of traditional flavors and freshly baked breads.
- Sasani - A short trip from the city center rewards you with hearty Persian-inspired dishes, such as charcoal-grilled kebabs, rich stews, and generous sharing plates.
- Tameesa - More than a breakfast spot, this Hijazi-style eatery serves vibrant dishes like foul, moutabbal, and mutabbaq with fresh tandoor-baked bread.
26 restaurants in Riyadh are added to the Guide’s Selected category.
Jeddah
Jeddah combines rich heritage with rapid urban growth. Its culinary scene is a standout, from bustling fish markets offering Red Sea seafood to restaurants that highlight natural flavors. Dining options span from casual street eats to upscale venues, making the city a vibrant destination for food lovers of all budgets.Two Bib Gourmand Distinctions Awarded
- Samia's Dish - Stylish interiors meet authentic Saudi flavors, where Hijazi classics such as honey-topped meat brik deliver nostalgia and taste without breaking the bank.
- The Lucky Llama - Peruvian-Japanese fusion comes alive in this vibrant space, where inventive Nikkei dishes and striking décor create an unforgettable culinary experience.
12 Jeddah restaurants are also added to the Guide’s Selected category.
AlUla
AlUla stands as a living testament to centuries of history and cultural exchanges, and today, the region blends heritage with modern ambition. The dining scene mirrors this harmony with luxury venues in Wadi Ashar alongside charming spots in the Old Town, offering Saudi favorites and regional classics infused with global influences.Two Bib Gourmand Distinctions Awarded
- Joontos - Dine amid stunning Old Town architecture in a Spanish-inspired setting where Levantine mezze meets Iberian tapas and inventive mains using fruits and vegetables of the oasis.
- Tofareya - A local favorite in a charming village house at the foot of AlUla’s fort, serving authentic Saudi dishes like kabsa with AlUla oranges and classic Omm Ali dessert.
Three restaurants in AlUla are also added to the Guide’s Selected category.
Special Awards
In addition to the restaurant distinctions, The MICHELIN Guide shines a spotlight on the wide-ranging contributions found across hospitality, honoring the industry’s most gifted and motivated individuals, through its Special Awards.
The Young Chef Award is presented to Riyadh’s MICHELIN-selected Maiz, Chef Elia Kaady whose culinary journey began in Beirut, where he refined his skills across several restaurants before moving to Riyadh to further develop his craft. He credits his brother, also a chef, for inspiring him to pursue this path, a motivation that has helped shape his rise as one of the region’s promising young talents.
MICHELIN-selected Il Baretto in Riyadh is recognized with the Exceptional Mocktail Award, a testament to the creativity and refinement led by Bar Manager Santiago Latorre. MICHELIN Guide Inspectors said the cocktail list offers a thoughtful mix of elevated classics and original signature mocktails, each crafted with an unmistakable Italian heart. Using non-alcoholic spirits, house-made cordials, and carefully prepared decoctions, the bar creates drinks that are both characterful and elegant, enhancing and elevating the restaurant’s cuisine with every sip.
© Il Baretto
Jeddah’s MICHELIN-selected Yaza receives the Service Award for delivering an exceptional experience from start to finish. Guests are warmly welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, guided to their tables, and cared for by a knowledgeable and passionate team. The staff go out of their way to recommend and explain dishes and drinks, creating a memorable and genuinely thoughtful dining experience. This outstanding level of hospitality reflects the vision and leadership of Chef/Owner Hakim Bagabas.
The restaurants in The MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia are joined by the hotel selection, which is available free of charge on The MICHELIN Guide website and app. The selection showcases unique destinations both in Saudi Arabia and throughout the world. Every hotel has been chosen by The MICHELIN Guide experts for its extraordinary style, service and personality, and they can all be booked directly via The MICHELIN Guide website and app.
Illustration image: © Harrat
