- A total of 52 restaurants feature in the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 selection.
- 11 establishments have earned the Bib Gourmand distinction, while 41 others are included in this year’s Guide.
- The selection spans across three cities: Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla.
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.
Every restaurant in the Guide is evaluated against MICHELIN’s five universal criteria:
- Quality of ingredients
- Harmony of flavors
- Mastery of techniques
- Personality of the chef expressed through their cuisine
- Consistency across the menu and over time
Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, said: “Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a culinary destination where tradition meets global creativity. 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.”
MICHELIN Awards and Category Definitions
Bib Gourmand The Bib Gourmand award highlights restaurants within the selection which offer good quality food at a great price.
MICHELIN Selected restaurants are noted for the high standard of their cooking and consistency. It’s an endorsement that they’re worth visiting, aligned with the Guide’s professional standards – simply a well-cooked meal.
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 kunafah 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.
Twenty-Six 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.
Twelve 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. [HP1]
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. [RB2] [ZO3]
