MICHELIN Guide's Saudi Debut Signals Kingdom's Culinary Ascent

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – February 13, 2026 – The global culinary world turned its focus to Saudi Arabia this week as the prestigious MICHELIN Guide unveiled its inaugural full selection for the Kingdom. The landmark 2026 edition recognizes 51 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's rapid emergence as a serious gastronomic destination.

The highly anticipated list includes 11 establishments awarded the coveted Bib Gourmand for offering exceptional food at great value, alongside 40 restaurants earning a place in the 'Selected' category. While the inaugural guide does not yet feature any MICHELIN-starred restaurants, their anticipated inclusion in the 2027 edition has set a new benchmark for culinary excellence and ambition across the country.

A New Chapter for Saudi Gastronomy

The arrival of the MICHELIN Guide is more than a restaurant directory; it represents a significant endorsement of Saudi Arabia's burgeoning culinary scene and aligns directly with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The launch, conducted in partnership with the Kingdom's Culinary Arts Commission, underscores a national strategy to diversify the economy, enrich the cultural landscape, and establish Saudi Arabia as a global hub for tourism and unique culinary experiences.

The Commission, established in 2020, has been instrumental in preserving Saudi culinary heritage while fostering innovation. This collaboration with the world's most respected food guide provides a powerful international platform to showcase the nation's diverse flavors, from traditional Najdi cuisine to contemporary global concepts.

This culinary recognition comes amid unprecedented growth in the Kingdom's tourism sector. With a revised target of attracting 150 million visitors annually by 2030, the hospitality industry is undergoing a massive expansion. An estimated 94,500 hotel rooms are currently under construction or in advanced planning, a clear indicator of the infrastructure being built to support a world-class visitor experience. The MICHELIN Guide's presence is expected to act as a powerful catalyst, drawing discerning food travelers and further stimulating investment in the fine dining sector.

Celebrating Innovation and Tradition: The Special Awards

Beyond the restaurant selections, the guide celebrated the people shaping the industry with three special awards, highlighting unique aspects of the Saudi dining experience.

In a move that reflects both cultural context and global trends, the inaugural Exceptional Mocktail Award was presented to Il Baretto in Riyadh. This award recognizes the sophisticated creativity of Bar Manager Santiago Latorre, whose team crafts non-alcoholic beverages with an "unmistakable Italian heart." In a country where alcohol is prohibited, this distinction celebrates the high level of artistry and innovation in the non-alcoholic beverage space. MICHELIN Guide inspectors praised the bar's use of non-alcoholic spirits, house-made cordials, and complex decoctions to create drinks that elegantly complement the restaurant's cuisine. The award validates the growing demand for premium, alcohol-free options and positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of this global movement.

The Young Chef Award was conferred upon Chef Elia Kaady of Maiz, a MICHELIN Selected restaurant in Riyadh. Originally from Beirut, Chef Kaady honed his skills before moving to the Saudi capital, crediting his brother, also a chef, as a key inspiration. This award shines a spotlight on the new generation of talent driving the region's culinary evolution.

Emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural importance of hospitality, the Service Award was given to Yaza in Jeddah. Led by Chef/Owner Hakim Bagabas, the restaurant was lauded for delivering an exceptional guest journey from start to finish. The experience, which begins with a traditional welcome of Arabic coffee and dates, is carried by a passionate and knowledgeable team, embodying the warmth and generosity central to Saudi culture.

The Inaugural Selection: A Taste of the Kingdom

The 2026 selection spans the Kingdom's key urban and cultural centers, offering a snapshot of a dynamic and diverse culinary landscape. The 11 restaurants earning a Bib Gourmand distinction are a testament to the quality and variety available at an accessible price point. This list includes establishments like Najd Village in Riyadh, which preserves authentic local heritage, and The Lucky Llama in Jeddah, offering a modern take on Peruvian cuisine. Other Bib Gourmand recipients like Samia's Dish in Jeddah and Tofareya in AlUla further illustrate the breadth of flavors celebrated by the guide.

The 40 'Selected' restaurants represent a wide spectrum of culinary styles. In Riyadh, the list features international powerhouses such as Benoit and Café Boulud alongside locally-born concepts like Takya and Aseeb. Jeddah's selections include seafood-focused Maritime and Indian fine dining at Rasoi By Vineet. In the historic oasis of AlUla, restaurants like Harrat and Tama offer unique dining experiences set against breathtaking landscapes.

The meticulous selection process was based on the guide's five universal criteria: quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of techniques, the chef's personality expressed in the cuisine, and consistency. The absence of MICHELIN Stars in this first year is not a deficiency but a standard practice for new territories, building a foundation and setting the stage for future accolades.

A Global Stage in Riyadh

The culmination of months of anonymous inspections and anticipation was a grand celebration in Riyadh. In a first for the MICHELIN Guide, the restaurant selections were unveiled in three stages via a dedicated website, with each phase telling a story about Saudi cuisine and culture, focusing on the themes of hospitality, women, and breads.

The celebratory event brought together the recognized restaurant teams for the official presentation of their MICHELIN plaques—a tangible symbol of their hard-won achievement. The evening also featured a premium mocktail reception where an impressive lineup of international and local chefs showcased their talent. Guest chefs from three-starred Le Gabriel in Paris and one-starred Muse in London and Nusara in Bangkok cooked alongside chefs from Saudi Bib Gourmand establishments KAYZŌ, The Lucky Llama, and Fi Glbak. This gathering of global culinary titans in the Saudi capital served as a powerful statement, cementing the Kingdom's arrival on the international gastronomy circuit. The launch of the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 is not just a recognition of current achievements, but an invitation to the world to discover the rich, evolving, and ambitious flavors of the Kingdom.