Saudi Arabia has made its debut on the global culinary map with the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026. The Guide highlights 52 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla, including 11 Bib Gourmand winners, recognized for quality food at affordable prices, and 41 MICHELIN Selected establishments noted for high-standard cooking and consistency.
The launch was rolled out digitally in three stages from October to December 2025, following an initial announcement in June in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission. Each restaurant was evaluated against MICHELIN’s five criteria: ingredient quality, flavor harmony, mastery of technique, chef personality, and menu consistency.
“Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a culinary destination where tradition meets global creativity,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide. “From humble village houses to modern spaces, the country’s tables blend Saudi roots with Levantine, Peruvian, and international flavors.”
In Riyadh, seven restaurants received Bib Gourmand awards, including Em Sherif Café, serving Lebanese dishes, and Fi Glbak, which blends flavors from five Saudi regions. The city also added 26 restaurants to the Selected category, reflecting Riyadh’s mix of heritage and contemporary dining.
Jeddah earned two Bib Gourmand distinctions: Samia’s Dish, known for classic Hijazi cuisine, and The Lucky Llama, which combines Peruvian and Japanese flavors. Twelve additional restaurants were recognized as Selected, showcasing the city’s diverse dining scene, from casual street food to upscale restaurants.
In AlUla, two Bib Gourmand awards went to Joontos, offering Levantine-Spanish dishes, and Tofareya, serving traditional Saudi meals with local twists. Three more restaurants were added to the Selected category, highlighting AlUla’s mix of history and modern culinary ambition.
The MICHELIN Guide launch reflects Saudi Arabia’s push to grow its tourism and cultural offerings under Vision 2030. It provides diners with a roadmap to explore both traditional and modern Saudi cuisine while spotlighting local chefs and culinary talent.
With this first-ever selection, Saudi Arabia joins the global network of MICHELIN destinations, placing its restaurants—and its culinary traditions—on the international stage and encouraging continued innovation in the Kingdom’s food scene.
