Just in: The Michelin Guide is coming to Saudi Arabia
The world’s best-respected restaurant guide is coming to the Kingdom…
Big news for foodies. The Michelin Guide is officially rolling into Saudi Arabia, serving up a delicious milestone in the Kingdom’s ever-growing culinary scene. Get ready for stars, style, and seriously good eats.
The prestigious guide will launch its first-ever Saudi Arabia edition in 2026, focusing on the bustling cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, while also beginning to explore the diverse regions of the Kingdom, including Khobar, AlUla, and many more.
The Michelin Guide revealed that its independent, anonymous inspectors are already in the field, meticulously exploring the Kingdom’s vibrant culinary scene.
This selection will highlight Saudi Arabia’s most outstanding dining establishments, showcasing talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions.
The Michelin Guide restaurant selection
Michelin uses the same methodology for its inspectors in every location that the guide operates, using five criteria including: the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavours, the personality of the chef through the cuisine, and the consistency both over time and across the entire menu.
The highest grades that Michelin awards are through its star system. One Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two Michelin Stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three Michelin Stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
In addition to the guide’s coveted star ratings, it also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, which is awarded for restaurants that provide good quality food at a moderate price.
Mark your calendars and sharpen your appetites
The restaurant selection for the very first Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia will be unveiled in three exciting stages at the end of 2025 (on the 15th of each month from October to December 2025). Stay tuned to see which culinary gems make the cut for the 2026 edition – and get ready to explore the Kingdom’s hottest dining destinations.
Why Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia’s diverse and dynamic food culture, from the aromatic spices of traditional dishes to the contemporary creations of modern chefs, is now set to receive the global recognition it deserves. The Michelin Guide’s presence will not only highlight the culinary talents within the Kingdom but also attract food enthusiasts and connoisseurs from around the globe, eager to explore the unique and exquisite flavours that Saudi Arabia has to offer.
Unforgettable experiences aplenty; be it kabsa in a Najd setting or Mubahar rice with the locals, fabulous mini cheese and honey glazed sambosas galore or a mouthwatering masabeeb, the generosity, pride, and hospitality remain firmly in the memory.
Whether it’s exceptional Saudi dishes or global favourites, where American cuisine mingles with Japanese, Chinese, Greek, and Thai, Saudi Arabia offers something for every international traveller eager to explore the captivating sights while savouring the diverse culinary offerings.
Speaking about Saudi Arabia’s dining scene, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide, said, “These past few years, our Michelin inspectors have been keeping a watchful eye on the Kingdom’s culinary progression and continue to relish the wonderful spectrum that this fast-developing country has to offer.
So, which restaurants in Saudi Arabia do you think are worthy of a Michelin mention?
Visit: Guide.Michelin.com