The wait is over: Here's the first selection for Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia
From Riyadh to Jeddah and AlUla, these are the restaurants officially featured – not starred (yet) – in the first-ever Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia
Foodies, get excited – before the stars come out, the Michelin Guide has unveiled its first selection for Saudi Arabia. A total of 17 restaurants are featured, with four earning the coveted Bib Gourmand distinction. And trust us, this is just the beginning…
From fine-dining icons to fresh local talent, here is the first reveal for Saudi Arabia’s first Michelin-selected restaurants. Huge congratulations to all of them.
Riyadh:
Café Boulud
A well-deserved spot for its French flair and refined dining experience by the legendary Chef Daniel Boulud.
Hōchō
Located in the luxurious VIA Riyadh, this contemporary restaurant brings Japanese finesse and premium Kobe beef to the spotlight – all from a sleek open kitchen setting.
Ruhi
Ruhi serves authentic and well-known dishes from the western region of India. The contemporary but traditional menu features everything from items straight from the tandoor to curries, and more.
Maiz
Celebrating the richness of Saudi cuisine with contemporary flair, Maiz – named Favourite Saudi Arabian Restaurant at the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2025 – is a stylish space with grand interiors befitting the beautiful historical setting of Bujairi Terrace. On the menu, traditional Saudi recipes from each of the Kingdom’s 13 provinces are reimagined with contemporary panache, redefining what diners may have grown to expect the local cuisine to look and taste like.
Tofareya
Regional cooking of Saudi Arabia is celebrated here at this neighbourhood restaurant.The menu includes Hasawi meat kebabs from the eastern Al-Ahsa region, the well-known Mandi rice dishes from the Aseer and Al Bahah regions in the south, and Marqooq, which is recognised as the official dish of Riyadh.
Rüya
This modern upmarket brasserie has a lovely feel to it. Rüya serves contemporary Anatolian cuisine with a Turkish spin. Walk in through the modest all-black entrance, and a very colourful venue will greet you.
Jeddah:
Yaza
Grab a cosy side seat and order from a menu filled with a mix of contemporary and classical Saudi plates, all bursting with flavour.
Myazu
This homegrown concept is the restaurant on so many people’s lips, and for good reason. The Japanese restaurant draws inspiration from traditional cuisine using flair and style.
Niyyali
Niyyali at Shangri-La Jeddah exudes a relaxed but distinctly chic feel, with well-spaced tables, high ceilings and a fresh, modern interior. But one of the restaurant’s main draws is the vast and charming al fresco terrace. It directly overlooks the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and boasts spectacular open-air views of the Red Sea, which is definitely a plus for its relaxing waterside vibes. The food and drink offerings are pretty great, too. With a delightful, carefully curated menu of mezza, fatteh and salads to choose from, you really ought to try them all.
Karamna
Karamna at the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina draws a nightly crowd. The menu zones in on Levantine-Gulf cuisine – think mixed grill platter, a selection of juicy and tender kebabs, chicken tawouk, beef tikkas, white kabsa, and premium lamb chops garnished with roasted raisins and nuts. What’s unique is that you can opt to dine in the main dining room of the restaurant or on the restaurant’s yacht docked in the marina. With superb views of the sea and sky, a meal at Karamna has a distinct holiday dining feel for both residents and visitors alike.
Toki
Toki knows how to set the mood with its swanky seats and low lighting. The award-winning chef, Peter Lau Chee Wei, makes the kind of Chinese food that makes our hearts skip a beat. When budget isn’t an issue, order the Szechwan aromatic crispy duck. As it’s cooked with so much love, it needs to be ordered 24 hours in advance. Plus, there are quirky treats like the chocolate hazelnut crunch dumplings, which are filled with Nutella and hazelnut roasted paste.
AlUla:
Harrat
Set in the stunning Banyan Tree AlUla, local chefs use produce directly sourced from AlUla’s sustainable farms to create their eclectic fine dining menu. From relaxed lunches to lively evenings, this vibrant restaurant offers a range of dishes, from seafood to Middle Eastern mezze, pasta, and fresh grills; there is something for every taste. Decorated with handmade rugs and local earthenware, guests will find a truly authentic experience at this rustic restaurant.
Tama
Located in the stunning Habitas eco-resort, Tama is much more than a restaurant. Meaning ‘here and now’ in Aramaic, Tama embodies one of Habitas’ core brand experiences, the essence of being present and keeping people in the here and now. The menu infuses global and middle eastern cuisines, and the ingredients are sourced from local farms in communities surrounding AlUla to bring seasonal, fresh flavours to the table.
Bib Gourmand
Bib Gourmand recognises places offering great cooking at reasonable prices. For the first selection, three Riyadh restaurants and one restaurant from AlUla have made it onto the list.
Riyadh:
Tameesa
Get ready for a wait; everyone comes to this restaurant because it’s low-priced and amazing. The mugalgal beef and falafel pizza are two highlights from its menu. For the adventurous, try the fried liver with vegetables. The restaurant itself has a beautiful setting too, and the outdoor seating is not one to miss.
Mirzam
Here, the casual restaurant offers an impressive spread of sharing dishes inspired by the country’s diverse food culture through a modern spin in the kitchen and on the floor. The minimalist space is bright and inviting and accented with Sadu-inspired cushions, a range of pottery wares, and geometrical art patterns on the wall. The straightforward menu is influenced by the rich culinary traditions, local produce, flavoursome spices, and cooking methods passed down through generations defining Saudi Arabian cuisine today.
Kayzo
From What’s On Saudi Arabia Homegrown Restaurant of the Year to Bib Gourmand recipient – congratulations, Kayzo. A well-deserved nod to its Japanese contemporary dishes and exceptional value.
AlUla:
Joontos
Enjoy a delectable feast of Saudi-inspired dishes curated by Kerten Hospitality and Michelin Star Chef Jaume Puigdengolas at Jontoos. Part of Dar Tantora The House Hotel, the Spanish-inspired Middle Eastern restaurant is an ensemble of renovated traditional buildings resembling a medina, with its maze of narrow streets and walls covered by cob.
Images: Social
