RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA | 5th Feb-2026 – The culinary landscape of the Kingdom reached a historic milestone as the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 officially concluded its inaugural celebration. Highlighting a new era of gastronomic excellence, a total of 51 restaurants were selected for the Guide, showcasing the deep diversity and rising sophistication of the Saudi dining scene.
A Selection Built on Excellence The 2026 selection includes:
- 11 Bib Gourmand Establishments: Recognized for delivering exceptional cuisine at a great value.
- 40 Selected Restaurants: Honored for their high-quality ingredients and culinary mastery.
In a unique historical first, the reveal unfolded across three digital storytelling phases—focusing on Hospitality, Women, and Traditional Breads—capturing the cultural essence of the Kingdom.
The MICHELIN Special Awards 2026 Beyond the restaurant plaques, the Guide honored three outstanding individuals and teams for their contribution to the industry:
- Young Chef Award: Chef Elia Kaady of Maiz (Riyadh). Inspired by his brother and refined in Beirut and Riyadh, Chef Kaady is celebrated as one of the region’s most promising rising talents.
- Exceptional Mocktail Award: Il Baretto (Riyadh). Under the leadership of Bar Manager Santiago Latorre, the team was praised for creating characterful, Italian-inspired non-alcoholic spirits that elevate the dining experience.
- Service Award: Yaza (Jeddah). Chef/Owner Hakim Bagabas and his team were recognized for their heartfelt hospitality, from the traditional Arabic coffee welcome to their expert menu guidance.
A Global Culinary Exchange The celebration culminated in an exclusive mocktail reception in Riyadh, featuring a “Culinary Showcase” by six guest chefs. This included three international heavyweights—such as the three-starred Le Gabriel (France)—partnering with three local Bib Gourmand talents: The Lucky Llama, KAYZŌ, and Fi Glbak.
The Five Global Criteria MICHELIN inspectors emphasized that all 51 restaurants were judged on five universal pillars: Quality of ingredients, harmony of flavors, mastery of techniques, the chef’s personality, and consistency over time.
