Over the past few years, it has become increasingly evident that Saudi Arabia’s culinary scene has undergone a remarkable transformation. Internationally acclaimed restaurants have chosen the Kingdom for their first Middle Eastern outposts, while award-winning chefs have launched new concepts and curated menus that celebrate both innovation and tradition. In cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla, a vibrant mix of global influences and local flavours has given rise to a dynamic dining culture — one that is increasingly commanding international attention and recognition.
This growth as a hub of high-quality dining was cemented in June 2025 with the announcement that MICHELIN Guide would be introducing their awards to the Kingdom for the first time. At the time it was said that the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 will be revealed in three phases, including announcements in October and December.
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Announced October 15, the inaugural MICHELIN Bib Gourmand and MICHELIN Guide list for Saudi Arabia was revealed. The list spans a selection of restaurants in the Kingdom's major cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, and also looks to spotlight emerging restaurants in regions such as AlUla.
This milestone is more than just awards: it marks a moment where Saudi Arabia’s homegrown and regional cuisine begin to feature on the international culinary radar in ways that blend cultural heritage, innovation and affordability. As the guide continues its rollout, many eyes will be on which restaurants will achieve star status, but these Bib Gourmand winners already signal a strong foundation for a growing gastronomic identity.
Saudi's First MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Restaurants
Although seventeen restaurants feature in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia, only four have earned the coveted Bib Gourmand distinction, a category reserved for dining that combines excellent food with more moderate pricing. This honour, often mistaken for a MICHELIN Star, represents a different kind of recognition, celebrating restaurants that offer exceptional food at reasonable prices rather than fine dining excellence.
Out of the four restaurants to be awarded Bib Gourmand status, three are experts in Middle Eastern cuisine.
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Em Sherif
Cuisine: Lebanese
Location: The Zone, Al Takhassousi, Al Mohammadiyyah, Qads 19282
Em Sherif is a globally renowned Lebanese culinary brand founded by Mireille Hayek in Beirut in 2011, named after her son. The original fine-dining restaurant concept is known for its traditional yet refined take on Lebanese cuisine, offering an extensive set menu. Since its opening, Em Sherif has become a well-established dining experience across the Middle East.
Fi Glbak
Cuisine: Saudi & Arabic
Location: 3058 Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awal Rd, Riyadh 12362
Fi Glbak in Riyadh is celebrated for offering a heartfelt and authentic taste of traditional Saudi cuisine, presented in a format that resonates with both local diners and international visitors. The restaurant focuses on delivering comforting, high-quality dishes that emphasise classic flavours and time-honoured cooking methods, often specialising in local favourites and slow-cooked preparations. Its cuisine is characterised by its sincerity and depth, focusing on traditional rice dishes, meats, and regional specialties, earning it a prestigious recognition as a MICHELIN Recommended establishment
KAYZO by Myazu
Cuisine: Japanese
Location: As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234
A home-grown gem, Kayzō is known for its focus on shared plates, offering a variety of creative Japanese-inspired comfort food like specialty sushi rolls, flavourful gyoza, black pepper beef noodles and platters that arrive with a side of drama. The restaurant's menu successfully blends traditional Japanese flavours and techniques with international influences, making it a vibrant destination on the Kingdom's culinary scene. Kayzō caters to a sophisticated clientele looking for a relaxed social dining atmosphere.
Joontos
Cuisine: Middle Eastern-Mediterranean Fusion
Location: Dar Tantora House Hotel, AlUla 43562
In the heart of Saudi's ancient town of AlUla, Joontos embraces the traditional flavours and dining style of Levantine mezze, and introduces a splash of Mediterranean flair in the form of Spanish-inspired tapas. Surrounded by traditional Saudi mud-brick dwellings, Joontos offers diners a glimpse of the past, whilst also looking towards the present. The MICHELIN Guide inspectors recommend ending your meal in Joontos with the date and citrus soufflé.
The Lucky Llama
Cuisine: Nikkei Fusion
Location: 4056 Ibrahim Al-Anqari, Jeddah 23617
Fusion food is a love language at The Lucky Llama in Jeddah, which holds the distinction of being the city's sole MICHELIN Bib Gourmand awardee. This Nikkei fusion dining destination offers diners a vibrant atmosphere and an intriguing menu that masterfully weaves together Peruvian flavours with Japanese techniques. Focusing heavily on raw preparation s— such as expertly balanced ceviches and delicate tiraditos — alongside grilled meats cooked over an open flame, the menu is both inventive and highly refined.
Mirzam
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Location: Takamul Plaza, Riyadh 12823
Mirzam is a contemporary Saudi cuisine eatery, which has garnered attention across Saudi Arabia and beyond for its elevated take on traditional local dishes, particularly its extensive breakfast menu served until mid-afternoon. A must-try destinations for locals and visitors alike, the MICHELIN Guide inspectors recommend guests try both the Egg Maghash and Kibda Hijazi.
Najd Village
Cuisine: Saudi Arabian
Location: Al-Takhassusi, Al-Ulaya, Riyadh, 12331
The dining experience at Najd Village is designed to be an immersive cultural journey, replicating the traditional ambiance of a historic Najdi home with mud-brick walls and majlis (floor cushion) seating. Guests are served authentic and hearty Saudi Arabian cuisine from the Najd region, including staple dishes like Kabsa, Jareesh, and various stews, often presented on large communal sharing platters. This unique setting, combined with traditional architecture and warm hospitality, offers a distinctive and memorable taste of the Kingdom's heritage.
Samia's Dish
Cuisine: Saudi & Hijazi
Location: Ahmad Al Attas, Al Zahra, Jeddah 23425
Local and relaxed, Samia's Dish restaurant is known for providing a taste of home-style cooking with a charming ambiance that includes dishes prepared by the chef, Samia, herself. Its menu also features popular Levantine and Middle Eastern fare, such as different types of fattah, hummus, and pies, making it a well-rounded spot for local flavours.
Sasani
Cuisine: Persian
Location: 3340 Suwayd Ibn Harithah, Hittin, Riyadh 13516
Sasani is a highly-regarded restaurant in Riyadh specialising in authentic Persian cuisine, offering a culinary journey through traditional flavours, rich stews, and succulent charcoal-grilled kebabs. The dining experience is known for its warm, traditional Persian hospitality and an elegant atmosphere curated with elements like Persian lanterns and the subtle scent of saffron.
Tameesa
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Location: King Abdulaziz Brand Road, Riyadh 13326
With a strong focus on breakfast dishes, Tameesa is another staple favourite amongst, and now its getting the international recognition that is deserved. A family-style Saudi restaurant, Tameesa serves authentic local dishes, particularly for breakfast and dinner, blending traditional recipes with a contemporary presentation.
Tofareya
Cuisine: Saudi
Location: Old Town, AlUla 41921
A highly-regarded local favourite, Tofareya is located in a charming village house setting within the historic AlUla Old Town. Praised for its commitment to heritage and flavour, Tofareya provides a delightful dining experience with an atmosphere that blends modern design with traditional Saudi cultural touches.
What is the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction?
The MICHELIN Bib Gourmand is a category within the MICHELIN Guide that recognises restaurants offering exceptionally good food at moderate prices. Named after Bibendum (also known as the Michelin Man) it celebrates establishments that deliver high-quality cooking and excellent value, often reflecting local character and authenticity rather than luxury.
Unlike Michelin-starred venues, which tend to highlight fine dining, Bib Gourmand restaurants are chosen for their ability to serve satisfying, skilfully prepared dishes that make dining out both accessible and memorable.
Saudi Arabia's MICHELIN Recommended Restaurants
The inaugural selection by the MICHELIN Guide marks a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing culinary and hospitality sector.
By adding 36 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla to its first official list of MICHELIN Recommended dining destinations, the Guide confirms the Kingdom’s offering of genuinely excellent dining experiences. This extensive selection showcases remarkable diversity, spanning everything from refined traditional Saudi and Arabic cuisine to innovative eclectic fusion and sophisticated Asian-inspired menus, all of which have met the Guide's foundational standard of serving consistently high-quality cuisine.
Check out the full list of MICHELIN Recommended restaurants in Saudi Arabia, right here.
Saudi Arabia's first official MICHELIN Star selection will be announced on December 15
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