As anticipation builds for the MICHELIN Guide’s inaugural Saudi Arabia edition in 2026, the Kingdom’s culinary scene is abuzz with speculation over which restaurants will earn coveted stars and secure their place in the prestigious guide.

With inspectors already quietly at work in Riyadh, Jeddah, and beyond, the question on every gourmand’s lips is: Which Saudi restaurants are poised to earn those coveted stars?

The Kingdom is fast becoming a go-to hub for world-class dining experiences, we think that there are a number of standout contenders that could very well make the cut, each offering a compelling blend of culinary artistry, cultural depth, and MICHELIN-worthy finesse. These restaurants reflect the Kingdom’s growing culinary ambition and are more in line with what MICHELIN inspectors look for: consistency, creativity, and a clear culinary voice.

Aseeb, Riyadh

Cuisine: Najdi

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Aseeb is a bold tribute to Najdi cuisine, reimagined with finesse and flair that has recently earned the restaurant a spot at No. 39 on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2025. From the moment you pass through its towering doors into a palatial foyer, you know this isn’t your average Saudi restaurant—it’s a cultural statement. The menu is a love letter to central Saudi flavours, with dishes like creamy scrambled eggs on tandoor bread and grilled palm fronds that surprise and satisfy in equal measure1. Designed to feel both rooted and refined, the interiors blend traditional Najdi motifs with sleek, modern touches. So, will this traditional Saudi Arabian restaurant, with a modern twist make it onto the inaugural Michelin Guide for Saudi Arabia?

@aseeb.najd

Cafe Laperouse, Jeddah

Cuisine: French & European

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Café Laperouse in Jeddah brings Parisian elegance to the Red Sea coast, offering refined French cuisine in a setting inspired by 18th-century voyages and Art Deco charm. Located in Jeddah Walk, this restaurant offers the hungry a stylish all-day dining destination. With another location in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, Café Laperouse is known for its intimate yet lively ambiance, signature dishes like La Côte de Boeuf, and indulgent desserts such as Religieuse au Chocolat.

@cafelaperouse.sa

Crustacean, Jeddah

Cuisine: Asian fusion

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Crustacean Jeddah is the only Saudi location of the the legendary Beverly Hills dining institution, offering a refined take on modern Asian fusion with a strong Vietnamese influence. Helmed by MasterChef Helene An, who has been dubbed the “Mother of Fusion Cuisine, the restaurant features signature dishes like the famed Vegan Garlic Noodles and Tuna Cigars, crafted with herbs flown in from Vietnam, Thailand, and the U.S. Set within the chic Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, Crustacean combines culinary innovation with opulent design, including its exclusive “secret kitchen” where only two chefs are entrusted with An’s most coveted recipes.

Read our review of Curstacean here
@crustacean_sa

Julien by Daniel Boulud, Riyadh

Cuisine: Modern French

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Julien by Daniel Boulud is one of the Kingdom’s most exclusive dining experiences, offering just 10 seats for an intimate, 10-course culinary journey. Already a Michelin-starred chef, Daniel Boulud is also no stranger to the Kingdom and together with Executive Chef Thierry Motsch, the duo have created this intimate dining experience that blends modern French gastronomy with subtle regional influences. Guests are welcomed through a hidden corridor into a sleek, marble-accented space that feels more like a private chef’s table than a traditional restaurant. With its theatrical presentation, refined technique, and immersive storytelling, Julien sets a new benchmark for fine dining in Saudi Arabia.

Take a look inside Julien by Daniel Boulud
@fsriyadh @cafebouludriy

Kimyona, Riyadh

Cuisine: Modern Asian

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A secret location worth discovering, Kimyona is a hidden speakeasy-style restaurant that is aiming to reintroduce our tastebuds to modern Asian dining by bringing a cinematic twist to the table. Inspired by the aesthetics of a photographer’s darkroom, complete with red lighting, black-and-white visuals, and a moody, immersive interior, the restaurant offers a multi-sensory experience from the moment you step through its discreet entrance in Olaya. The menu is a curated journey across Asia, featuring dishes from Burma, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. Dark and secretive, Kimyona serves up dramatic plating with a side of award winning interiors and a crowd that’s always in the know, this restaurant a secret worth discovering.

@kimyona.sa

KUURU, Jeddah

Cuisine: Nikkei: Japanese-Peruvian Fusion

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A Jeddah favourite, Kuuru is a bold, high-energy celebration of Nikkei cuisine, where Japanese precision meets the vibrant soul, colours and punchy flavours of Peru. Ranked as number 30 on the 50 Best Restaurants List in Saudi Arabia, Kuuru is bound for further success and possibly a Michelin star. The open kitchen at its heart isn’t just for show, it’s a stage for chefs crafting everything from delicate ceviche to flame-seared Wagyu. With its mash-up of Incan motifs, sleek Japanese lines, and a menu that refuses to play it safe, Kuuru is redefining what fine dining looks like on Saudi Arabia’s west coast.

@kuuruksa

Le Maschou, Riyadh

Cuisine: French-Mediterranean

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Le Maschou brings the charm of old Cannes to the capital's KAFD with its only international outpost. Known for its rustic stone interiors, candlelit tables, and lush garden setting, the romantic restaurant offers a transportive French fine-dining experience. Signature dishes like the 30-day dry-aged Black Angus rib-eye and traditional French onion soup are cooked over a classic wood fire, staying true to the original 1963 Cannes concept.

Read our review of Le Maschou here
@lemaschou_sa

The Lucky Llama, Jeddah

Cuisine: Nikkei: Japanese-Pervian Fusion

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A vibrant Nikkei restaurant, The Lucky Llama blends the unique flavours of both Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Now a well-known Jeddah gem, the concept and menu was created by chef Nihal Felemban; drawing from her global culinary travels, The Lucky Llama menu is designed for sharing, giving foodies a taste of everything from sushi rolls, ceviche, yakitori, and dramatic raw bar selections. The interiors are just as expressive, with mirrored walls, beaded chandeliers, and South American-inspired prints creating a playful yet polished atmosphere. With its open kitchen, rotating specials and impactful plating, its no surprise that the restaurant has a loyal crowd of in-the-know diners, The Lucky Llama is one of the city’s most exciting fusion dining spots.

Learn more about chef Nihal Felemban here
@theluckyllama.co

Lunch Room, Riyadh

Cuisine: International

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Lunch Room has redefined the city’s brunch and community dining culture with its inventive, all-day menu and communal dining concept. Originally from Kuwait, the Riyadh location opened in late 2022 and has since become a local favourite. The menu is a playful mix of global influences, think za’atar chimichurri panouzzo, sesame-crusted feta with miso caramel, and yuzu-sabayon French toast. Brough to life by chef Ahmed Albader and Trofi Company, the relatively casual restaurant blends casual warmth with culinary ambition, complete with an open kitchen and a dessert table that feels like home.

@lunchroomksa

Maiz, Riyadh

Cuisine: Authentic Saudi Arabian

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Maiz is a much-loved, fine-dining restaurant in Riyadh. Celebrating authentic Saudi cuisine with a modern, elevated twist, Maiz is perfectly located in the historic and scenic Bujairi Terrace of Diriyah. Offering guests a cultural and culinary journey through the Kingdom’s diverse regional dishes, the menu is a curated showcase of flavours from across Saudi Arabia, crafted by chefs who’ve explored the country’s culinary heritage firsthand. With interiors inspired by traditional Saudi design — think Al Sadu patterns and palm motifs — Maiz delivers an immersive dining experience. It’s a must-visit for locals and tourists alike looking to savour the richness of Saudi hospitality in a refined setting.

@maizriyadh

Mama Noura, Riyadh

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

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Although not your typical Michelin-star restaurant, Mama Noura is a beloved Riyadh institution, famous for its no-frills, flavour-packed Lebanese and Middle Eastern fare, especially its legendary chicken shawarma. With over 30 years of history and multiple branches across the city, it’s the go-to spot for locals craving quick, satisfying bites like falafel, grilled meats, and fresh juices2. The flagship location on King Abdullah Road hums with energy late into the night, offering a canteen-style setup where open kitchens and sizzling grills take centre stage. Whether you're grabbing a pomegranate juice on the go or settling in for a shawarma plate, Mama Noura delivers consistent, crave-worthy comfort food that’s stood the test of time.

@mamanouraksa

Marble, Riyadh

Cuisine: Meat-centric Modern Saudi

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Marble has firmly established itself as the Kingdom’s premier destination for meat lovers, climbing steadily on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, from No. 30 in 2022 to No. 22 in 2024, and the restaurant has already been recognised locally numerous times. What began as a humble roadside stall in 2018 has evolved into a culinary institution, thanks to chef-owner Abdulrahman Alsowailem’s obsessive dedication to quality and technique. The restaurant’s signature open-flame grilling and in-house smoking of premium cuts deliver bold, unpretentious flavours that speak for themselves. With its minimalist interiors and a name that nods to both beef marbling and its marble countertops, Marble is as much about substance as it is about style.

Read our full review of Marble here
@marblecuisine

Myazu, Jeddah & Riyadh

Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese

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Myazu continues to set the benchmark for contemporary Japanese dining in Saudi Arabia, with its Riyadh and Jeddah locations consistently drawing acclaim for both culinary artistry and immersive design. With accolades including “Best Japanese Restaurant” and “Best Fine Dining Experience” across multiple award platforms already under the belt, Myazu is bound to be on the receiving end of a Michelin recommendation. Although the dishes are expertly designed, and perfectly prepared, it is the artistic presentation that truly creates an unforgettable dinning experience.

@myazusaudi

Niyyali, Jeddah

Cuisine: Middle Eastern with Lebanese Focus

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A sleek reimagining of Middle Eastern cuisine, this Jeddah fine-dining spot spotlights Lebanese flavours with bold flair and Michelin-worthy finesse. Its menu celebrates the Levant while the interiors reflect a modern, minimalist aesthetic, framed by sweeping views of the Red Sea. The result is a culinary experience that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly new. With its late-night hours and soulful approach to Lebanese cuisine, Niyyali has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about dining destinations.

@niyyali.jeddah

Novikov, Jeddah

Cuisine: Pan Asian-Italian Fusion

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Novikov brings the glamour of London’s Mayfair to the Red Sea city, offering diners a luxurious fusion of Asian and Italian cuisine. The restaurant features a dramatic open kitchen framed by a vibrant display of seafood and vegetables, evoking the feel of a high-end market. Signature dishes span from delicate sushi and dim sum to wood-fired steaks and handmade pastas, all crafted with premium ingredients and bold flavours.

@novikovjeddah

Rasoi by Vineet, Jeddah

Cuisine: Indian

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Rasoi by Vineet is a sister brand to the already Michelin-starred Indego by Vineet in Dubai, and the Red Sea location channels the spirit of Old Jeddah with vibrant colours, intricate textures, and a menu that dances between nostalgia and reinvention; this restaurant brings a bold, modern twist to Indian cuisine, courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia. Dishes like Zaatar-olive chicken tikka and Kaffir lime prawns aren’t just plated, they’re performed. This dining experience offers a delicious gateway to Indian cuisine, with a distinct Jeddawi twist. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a vibrant journey through India’s culinary soul, thoughtfully reimagined for the refined tastes of Jeddah’s dining scene.

@rasoibyvineetjeddah

Suhail Restaurant, AlUla

Cuisine: Traditional Saudi

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AlUla’s atmospheric Old Town is home to Suhail Restaurant. Serving an elevated take on traditional Saudi cuisine in a setting that blends heritage with contemporary flair, the menu spans regional specialties, from Taif-style Saleeq to Asir’s Haneeth, each dish thoughtfully reinterpreted with refined technique and presentation. Interiors draw inspiration from desert landscapes and Bedouin tents, while the open-air courtyard invites guests to dine under the stars. With its warm hospitality and deep cultural roots, Suhail delivers a traditional Saudi dining experience that feels both timeless and distinctly modern.

@suhail_saudi

Table;To, Riyadh

Cuisine: Middle Eastern–Asian Fusion

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Table.To is arguably one of Riyadh's most exciting and intriguing dining destinations. A refreshing addition to the capital's burgeoning dining scene, Table.To breaks the mold and invites diners to discover the innovative and bold fusion of Asian and Hasawi flavours. Located in the Al Takhassousi district, the newly opened restaurant leans into drama; moody lighting, deep green tables, and cheeky table captions set the tone for a playful yet elevated experience. The menu is a globe-trotting adventure: think wagyu beef shawarma tacos, crispy Hasawi rice, and 72-hour fermented sourdough flatbreads topped with mushroom-date or pesto-tomato “bread bombs”. Without a doubt, we believe Table;To will be awarded a Michelin star, this is where local heritage meets global swagger.

Take a look inside Table;To right here
@Tabl.to

TAKYA, Riyadh

Cuisine: Contemporary Saudi Fusion

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at Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah is a homegrown Saudi concept that reinterprets traditional dishes through a modern, artistic lens. Founded by sisters Hadeel and Hissah Al Motawa alongside Nada Al Qasabi, the restaurant offers a curated journey through the Kingdom’s diverse culinary regions—served in a space that blends heritage with contemporary design. Highlights include 10-hour lamb shank with date molasses, sayadia rice with pan-seared hamour, and desserts like the Kleeja tart with black lime custard. With its warm service, delicious mocktails, and views of the historic At-Turaif district, Takya delivers dining enthusiasts an immersive experience that’s both rooted in the nation and refreshingly original at the same time.

Read our full review of Takya here
@takya_sa

Taleed by Michael Mina, Diriyah

Cuisine: Mediterranean meets Hijazi

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Set within the newly opened Bab Samhan Hotel in Diriyah, Taleed by Michael Mina is a culinary love letter to Saudi Arabia’s Hijazi heritage, reimagined through a Mediterranean lens. The already Michelin-awarded chef has breathed Mediterranean fusion into traditional dishes like Sayadiah and Saleeg transforming the dishes into refined, contemporary expressions without losing their soul. The ambiance is warm yet elevated, with every plate telling a story of spice, memory, and modern technique. Taleed is more than just a dining experience, it’s a sensory journey through the Kingdom’s past and future, one beautifully plated dish at a time.

@taleeddiriyah @chefmichaelmina

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