The MICHELIN Guide has officially unveiled its inaugural selection for the debut of the MICHELIN Guide in Saudi Arabia.

On Wednesday, February 4, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre played host to a historic black-tie gala as Saudi Arabia’s first MICHELIN-recognised restaurants were officially unveiled: chefs and restauranteurs were presented with plaques denoting their achievement. Attended by the region's top culinary icons and internationally renowned master chefs, the evening underscored a shift in the Kingdom's gastronomic landscape and standing, perhaps even levelling the playing field and acting as an introduction for the Kingdom as a premier global destination for fine dining.

Michelin Awards Saudi 3

Michelin Man Michelin Guide

Last night's ceremony in Riyadh (L) and the iconic MICHELIN Man (R)

Eleven restaurants across Saudi were awarded a Bib Gourmand rating from the MICHELIN Guide. This distinction is a category reserved for dining experiences 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.

In addition to the eleven restaurants awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction, more than fifty restaurants across the Kingdom were recognised by the MICHELIN Guide and included in the official listings for Saudi Arabia. These restaurants range from traditional Saudi dining to fusion food, and immersive desert dining experiences.

Pilya’s Kitchen Michelin Bib Gourmand plaque

Gwendal Poullenne Michelin Guide Director

Gwendal Poullennac, Michelin Guide International Director (L) and a Michelin Bib Gourmand Plaque 2026 via Pilya’s Kitchen

Discover Saudi Arabia's 11 restaurants with MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, right here
Explore the full list of restaurants on MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia, right here
Check out every MICHELIN Key hotel in Saudi Arabia, right here

But are there any MICHELIN starred restaurants in Saudi Arabia?

So, the short answer is - no. At the moment there are no MICHELIN starred restaurants in Saudi Arabia.

Despite significant industry anticipation and insider rumours of potential MICHELIN stars being awarded to Saudi Arabia's best restaurants, the Kingdom's dining scene ultimately went unrecognised in this year’s selection for MICHELIN stars.

Combining our staff's professional insight with the voices of our readers, we’ve identified the standout dining destinations in the Kingdom that we believe deserve a place in the MICHELIN spotlight. Check them out right here, what do you think?

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