More names are expected to be announced for the MICHELIN Guide on 15 November and 15 December.
The world-renowned MICHELIN Guide, which currently covers more than 40 destinations worldwide, has officially arrived in Saudi Arabia. Inspectors travelled across the Kingdom to explore its evolving culinary scene and recognise the very best restaurants in the country.
The debut MICHELIN Guide of Saudi Arabia has announced its first round of recommendations for the year, and these local gems are not to be missed. The list includes several Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. While the coveted star ratings remain under wraps for now, this initial reveal offers an exciting preview of what’s to come.
Riyadh’s dining scene is buzzing with energy. The capital’s Bib Gourmand lineup celebrates a blend of tradition and innovation, a distinction awarded to establishments that provide value-for-money meals. Breakfast favourite Tameesa, modern Saudi restaurant Mirzam, and homegrown Japanese concept KAYZO have received the Bib Gourmand nod, while other notable recommendations include Café Boulud, HOCHO, Maiz, Tofareya, Ruhi and Rüya.
Along the Red Sea coast, Jeddah’s culinary scene has yet to feature any Bib Gourmand selections. However, standout restaurants such as Karamna, MYAZU, Niyyali, Toki, and Yaza have made the initial list, making them must-visit destinations for food lovers.
In AlUla, Joontos at Dar Tantora earns a Bib Gourmand recognition, alongside other recommended spots including Harrat and Tama. More names from across Saudi Arabia are expected to be revealed on 15 November and 15 December, which could include the first stars for the Kingdom’s dining scene.
The MICHELIN Guide selection is made according to the tried-and-tested methodology applied all over the world by the MICHELIN inspectors, based on its universally applied set of five criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking, the harmony of flavours, the personality of the chef through the cuisine, and the consistency both over time and across the entire menu. These are applied to all the selected restaurants to help bona fide foodies make an informed choice among high-quality options. The MICHELIN Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through an extensive system of distinctions, the most revered of which are its globally renowned MICHELIN stars.
One MICHELIN star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop”, two MICHELIN stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour”, and three MICHELIN stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
GO: Visit https://guide.michelin.com for more information.