End those best restaurant debates once and for all because the iconic yellow guide of Gault&Millau has spoken.
The Kingdom’s culinary scene is on fire.
The dynamic space is welcoming innovative restaurants every other month with beloved international eateries debuting in Saudi throughout the year.
Following the arrival of the Michelin guide Saudi Arabia, Gault&Millau Saudi is now preparing its printing presses to produce a Kingdom-based guide.
That’s right, your favorite restaurants are about to become bonafide hits.
The Yellow Guide is a collaboration between the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission and the French gastronomic reviewers.
The exciting announcement came via the official Instagram account of the Ministry of Culture’s Culinary Commission.
Gault&Millau Saudi 2025
Gault&Millau began in 1965 when French journalists Henri Gault and Christian Millau turned their shared passion for food into something extraordinary. What started as bold, witty restaurant reviews in a weekend column quickly evolved into a fresh, modern take on gastronomy that celebrated not just fine dining, but also local artisans, wine merchants, and boutique hotels. Their daring choices and lively writing captured the spirit of the times and reshaped how people talked about food.
By the early 1970s, their vision took form with the launch of the iconic Guide Jaune in 1972, marking the start of a global culinary legacy. Soon after came the first wine guide in 1978 and the first international edition in 1979. Today, Gault&Millau remains a trusted voice in the world of gastronomy, celebrating excellence and inspiring food lovers around the globe.
Gault&Millau Saudi guide locations
The first-ever Saudi edition of Gault&Millau is shining a spotlight on Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, AlUla, and Abha, capturing the rich variety of the Kingdom’s dining scene. From fine dining hotspots to unforgettable culinary experiences, the guide is all about celebrating Saudi Arabia’s growing passion for gastronomy while setting new standards of excellence in food and hospitality.
Gault&Millau Saudi guide rating system
Gault&Millau scores restaurants out of 20, with only the best earning a spot in the guide. Anything below 10 rarely makes the cut. The rating focuses purely on food quality, while service, price, and atmosphere get their own mentions. Top spots can earn up to five toques, a mark of true culinary excellence. And the best part? Restaurants can’t buy their way in, it’s all about taste, not advertising.
Gault&Millau Saudi guide goals
According to the official X, formerly Twitter, of the commission, the inaugural Saudi guide has three major goals.
- Support excellence in the hospitality and culinary arts sector
- Enhance the diverse culinary network in Saudi Arabia
- Celebrate culinary innovations within the Kingdom
What to expect from Gault&Millau Saudi guide
The upcoming Gault&Millau Saudi guide is set to shine a spotlight on the Kingdom’s finest dining spots. The printed edition will feature restaurant reviews, chef profiles, recipes, and city highlights, while the digital version keeps things fresh with interactive updates, easy access to reviews, and direct links for discovering new favorites.
Over 250 restaurants across the country will be evaluated, with 150 standout experiences earning a place in the guide. The results drop in early 2026, giving food lovers plenty to look forward to as the culinary scene continues to grow.
This collaboration isn’t just about great food. It’s a celebration of Saudi Arabia’s evolving dining landscape, opening doors for investment, nurturing local talent, and boosting cultural and culinary tourism across the country.
Saudi culinary scene
If you are looking to sharpen your skills as a budding chef, culinary juggernaut Gordon Ramsay is bringing his training academy to the Kingdom. If you enjoy eating food more than preparing it, you have to tuck into the new restaurants in Riyadh. Worried about second-hand smoke dominating your dinner? Saudi Arabia has introduced new indoor smoking laws at establishments serving food.
Early 2026. Across Saudi, @mocculinary.
