You get a star, you get a star, everybody gets a star!
The Saudi food scene has always been a fascinating landscape of creativity and life-altering food.
From global superstars like Mr. Chow, Zuma and more opening outlets in the Kingdom to beloved homegrown food spots like Aseeb Najd, something delicious is always right around the corner.
The anonymous inspectors at Michelin also agree because the Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia is preparing for its flavorful debut.
Announced on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the illustrious guide will feature Saudi selections from next year (yes, that soon).
Brined and sauteed to perfection, the guide aims to showcase the best of Saudi Arabia’s dining scene, including talented chefs and teams who embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions.
So, prepare to tuck into your favorite restaurants across the Kingdom (now with the Michelin Man’s stamp of approval). Here is everything you need to know about the exciting announcement.
Michelin guide Saudi Arabia 2026
Did you know the world’s most prestigious restaurant guide started as a way to sell more tyres? Back in 1900, when France had fewer than 3,000 cars, tyre-making brothers Édouard and André Michelin handed out a free guide to help drivers hit the road. It included maps, petrol stops, and hotel tips, basically everything an early motorist might need on an adventure.
Fast-forward a century, and the Michelin Guide has traded flat tyres for fine dining. Now it’s one of the food world’s highest honors, dishing out up to three stars to only the best of the best. It’s not just about stars though, there’s also the Bib Gourmand and The Plate for other standout spots. What started as a road trip helper is now every chef’s dream stamp of approval.
Now, the Saudi’s Ministry of Culture’s Culinary Commission has partnered with the Michelin guide to give the Kingdom’s restaurants the recognition they deserve.
Michelin guide Saudi Arabia 2026 locations
The guide will be taking metropolitans Riyadh and Jeddah into consideration along with other foodie hotspots like Khobar and of course the ancient oasis town of AlUla.
Michelin guide Saudi Arabia 2026 selection announcement dates
The selections will be revealed in three phases. On the 15th of each month from October to December, 2025, the restaurants will be posted on the guide’s official website.
Michelin guide Saudi Arabia 2026 selection criteria
Wondering how each restaurant will be selected? There are five main criteria that the anonymous inspectors keep in mind when visiting a potential eatery.
- Quality of ingredients
- Mastery of cooking techniques
- Harmony of flavors
- The cuisine’s personality
- Consistency over time and through the menu as a whole
Michelin guide Saudi Arabia 2026 rating system
The restaurants will be judged on a scale of zero to three stars with zero meaning no stars, one star meaning high-quality cooking worth a stop, two stars meaning excellent cooking worth a detour, and three stars meaning exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.
In addition to the Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia, the Bib Gourmand will also be introduced. The bib is given to restaurants that serve exceptional quality at pocket-friendly prices.
Michelin guide Saudi Arabia 2026 goals
According to the Culinary Commission’s official Instagram, there are three main goals of introducing Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia,
- Enhancing the quality of the restaurant industry in Saudi Arabia
- Showcasing the diversity of the Saudi culinary scene
- Fostering a growth environment that drives innovation
Michelin star restaurants with Saudi locations
If you want to experience Michelin-starred dining in Saudi before the guide’s official launch, you can eat at international restaurants like Spago and Gymkhana which have Michelin stars at their home locations.
2026. Across Saudi. guide.michelin.com.
