Michelin Releases 2026 Saudi Arabia Guide Selection
The 2026 MICHELIN Saudi Arabia Guide has awarded 51 establishments during its first local restaurant presentation ceremony, held on December 15, 2025.
Diverse Culinary Excellence Highlighted
The 2026 selection of the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia features 51 restaurants divided into two categories: 11 establishments received the Bib Gourmand label, recognizing quality cuisine at moderate prices, and 40 other restaurants were added to the list of recommended addresses. The awarded restaurants are located in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-'Ula. The official MICHELIN plaque presentation was a key moment of the ceremony, organized in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission. Awards were given based on five criteria: quality of the products, harmony of flavors, mastery of technique, the chef's personality, and overall consistency of the menu.
Special Awards Presented
Three special awards were given: the MICHELIN Young Chef Award to Elia Kaady (Maiz restaurant in Riyadh), the MICHELIN Exceptional Mocktail Award to Santiago Latorre (Il Baretto in Riyadh), and the MICHELIN Service Award at Yaza restaurant in Jeddah, led by chef Hakim Bagabas. The presentation ceremony adopted a novel format for the MICHELIN Guide, unveiling the results in three stages on a dedicated website themed around Saudi hospitality, the country's women, and local bread. The event continued with a VIP reception that brought together six chefs, including three of international renown and three from the 2026 selection.
