MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 Unveils Culinary Excellence with 51 Featured Restaurants
The MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 has proudly launched its inaugural Restaurant Celebration, showcasing the country's dynamic and evolving culinary landscape. This year's selection highlights the growing sophistication and diversity of Saudi dining, with a total of 51 restaurants earning recognition in the prestigious guide.
Among these establishments, 11 have been awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction, which honors restaurants offering exceptional cuisine at great value. The remaining 40 restaurants are included in the Selected category, reflecting the breadth of quality dining options across the nation.
Historic Reveal and Celebration Format
This year's MICHELIN Guide announcement marked a historic moment as the reveal unfolded in stages through a dedicated website for the first time in the guide's history. The presentation was organized across three storytelling phases, each designed to capture the essence of the 2026 selection.
The themes focused on hospitality, women in Saudi cuisine, and traditional breads, offering fresh insights into the country's culinary culture. This innovative approach provided a compelling narrative that illuminated the unique aspects of Saudi dining traditions and contemporary innovations.
Plaque Distribution and Recognition Ceremony
Following the final wave of announcements on December 15, the restaurant plaque distribution became a key moment in the celebration. This ceremony was conducted in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission, with each restaurant personally receiving its official MICHELIN plaque.
These plaques serve as symbols of excellence that restaurants can proudly display at their entrances. The ceremonial handover honored the teams behind each establishment and marked the culmination of months of anticipation, providing chefs and owners with tangible recognition of their achievements to share with guests and communities.
MICHELIN Selection Criteria
MICHELIN distinctions are awarded based on five universal criteria that reflect culinary excellence:
- The quality of ingredients used in preparation
- The harmony and balance of flavors in each dish
- The mastery of cooking techniques and preparation methods
- The personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine
- Consistency across the entire menu and over time
Special Awards Recognize Exceptional Talent
In addition to the restaurant distinctions, The MICHELIN Guide presented three Special Awards to honor outstanding contributions to Saudi Arabia's hospitality industry. These awards recognize the most gifted and motivated individuals working in the country's culinary scene.
Young Chef Award: Chef Elia Kaady of Maiz
The Young Chef Award was presented to Chef Elia Kaady of Maiz restaurant in Riyadh. Chef Kaady began his culinary journey in Beirut, where he refined his skills across several restaurants before moving to Riyadh to further develop his craft.
He credits his brother, also a chef, for inspiring him to pursue this career path. This motivation has helped shape his rise as one of the region's most promising young culinary talents, with his restaurant Maiz earning recognition for its innovative approach to Middle Eastern cuisine.
Exceptional Mocktail Award: Il Baretto in Riyadh
Il Baretto in Riyadh received the Exceptional Mocktail Award, recognizing the creativity and refinement led by Bar Manager Santiago Latorre. MICHELIN Guide Inspectors praised the cocktail list for offering a thoughtful mix of elevated classics and original signature mocktails, each crafted with an unmistakable Italian heart.
The bar creates characterful and elegant drinks using non-alcoholic spirits, house-made cordials, and carefully prepared decoctions. These mocktails enhance and elevate the restaurant's cuisine, demonstrating that sophisticated beverage programs can thrive without alcohol.
The MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 represents a significant milestone in the country's culinary development, showcasing both established excellence and emerging talent across the dining landscape. With 51 restaurants now featured and special awards highlighting individual achievements, Saudi Arabia's position as a growing culinary destination continues to strengthen on the global stage.
