The MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 officially launched its inaugural Restaurant Celebration in Riyadh, unveiling a curated selection of 51 establishments recognized for culinary excellence. The selection comprises 11 Bib Gourmand restaurants—acknowledged for offering high-quality cuisine at moderate prices—alongside 40 additional selected establishments, reflecting the Kingdom's diverse and evolving dining landscape.
Three Special Awards were conferred during the celebration, recognizing exceptional achievement across different dimensions of the dining experience. Chef Elia Kaady of Maiz received the Young Chef Award, while Il Baretto earned the Exceptional Mocktail Award and Yaza was honored with the Service Award. These distinctions acknowledge standout contributions to Saudi Arabia's restaurant sector beyond traditional star classifications.
The announcement utilized a phased digital rollout strategy, representing a departure from conventional MICHELIN Guide methodology. This approach marks a significant milestone as the guide establishes its presence in Saudi Arabia's restaurant market, signaling the organization's commitment to adapting its communication strategy for regional markets while maintaining its international standards for culinary recognition.