The inaugural Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia celebration unveiled a curated selection of 51 restaurants representing the kingdom's developing culinary scene. The announcement included 11 establishments awarded Bib Gourmand status, a distinction recognizing high-quality cuisine at accessible price points. The inaugural selections span three major cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla—underscoring the geographic diversity of Saudi Arabia's gastronomic offerings.
Three special awards were presented at the ceremony to recognize excellence across different dimensions of the dining experience. Elia Kaady of Maiz received the Young Chef Award, acknowledging emerging talent in the region's restaurant sector. Il Baretto was honored with the Exceptional Mocktail Award, while Yaza received the Service Award, highlighting the guide's comprehensive evaluation of restaurant operations beyond cuisine alone.
The Michelin Guide's expansion into Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone for the region, establishing an international benchmark for culinary standards while validating the country's growing gastronomic ambitions. The selection process reflects the guide's traditional focus on identifying exceptional dining experiences across multiple categories and price points.