MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 Unveils Inaugural Restaurant Celebration with Three Special Awards
The MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 has marked a significant milestone with its first-ever MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Celebration, an event dedicated to honoring the nation's vibrant and evolving culinary scene. This celebration not only showcases the growing sophistication and diversity of Saudi dining but also introduces a new chapter in how the Guide reveals its selections.
A Record-Breaking Selection of 51 Restaurants
A total of 51 restaurants have been featured in the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026, reflecting the dynamic growth of the country's food culture. Among these, 11 establishments have earned the prestigious Bib Gourmand distinction, recognized for offering exceptional cuisine at great value. The remaining 40 restaurants have been acknowledged in the Selected category, highlighting their quality and contribution to the culinary landscape.
Innovative Three-Phase Reveal Strategy
For the first time in MICHELIN Guide history, the 2026 selection was unveiled in stages through a dedicated website, presented across three distinct storytelling phases. Each theme artfully captured the essence of the year's choices, focusing on hospitality, the role of women, and the significance of breads in Saudi Arabia. This approach provided a fresh and compelling narrative that illuminated the rich cuisine and culture of the region, engaging audiences in a unique way.
Ceremonial Plaque Distribution and Recognition
Following the final announcements on December 15, the restaurant plaque distribution became a key highlight of the celebration, conducted in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission. Each restaurant was personally presented with its official MICHELIN plaque, a symbol of excellence that allows them to display their earned distinction at their establishment's entrance. This ceremonial handover not only honored the dedicated teams behind the restaurants but also served as the culmination of months of anticipation, giving chefs and owners a tangible emblem of their achievement to share with guests and communities.
Criteria for MICHELIN Distinctions
MICHELIN distinctions are awarded based on five universal criteria that ensure a high standard of culinary excellence. These include the quality of ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine, and consistency both across the entire menu and over time. These rigorous standards help maintain the Guide's reputation for recognizing outstanding dining experiences.
Special Awards Highlight Industry Talent
In addition to the restaurant distinctions, the MICHELIN Guide shines a spotlight on the wide-ranging contributions found across the hospitality sector through its Special Awards. These honors celebrate the industry's most gifted and motivated individuals, adding depth to the recognition of culinary excellence.
Young Chef Award: Elia Kaady of Maiz in Riyadh
The Young Chef Award was presented to Elia Kaady, chef at Maiz in Riyadh. His culinary journey began in Beirut, where he refined his skills across several restaurants before moving to Riyadh to further develop his craft. Kaady credits his brother, also a chef, for inspiring him to pursue this path, a motivation that has helped shape his rise as one of the region's promising young talents.
Exceptional Mocktail Award: Il Baretto in Riyadh
Il Baretto in Riyadh was recognized with the Exceptional Mocktail Award, a testament to the creativity and refinement led by Bar Manager Santiago Latorre. MICHELIN Guide Inspectors noted that the cocktail list offers a thoughtful mix of elevated classics and original signature mocktails, each crafted with an unmistakable Italian heart. Using non-alcoholic spirits, house-made cordials, and carefully prepared decoctions, the bar creates drinks that are both characterful and elegant, enhancing and elevating the restaurant's cuisine with every sip.
Service Award: Yaza in Jeddah
Jeddah's Yaza received the Service Award for delivering an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. Guests are warmly welcomed with Arabic coffee and dates, guided to their tables, and cared for by a knowledgeable and passionate team. The staff go out of their way to recommend and explain dishes and drinks, creating a memorable and genuinely thoughtful dining experience. This outstanding level of hospitality reflects the vision and leadership of Chef/Owner Hakim Bagabas.
Premium Mocktail Reception and Culinary Showcase
The celebration debuted in Riyadh and was followed by an exclusive mocktail reception honoring the establishments' achievements. This dynamic culinary showcase brought together six guest chefs, including three international talents and three from the MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026 selection. They presented their innovative gastronomic creations during the premium mocktail reception, featuring:
- Le Gabriel - La Réserve Paris, Three MICHELIN Stars, MICHELIN Guide France 2025
- Muse by Tom Aikens, One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2025
- Nusara, One MICHELIN Star, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026
- The Lucky Llama, MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
- KAYZŌ, MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
- Fi Glbak, MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Saudi Arabia 2026
This event not only celebrated the achievements of the featured restaurants but also fostered a sense of community and innovation within the global culinary scene, highlighting Saudi Arabia's growing influence in the world of fine dining.
