The MICHELIN Guide has officially arrived in Saudi Arabia. In a move that signals just how far the Kingdom’s dining scene has come, the internationally renowned guide announced on 24 June 2025 that it will begin evaluating restaurants across the country, starting with Riyadh and Jeddah and gradually expanding to other regions such as Khobar and AlUla.
The selection marks a major moment for Saudi Arabia’s culinary identity. While the Kingdom is often associated with tradition, sacred sites, and expansive deserts, its cities and landscapes have been quietly transforming. In Riyadh and Jeddah, a new generation of chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary teams are crafting experiences that draw on deep local heritage while embracing global techniques and ambitions. Now, with MICHELIN’s inspectors officially in the field, the world is taking note.
The Saudi expansion is being carried out in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission, which operates under the Ministry of Culture. According to the MICHELIN Guide, the new edition will not only focus on the two major cities but will also begin to explore other parts of the Kingdom, “including Khobar, AlUla, and many more.”
“Our collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide marks an important milestone in celebrating the unique and diverse culinary scene of Saudi Arabia. It shines a light on the creativity and excellence of our chefs and restaurants, and invites the world to discover the distinct flavors and experiences the Kingdom has to offer,” said Mayada Badr, the CEO of the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission.
An Emerging Food Scene
“Saudi Arabia is revealing itself as one of the most compelling and complex destinations in the region,” said the guide in its announcement. And indeed, it is. Beyond the kitchen, Saudi Arabia is rapidly gaining attention for its arts and culture festivals, design-forward hotels, and diverse natural landscapes – from the green mountains of Asir to the underwater ecosystems of the Red Sea.
But it is in the dining scene where some of the country’s most dynamic changes are taking place. From modern interpretations of kabsa and mutabbaq to fine-dining menus that incorporate local dates, seafood, and spices in surprising new ways, the Saudi restaurant scene is blossoming. The MICHELIN Guide will spotlight those chefs and teams who, in its words, “embody passion, creativity, and respect for local culinary traditions.”
As with every edition of the MICHELIN Guide, inspectors will apply the organization’s longstanding criteria: “The quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavors, the personality of the cuisine and the consistency both over time and through the menu as a whole.” These are the same standards used to award the guide’s coveted star ratings — from one star for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” to three stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
In addition to the star rankings, the MICHELIN Guide will also highlight restaurants in its Bib Gourmand category — an increasingly popular distinction given to places that serve high-quality food at more accessible prices.
“These past few years, our MICHELIN inspectors have been keeping a watchful eye on The Kingdom’s culinary progression and continue to relish the wonderful spectrum that this fast-developing country has to offer,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.
While the official list of starred restaurants is yet to be revealed, the announcement alone is significant. It places Saudi Arabia on a growing list of countries that are gaining recognition for their local gastronomy.
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