In the second stage following its Saudi Arabia launch, the Michelin Guide has added two more restaurants to its Bib Gourmand list: Fi Glbak in Riyadh and The Lucky Llama in Jeddah.
The additions come as part of a three-stage rollout by Michelin in the Kingdom, with further restaurant announcements scheduled for 15 December. The Bib Gourmand distinction, which identifies establishments offering “good quality food at moderate prices,” complements the Michelin Stars system by recognizing value and culinary accessibility.
What Is the Bib Gourmand?
For those unfamiliar, the Michelin Guide, originally started by the French tire company Michelin more than a century ago, publishes ratings for restaurants worldwide based on unseen inspections by anonymous reviewers. The top-tier recognition is Michelin Stars, awarded for outstanding cuisine. But Michelin also created the Bib Gourmand award in 1997 to highlight restaurants that are more affordable while still delivering high-quality, thoughtfully prepared meals.
Inspectors judge Bib Gourmand candidates not only on the quality of ingredients and cooking techniques, but also on “value for money” and consistency. The symbol for Bib Gourmand is a stylized Bibendum of the Michelin Man licking his lips, an homage to his name.
The Two Newly Honored Restaurants
Fi Glbak (Riyadh) is the first restaurant by chef Hisham Baeshen. It serves a menu inspired by five different regions of Saudi Arabia, with some dishes drawing from broader Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant’s name roughly translates to “in your heart.” Its dining room includes a striking design feature: a tree trunk suspended from the ceiling. Recommended dishes include samosas, seabream in a sweet molasses stew, “sharqawi” rice with caramelized onions, and kunafa for dessert.
The Lucky Llama (Jeddah), on the other hand, founded by chef-owner Nihal Felemban, draws on her global travels. The cuisine is a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese (Nikkei) influences, offering dishes like TNT shrimp and salmon tiradito. The interior reflects that fusion vibe too: Peruvian woven baskets hang beside Japanese-inspired kintsugi-style wall art.
Why This Matters
The inclusion of these two restaurants underscores the rapid evolution of Saudi Arabia’s food scene. Michelin’s selection process in the Kingdom is being carried out in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission, part of the Ministry of Culture. By spotlighting restaurants that combine quality and affordability, the Bib Gourmand list helps highlight gems that may be more accessible to a broader audience and not just elite fine-dining spots.
Earlier Bib Gourmand honorees include the Saudi breakfast venue Tameesa, the modern Saudi restaurant Mirzam, the Japanese spot Kayzo, and Joontos, a Middle Eastern restaurant in AlUla with Spanish cuisine inspirations.
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