Michelin-Recommended Restaurants in Riyadh: A Dining Guide

If you want to eat your way through the best of Riyadh right now, the simplest answer is to start with the city's MICHELIN list. In 2026, Saudi Arabia received its very first MICHELIN Guide selection, covering Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla — and Riyadh alone accounts for 32 listed restaurants, making it the clear anchor of the Kingdom's new dining map.

This is your guide to the Michelin-Recommended Restaurants in Riyadh: a dining guide that breaks down every category of recognition, who made the cut, and how to actually plan your meals — from affordable Najdi classics to polished tables run by internationally known chefs.

Riyadh joins the MICHELIN Guide for the first time

The 2026 selection is a milestone moment for Saudi dining. Across the three cities, 51 restaurants were recognised in total: 11 earned the Bib Gourmand distinction for great food at friendly prices, and 40 more were named as selected restaurants worth your attention.

Riyadh's 32 venues span everything from traditional Najdi and Hijazi cooking to Japanese, Persian, Lebanese and French kitchens. For residents and visitors alike, it's a ready-made shortlist that cuts through the noise of a city that gains new restaurants almost weekly.

What the MICHELIN Guide means (and what it doesn't)

A spot on the MICHELIN list is a mark of consistent quality, judged on the plate rather than the decor or the hype. In Riyadh's first edition, the recognition comes in a few tiers worth understanding before you book.

It's just as useful to know what the guide doesn't promise. A listing speaks to the food on your plate — not to the ambiance, the warmth of the service on any given night, or the price you'll pay, all of which can shift over time. Menus and bills change, popular tables get busier, and a kitchen's standards on a quiet Tuesday may differ from a packed Friday. Treat the list as a trusted starting point, then check the current details yourself.

Bib Gourmand explained

The Bib Gourmand is arguably the most useful badge for everyday diners. It highlights restaurants delivering seriously good cooking at reasonable value — the kind of place you'd happily return to without an occasion. If you're building a first list, start here.

Riyadh's Bib Gourmand restaurants

Eight Riyadh restaurants earned the Bib Gourmand, and together they're a brilliant tour of regional Saudi and nearby cuisines:

• Em Sherif Café — Lebanese cuisine, generous mezze and a relaxed café atmosphere.
• Fi Glbak — Saudi regional cuisine with a modern, homegrown feel.
• KAYZŌ — Japanese cuisine for sushi and refined Japanese plates.
• Mirzam — Saudi-inspired breakfast and regional dishes, near King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
• Najd Village — traditional Najdi cuisine, a go-to for authentic Central Arabian cooking.
• Sasani — Persian-inspired cuisine on the Riyadh outskirts, worth the short drive.
• Tameesa — Hijazi breakfast done well, from foul to freshly baked bread.
• Samia's Dish — Saudi and Hijazi cuisine with homestyle warmth.

What's striking about this group is how much it celebrates Saudi food itself — Najdi, Hijazi and regional kitchens sitting proudly alongside international favourites. If you're new to Saudi cuisine, Najd Village, Fi Glbak, Mirzam and Tameesa make an excellent crash course.

Other MICHELIN-selected restaurants in Riyadh

Beyond the Bib Gourmand picks, Riyadh's selected restaurants bring international polish and some big culinary names to the table:

• Café Boulud — French-American cooking from the Daniel Boulud stable.
• Julien by Daniel Boulud — a more refined French expression from the same acclaimed chef.
• Lusin — Armenian cuisine, long a Riyadh favourite for special occasions.
• Maiz — contemporary cooking and the home of a notable award (more below).
• Il Baretto — Italian dining with a standout drinks programme.
• OVUN Bistro — a bistro-style menu for relaxed, quality meals.
• The Lucky Llama — vibrant, modern dining with a lively mood.

Award winners to know

Two Riyadh venues picked up special recognition in the 2026 selection. Maiz received the MICHELIN Young Chef Award, a nod to rising talent in the Kingdom's kitchens. Il Baretto took the MICHELIN Exceptional Mocktail Award — fitting for Saudi Arabia, where inventive non-alcoholic drinks are a genuine craft and a central part of the dining experience.

How to plan your MICHELIN dining in Riyadh

Riyadh is a sprawling city, so a little planning goes a long way. The listed restaurants are spread across different districts, from KAFD and the business belt to quieter spots on the city's edge, so group your bookings by area where you can. The Riyadh Metro links several dining districts, so check your route before booking across town.

Booking and timing tips

• You'll want to book ahead. MICHELIN recognition tends to boost demand sharply, so reserve well in advance, especially for weekend evenings.
• Plan for traffic. Riyadh dinner service peaks late, so leave extra time if you're driving across town, or lean on the Riyadh Metro and Careem/Uber to skip the parking stress.
• Mix the tiers. Pair an affordable Bib Gourmand lunch with a special-occasion dinner later in the week to experience the full range.
• Check operating details directly. Opening hours, prices and reservation rules vary by venue, so confirm with each restaurant before you go.
• Go regional first. If you're new to Saudi cuisine, lead with the Najdi and Hijazi kitchens before branching into the international names.

Budgets vary widely across the list. Bib Gourmand spots are chosen specifically for value, so expect approachable bills, while the big-name international kitchens sit at the higher end. Prices shift over time, so treat any figure you see as a guide and confirm when you book.

Browse the latest restaurant openings and dining deals in our Riyadh restaurants and food listings, and explore our wider Saudi Living guides for more ideas on where to eat and spend your weekends.

FAQs

How many MICHELIN restaurants are there in Riyadh?

Riyadh has 32 MICHELIN-listed restaurants in the 2026 selection, including eight Bib Gourmand venues and a range of other selected restaurants.

Did any Riyadh restaurant win a MICHELIN Star?

No. The 2026 selection recognised Bib Gourmand and selected restaurants, but no MICHELIN Stars were awarded in this inaugural edition. Across Riyadh, Jeddah and AlUla, 51 restaurants were recognised — 11 Bib Gourmand awards and 40 selected restaurants, plus special awards.

Which are the best-value MICHELIN restaurants in Riyadh?

The Bib Gourmand picks are chosen for quality at friendly prices. In Riyadh that includes Em Sherif Café, Fi Glbak, KAYZŌ, Mirzam, Najd Village, Sasani, Tameesa and Samia's Dish.

Where can I try authentic Saudi cuisine from the list?

Najd Village and Fi Glbak showcase Najdi and regional Saudi cooking, while Tameesa, Mirzam and Samia's Dish lean into Hijazi flavours and Saudi breakfasts.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly for weekend evenings, as MICHELIN recognition drives demand. Confirm opening hours and reservation requirements directly with each restaurant.

Which Riyadh restaurants won special MICHELIN awards?

Maiz received the MICHELIN Young Chef Award, and Il Baretto received the MICHELIN Exceptional Mocktail Award.

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