DUBAI: The Michelin Guide has launched in Saudi Arabia with the first clutch of restaurants unveiled on Wednesday afternoon as part of a three-part rollout that includes more restaurants to be announced on Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.
Organized in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, the selection will focus on Riyadh and Jeddah, while also beginning to explore the diverse regions of the Kingdom, including Alkhobar and AlUla.
Alongside the coveted star ratings, the selection also includes the popular Bib Gourmand category, a distinction awarded to restaurants that provide good-quality food at a moderate price. Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurants were unveiled on Wednesday, alongside restaurants in the wider guide that did not earn Bib Gourmand or star status.
In Riyadh, Saudi breakfast restaurant Tameesa, contemporary Saudi eatery Mirzam, and Japanese contemporary restaurant Kayzo nabbed Bib Gourmand recognition, along with Spanish-inspired Middle Eastern restaurant Joontos in AlUla.
Other highlights in the guide that were not awarded Bib Gourmand status include, but are not limited to, French eatery Cafe Boulud, Ruhi, which serves Indian cuisine, and Turkish hotspot Ruya. Over in Jeddah, Japanese restaurant Myazu, Lebanese eatery Niyyali and Chinese restaurant Toki were highlighted in the guide.
Restaurants with Michelin stars are expected to be announced in the two upcoming waves on Nov. 15 and Dec. 15.
One Michelin star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking that is worth a stop,” two stars for “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and three stars for “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”
In the Gulf, the guide also currently operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar.
Last week, seven hotels in Saudi Arabia earned Michelin Keys in Paris at the first-ever global ceremony focused on Michelin’s hotel rankings.
