Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape has entered a new era. On June 2, 2026, Gault&Millau officially launched its first-ever Saudi Arabia Guide during a landmark gala held at Radisson Minhal Riyadh, bringing together ambassadors, government representatives, renowned chefs, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals, journalists, influencers and industry partners for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence in gastronomy.

Held in collaboration with the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission under the Ministry of Culture, and with the support of Hospitality Services Middle East (HSME), the event marked the official arrival of one of the world’s most respected restaurant guides in the Kingdom. More than a guide launch, the occasion reflected the remarkable transformation of Saudi Arabia’s dining scene and its growing influence on the regional and international gastronomic map.

A milestone for Saudi Arabia’s culinary journey

For more than 50 years, Gault&Millau has been recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities in restaurant evaluation, renowned for its independent inspections and commitment to identifying culinary excellence, creativity and innovation.

The launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia represents a significant milestone for a country whose food and hospitality sectors have experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. As new restaurants continue to emerge, local talent flourishes and international concepts establish a presence across the Kingdom, the guide offers an objective benchmark that celebrates quality while encouraging continuous improvement.

The inaugural edition showcases 240 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, Abha and Dammam, reflecting the diversity, ambition and creativity that define today’s Saudi dining scene.

240 restaurants recognized across the Kingdom

The first edition of the guide features:

• 64 Selected Restaurants
• 139 Restaurants awarded 1 Toque
• 33 Restaurants awarded 2 Toques
• 4 Restaurants awarded 3 Toques

From neighborhood favorites and traditional Saudi establishments to luxury dining destinations and chef-led concepts, the guide captures the breadth of experiences available throughout the Kingdom.

Each restaurant was anonymously evaluated according to Gault&Millau‘s internationally recognized methodology, focusing primarily on what matters most: the quality of the food. Inspectors assess technical mastery, product quality, creativity, consistency and the chef’s ability to express a distinctive culinary identity.

Beyond identifying excellence, the guide aims to spotlight hidden gems, celebrate regional diversity and showcase the flavors, traditions and stories that make Saudi Arabia’s culinary culture unique.

Four restaurants reach the highest distinction

At the summit of the inaugural ranking are four exceptional restaurants that earned the guide’s highest distinction of 3 Toques, recognizing establishments that deliver outstanding culinary experiences and demonstrate remarkable consistency, creativity and technical excellence.

• Julien by Daniel Boulud, Riyadh
• Lola Brasserie, Jeddah
• Nomas, Riyadh
• Wadi, Riyadh

These restaurants represent the pinnacle of Saudi Arabia’s contemporary dining scene and exemplify the standards that continue to elevate the Kingdom’s gastronomic reputation.

A strong showing for Saudi culinary talent

The guide’s 33 two-toques restaurants further demonstrate the depth and maturity of Saudi Arabia’s dining landscape. Among them are celebrated names such as Auria, Gymkhana, Maraya Social, Prima Classe, Takara, The Globe, Yaza, Yawmiyat Bistronomy by Dalal and George, Zafran Indian Kitchen and Zuma.

Meanwhile, the 139 one-toque restaurants showcase the extraordinary variety of culinary experiences available throughout the Kingdom, from contemporary Saudi concepts and refined Middle Eastern cuisine to acclaimed international restaurants representing culinary traditions from around the world.

Together, these establishments illustrate the richness of a dining ecosystem that continues to evolve at an impressive pace.

Celebrating the women driving change

One of the most inspiring aspects of this inaugural edition is the growing influence of women across Saudi Arabia’s hospitality and culinary sectors.

From entrepreneurs and restaurateurs to chefs and hospitality executives, women are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of dining in the Kingdom. Their contributions are reflected throughout the guide, both among the selected restaurants and among the recipients of the evening’s most prestigious awards.

This evolution mirrors the broader transformation taking place across Saudi society and highlights the important role women continue to play in the development of the country’s food and hospitality industries.

Recognizing outstanding industry leaders

In addition to honoring restaurants, Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia presented five special awards celebrating individuals whose passion, dedication and achievements have helped advance the Kingdom’s culinary scene.

Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia Awards 2026

• Chef of the Year: Wed Saleh
• Pastry Chef of the Year: Hachem Taleb
• General Manager of the Year: Sara Katanani
• Emerging Chef of the Year: Elia Kaadi
• Young Talent of the Year: Nihal Felemban

Notably, three of the five trophies were awarded to women, reflecting the increasing prominence of female leadership within Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector.

More than a guide

The launch of Gault&Millau Saudi Arabia is not simply the publication of a restaurant guide. It is a celebration of a country experiencing a culinary renaissance.

Across Riyadh’s vibrant fine-dining scene, Jeddah’s cosmopolitan restaurants, AlUla’s destination dining experiences, Abha’s emerging culinary identity and Dammam’s growing gastronomic offerings, Saudi Arabia is developing a distinctive food culture that blends heritage, innovation and ambition.

The inaugural guide captures this moment in time while providing a foundation for future growth. It recognizes those who are already shaping the Kingdom’s culinary future and inspires the next generation of chefs, restaurateurs and hospitality professionals.

As Saudi Arabia continues its rise as one of the world’s most exciting gastronomic destinations, the arrival of Gault&Millau offers both international recognition and a new benchmark for excellence, ensuring that the Kingdom’s culinary achievements receive the global attention they deserve.