Gault&Millau is set to launch in Saudi Arabia, showcasing top chefs, restaurants and rising talent while boosting the kingdom’s culinary profile.
As Saudi Arabia continues repositioning itself as a cultural and gastronomic powerhouse, Gault&Millau aligns perfectly with national Vision 2030 ambitions.
Background and purpose
The guide’s organizers emphasized that Gault&Millau brings over five decades of expertise evaluating restaurants and supporting emerging culinary professionals worldwide. Moreover, the expansion into Saudi Arabia aims to champion local chefs by documenting authentic flavors, regional diversity and outstanding hospitality standards nationally. Importantly, the project will spotlight Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, AlUla and Abha, revealing both high profile venues and lesser-known community gems.
Core objectives
Significantly, the team intends to elevate Saudi Arabia’s culinary identity by publishing trusted evaluations that reflect global standards while celebrating regional authenticity. Likewise, the program will support culinary professionals by offering networking opportunities, recognition platforms and increased international visibility for top performing establishments. Therefore, the partnership with Hospitality Services ME strengthens the initiative through regional expertise in major hospitality events and industry development programs.
Impact on Saudi hospitality
Stakeholders believe the guide will help position Saudi Arabia as an international culinary destination capable of competing with established global markets. Additionally, the printed guide, digital platform and annual gala are expected to bring sustained attention to restaurants, chefs and rising talents.
Furthermore, the renowned Gault&Millau brand will offer listed venues an immediate credibility boost welcomed by industry professionals across the kingdom.
Methodology and evaluation process
The project’s inspectors plan a rigorous assessment process designed to identify establishments that best represent Saudi culinary innovation and craftsmanship. Moreover, evaluations will examine restaurant concept, food quality, service standards and overall guest experience before assigning the respected toque ratings. Similarly, chefs demonstrating strong creativity and commitment to tradition will be profiled, with special attention given to promising young Saudi talent.
Guide and digital platform
The 350-page printed guide will include expert reviews, chef portraits, signature recipes and regional mapping for culinary focused travelers.
Additionally, the digital platform will offer current listings, practical details and seamless international exposure for venues featured in the Saudi edition.
Annual gala event
The January 2026 gala will honor top chefs, pastry chefs and restaurants while officially launching the Saudi Arabia national guide.
Moreover, the event will gather journalists, influencers and partners, providing unmatched visibility for culinary professionals across the kingdom.
Likewise, leading chefs will prepare a gala dinner designed to showcase the depth and creativity of contemporary Saudi cuisine.
Timeline and execution
Ultimately, organizers committed to an accelerated six-month schedule ensuring evaluations, content creation, printing and digital buildout remain fully on track. Additionally, three evaluation phases will cover 250 restaurants, narrowing selections to approximately 150 for inclusion in the inaugural Saudi guide.
The launch will conclude with widespread media coverage celebrating award winners and marking Saudi Arabia’s entrance into the global Gault&Millau community.
