The inaugural List Awards nominees represent the pinnacle of gastronomy in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC, selected for their roles in redefining fine dining across the region.
From visionary chefs and world-class kitchens to striking design, atmosphere, and innovation, these restaurants embody the artistry and ambition that place the Middle East firmly on the global culinary map. Every inclusion has been tried and tested by our editorial team and contributing writers, with firsthand experiences forming the foundation of our selections and decisions.
MYAZŪ Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
MYAZŪ Riyadh has redefined modern Japanese dining under the vivid dining room design of Noriyoshi Muramatsu. Premium ingredients such as wagyu permeate the contemporary menu, bringing a balance between tradition and innovation to many dishes. The precision of the chefs, led by Barry Andrews, makes for striking dishes that match the flavour that lies within. Slick service and creative cocktails from The Flowing Collection make MYAZŪ a regular hit with A-list celebrities. The signature oven-baked black cod showcases the establishment's authentic, but modern, elegance.
LPM Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
LPM’s Riyadh outpost is draped in timeless Côte d’Azur style, where Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create à-la-minute plates to be shared on crisp, white tablecloths. Bold colours and la belle époque-inspired flourishes enhance the experience. Signature dishes of Escargots de Bourgogne and whole grilled seabass are a prelude to a stunningly simple vanilla cheesecake that is a must-try. The Jean Cocteau devised mocktail menu is presented in the style of a French fashion magazine, elevating the luxury experience of LPM. Mr. Monaco and the famous Tomati-NO are the headline acts to sample.
Marble, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Homegrown wonder Marble is led by self-taught head chef Abdulrahman Alsowailem, whose passion lies in showcasing different cuts of premium beef. The brilliance of Marble is reflected in the popularity of the smoked brisket, the glorious short ribs, and the famed Marble Burger that brings depths of flavour to high-quality ingredients. Artisanal sauces pair brilliantly with Marble’s meats and it’s this simplicity that brings unexpected sophistication to a restaurant that specialises in meat cooked over open fire. Marble is a destination for discerning travellers seeking excellence in its purest flavoured-focused form.
Takya, Diriyah, Saudi Arabia
Led by founder Hadeel Al Motawa, Takya takes you on an ancestral journey via recipes from across the Kingdom. The unique cooking approaches of different Saudi regions are reimagined with modern techniques and European style to attract young Saudis and international travellers. The popular shrimp muflag, inspired by Spanish paella, sits in perfect parallel with the heritage of the Diriyah Gate site and the modernity of Vision 2030. The merging of history and luxury makes Takya a cultural experience for both local and global diners seeking authentic flavours.
Row on 45, Dubai, UAE
Row on 45 romped to an immediate two Michelin stars in its first year and has somehow improved further with a persistent desire to evolve around rare, seasonal ingredients. The intimate venue delivers a 17-course tasting menu with the chefs bringing complex flavours to every dish. Executive chef Daniel Birk brings Jason Atherton’s vision to life with imperious cookery and meticulous detail, supported by a kitchen and front-of-house team that make Row on 45 one of the most intricately crafted dining experiences in the region. Uniquely, it does not have a standout signature dish, instead emphasising rare ingredients from around the world throughout the entire menu.
Trèsind Studio, Dubai, UAE
Chef Himanshu Saini is the driving force behind the first Indian restaurant in the world to gain an incredible three Michelin stars. The avant-garde food dips into the rich culinary history of India and the service is unapologetically melodramatic theatre. Saini’s creative lens marries Indian cuisine with humble ingredients and a sustainable, local ethos. The Rising India 15-course degustation menu includes old favourites such as Inspiration Sadya and new innovations like Naan Soup-fflé. Set on the rooftop of St. Regis Gardens, Trèsind Studio is a must-try gastronomic destination.
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, Dubai, UAE
Two-Michelin-starred Il Ristorante – Niko Romito is as cool and chic as the Bvlgari Resort within which it resides. Expect intimate, sultry vibes as Romito’s eye-catching food is skilfully delivered by head chef, Giacomo Amicucci. The rich tapestry of Italy’s food heritage is elevated to the highest levels through modern, erudite cookery and some of the best ingredients you can find. The luxurious risotto alla Milanese stands proud alongside many Italian-inspired, handmade pastas. Chef Amicucci has continued the Romito trend of simple refinement, making Il Ristorante a must-see destination of gastronomic artistry.
Zuma Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Zuma has always provided a vibrant atmosphere alongside its striking design and izakaya- style menu. The relatively new edition in Riyadh continues the tradition with its signature plates, bringing together bold ingredients and flawless execution. Zuma is synonymous with consistency and prestige, making it the destination of choice for anyone visiting KAFD. Live DJs and three private dining spaces accommodate diners looking for a good time, or a more intimate experience. The Noriyoshi Muramatsu designed interiors contain Japanese inspiration and Saudi flourishes to bring together the two cultures.
Kimono, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Kimono revolutionises Japanese gastronomy by innovating beyond the typical sushi, nigiri, and raw dishes one might expect. Premium ingredients make Kimono a true culinary innovator among Saudi Arabia’s cosmopolitan dining scene. Funky street food vibes run through the restaurant, providing the colourful backdrop to a colourful menu. Chef Toshiyuki Okubo’s menu is defined by premium ingredients, from the richness of the yaki soba to the variety of maki sushi. If you’ve ever enjoyed the bright lights of Tokyo, then Kimono is the destination for you.
Fusions, Manama, Bahrain
Located in Bahrain’s capital, Fusions is a longstanding stalwart. Formerly Fusions by Tala, it was made famous by the inventive and ever-evolving cuisine of Tala Bashmi, who has since moved into a different role. Fusions’ food is remarkable in style and carries a contemporary feel to match the five-star feel of the open kitchen. The chef’s tasting menu marries Khaleeji legacy with modern, innovative cookery. Lamb shoulder can be found in Ghoozi Tacos, and some dishes have explicit mentions of their cultural inspiration, such as the Lamb Parcels inspired by shish barak. From the open kitchen to the sprawling skyline visible from the rooftop of The Gulf Hotel Bahrain, Fusions is a remarkable journey of food for all diners.
WINNER OF BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT
Kuuru, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Chef Eddie Castro brings the gifted nikkei touch to merge Japanese techniques and artistry with Peruvian flavours and precision. High-quality seafood stands out, with many dishes sourced from nearby seas to ensure fresh, impactful flavours. Signatures include Niku Panca (a delicious serving of wagyu tataki) and a three-nikkei Ceviche Platter. However, the star dish is arguably the Inca Black Cod. The Kuuru Jeddah interiors are premium and on-brand, with wood panelling and flecks of Inca Peruvian blue throughout. The diversity of the menu never compromises quality, and guests can enjoy watching the finesse of the highly skilled chef team at the prominently centred live cooking station.
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