Saudi Arabia has introduced sweeping new regulations for fine dining establishments, designed to raise standards, promote exclusivity, and support the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global lifestyle and tourism destination.
Chief among the changes is a limit of one branch per city for each fine dining restaurant brand. This bold move is intended to protect the uniqueness and premium positioning of each concept, encouraging innovation and preventing over-commercialisation.
A new definition of luxury
Under the new rules, all certified fine dining restaurants must now offer a complete table-service experience. Guests must be greeted at the entrance, personally escorted to their table, and attended to by trained staff throughout the meal. Visible cashier counters are no longer permitted, reinforcing the shift away from fast-service models.
Valet parking is now mandatory, and venues are required to enforce a formal dress code in line with the refined ambiance expected of premium restaurants.
Experience over convenience
Drive-thru services and curbside pickups are strictly prohibited under the new regulations. Authorities made clear that a true fine dining experience must be immersive and uninterrupted – something incompatible with the efficiency-first model of fast-food service.
This emphasis on atmosphere and service is a defining aspect of the Kingdom’s strategy to differentiate its hospitality offerings on the global stage.
Smart systems, visible preparation
Fine dining restaurants must now implement digital reservation systems and maintain a clear, accessible channel for customer feedback. A visible beverage preparation area – such as a show kitchen or open drink station – is also required, adding transparency and enhancing the customer experience.
Menus must feature at least three distinct categories – appetisers, main courses, and desserts – with no fewer than five total items offered.
Enhanced operational standards in high-end dining establishments
Each fine dining venue must employ a certified food health and safety specialist to ensure compliance with best practices. Restaurants are also expected to provide thoughtful amenities, such as coat storage and individual bag holders, to meet the expectations of high-end clientele.
Pickup and delivery orders must be handled discreetly, with a designated area hidden from the main guest space to preserve ambiance.
To reinforce brand credibility and legal protection, restaurants are now obliged to register their trademarks with the relevant Saudi authorities.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing states that the updated regulations are part of a broader national strategy to attract investment, strengthen the Kingdom’s business environment, and offer world-class lifestyle services.
A new era of luxury dining in Riyadh and Jeddah
Fine dining in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation, with world-class culinary experiences now central to the Kingdom’s lifestyle and tourism ambitions. In both Riyadh and Jeddah, a new generation of restaurants is redefining luxury, blending international sophistication with local flair.
Nowhere is this shift more visible than at Via Riyadh, the capital’s ultra-premium retail and hospitality district. Home to exclusive Saudi outposts of internationally celebrated restaurants like Scott’s, Gymkhana, and Spago by Wolfgang Puck, the development sets a new standard for immersive, high-end dining. But the fine dining scene extends well beyond Via Riyadh.
Elsewhere in the capital, venues such as Nozomi Riyadh, LPM, and Myazu continue to attract discerning diners with exceptional service, elegant design, and globally inspired menus. In Jeddah, the coastal setting adds another dimension to the fine dining experience. The Social Kitchen, Belajio Resort, and Kuuru stand out for their refined ambiance and innovative menus, often incorporating fresh Red Sea ingredients.
AlUla stands out as an extraordinary desert dining hub
AlUla’s fine dining scene offers a unique blend of heritage and haute cuisine, set against the backdrop of its breathtaking desert landscapes. Standout venues like OKTO — perched on the edge of a cliff at Harrat Viewpoint — deliver contemporary Greek-inspired dishes with panoramic views, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Other notable establishments include Suhail, offering elevated Najdi cuisine in a refined courtyard setting; Entrecôte Café de Paris, a Swiss-French classic known for its iconic steak-frites and signature sauce; and Somewhere, a modern Middle Eastern concept that merges stylish design with bold regional flavours. Together, these venues reflect AlUla’s growing appeal to high-end travellers seeking culture, nature, and exceptional dining.
As Saudi Arabia opens its doors to more global travellers, the emphasis on curated hospitality experiences — underpinned by strong regulatory standards — ensures that fine dining will play an increasingly important role in shaping the Kingdom’s modern identity.
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Photo top of page: Courtesy of STA
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Read also: A cultural guide for business travellers in Saudi Arabia
