Diriyah Company and Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah has announced the long-anticipated opening of Taleed by Michael Mina, marking the debut for the acclaimed Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Michael Mina in Saudi Arabia. Taleed presents a groundbreaking fine-dining concept that harmonizes the rich, aromatic flavors of Hijazi cuisine with the vibrant sophistication of Mediterranean gastronomy, redefining contemporary dining in the Kingdom at the first luxury hotel to open Diriyah.
“Taleed is my love letter to the region, a celebration of culinary heritage that blends tradition with modern innovation,” said Michael Mina, Chef and Founder of The Mina Group.“This is more than a restaurant; it is an immersive experience, where the deep-rooted flavors of Hijaz meet the refined artistry of Mediterranean cuisine.”
“We are delighted to welcome Taleed by Michael Mina to Diriyah. Michael Mina is one of the most brilliant chef-entrepreneurs, renowned for celebrating and incorporating local culinary traditions into his cuisine,” said Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo. “Taleed adds another culinary masterpiece to our growing portfolio of world-class gastronomic experiences in The City of Earth. Through projects like Taleed, Diriyah Company is strengthening our commitment to transforming Diriyah into one of the world’s greatest gathering places, where history, innovation, and luxury seamlessly blend.”
A Journey of Flavors: Tradition Meets Innovation:
Inspired by the depth of Saudi culinary heritage, Taleed showcases a meticulously curated menu that weaves together locally sourced ingredients with global techniques. Signature dishes include the Jeddah Red Sea Lobster Salad, featuring golden mango and saffron labneh, Hijazi Fish Fry accompanied with hassawi rice sayadeya, and Michael Mina’s Crispy Falafel topped with big eye tuna, a modern interpretation of a Middle Eastern favorite.
Elevating the experience, Taleed’s beverage menu presents a sophisticated selection of handcrafted mocktails, such as the Passionisté—a refreshing blend of Lyre’s Italian spritz, passion fruit, and ginger beer and the Cocorito, combining fresh basil and coconut water with a hint of lime. The curated non-alcoholic wine and beer collection further complements the menu’s rich and bold flavors.
To complete the journey, guests can indulge in decadent desserts including Passion Fruit Labneh Cheesecake with basbousa crumble, Brown Sugar Banana Bites with knafeh crunch, and a reimagined Dark Chocolate Cake Parfait infused with Arabic coffee caramel.
Setting the Stage for a Culinary Masterpiece:
The dining space at Taleed mirrors its culinary philosophy, elegant yet grounded in local authenticity. Designed to capture the essence of Diriyah using the same 300-year-old Najdi architectural style as the hotel, the interiors seamlessly blend contemporary aesthetics with intricate Arabian details, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. Guests are welcomed into an immersive atmosphere that speaks to both the history and modernity of Saudi Arabia’s cultural capital.
Accommodating up to 140 guests, Taleed is designed for intimate gatherings, corporate dining, and celebratory occasions with intimate spaces for small gatherings and vibrant outdoor rooftops. The private dining experience offers an exclusive setting where guests can embark on a personalized culinary adventure guided by Chef Mina’s culinary team.
“Taleed is a milestone in Saudi’s culinary landscape that not only elevates the dining scene in Riyadh but also strengthens the destination’s global appeal” added Michael Mina, Chef and Founder of The Mina Group “Taleed is not just about great food; it’s about storytelling through flavors, technique, and artistry. We are honored to bring this vision to life in Diriyah, a place steeped in history and now at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s hospitality renaissance.”
“We are thrilled to open Taleed at Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah and introduce Chef Michal Mina’s first restaurant to Saudi Arabia’s flourishing hospitality sector,” said Fabrice Ducry, General Manager, Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah. “We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy culinary excellence and a vibrant epicurean journey whilst immersed in the hotel’s authentic Nadji design.”
About Michael Mina Group:
Founded by Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina, Mina Group is an award-winning restaurant management company specializing in chef-driven dining experiences that merge global flavors with culinary innovation. With more than 30 restaurants worldwide, the group is known for its commitment to excellence, quality ingredients, and a guest-centric approach that redefines fine dining. In the Middle East, Mina Group continues to expand its footprint, delivering world-class culinary experiences tailored to the region’s discerning diners.
About Diriyah:
Diriyah, Saudi Arabia’s premier historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination, is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision. A short 15-minute drive from Riyadh’s city center, this 14-square-kilometer development holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, dating back to 1727. Currently being developed by Diriyah Company, Diriyah is undergoing a transformation into an authentic Najdi-style mixed-use urban community. Diriyah’s centerpiece is At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 2010, showcasing the ancient adobe capital city of the First Saudi State, dating back to 1766.
Upon completion, Diriyah will host more than 100,000 residents, workers, students, and visitors, offering a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, and residential spaces. The first of those spaces include Bujairi Terrace, Riyadh’s new premium dining hub with over 20 global and local restaurants and cafes that enjoy uninterrupted views of At-Turaif. Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel is the first hospitality offering in Diriyah, providing a tranquil experience with panoramic views of Wadi Hanifah. Diriyah’s development provides a dynamic environment that celebrates Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural history.
About Diriyah Company:
Diriyah Company was launched in 2023 and joined the Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) portfolio of giga-projects. The Company is responsible for developing the Diriyah project, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its foremost historical, cultural, and lifestyle destination. A dynamic mixed-use developer, Diriyah Company is redefining urban planning to develop Diriyah, “The City of Earth”, while adhering to the highest design, development, and preservation standards. The company ensures Diriyah’s cultural landmarks are complemented by world-class retail offerings, fine-dining experiences, and leading hospitality brands.
As a PIF company, its mission focuses on opportunities in development, hospitality, investment, retail, and office leasing, along with strategic asset management, underscoring the commitment to ensuring successful business outcomes and sustainable growth under the strategic direction of Vision 2030. The Diriyah Company actively forges long-term partnerships to realize its vision of establishing Diriyah as one of the world’s greatest gathering places.
