RIYADH: MLLe, a Lebanese restaurant in Riyadh, was recently listed in the Saudi Arabian Michelin guide. The question is whether the recognition is justified.

The restaurant is centrally located in the Laysen Valley business complex. The space is small and limited to indoor seating, but the design is appealing.

The atmosphere is lively, with intricately carved ceilings and colorful tableware adding to the visual appeal. Due to its popularity, it is recommended to make a reservation. 

Service is standard and functional. The staff know the menu and can provide recommendations, but the service itself is not particularly memorable.

On the menu, the standout starter is the wagyu hummus, presented with careful attention to detail. Next is the passionfruit tabbouleh, which was refreshing and flavorful, though slightly sour. The batata harra, with well-seasoned, crispy potato cubes, is highly recommended.

Another notable dish is the taco shawarma, offering a modern twist on a classic Middle Eastern staple. Other starters, including warak enab, smoked fattoush, and burrata, were standard.

For mains, we tried the staff-recommended shish tawook. The dish is visually appealing and served over crispy fries, suitable for sharing. The flavors are balanced, but it is not particularly noteworthy; there are better mixed grill options in the city.

For drinks, the fresh juices are recommended, especially the pomegranate juice and classic Lebanese lemonade.

Desserts at MLLe are unremarkable. We suggest walking across the street to NAC for their warm chocolate-chip cookies with cereal-infused ice cream — a satisfying way to end the meal.

MLLe is positioned as a premium, fine-dining experience. Compared to nearby restaurants, the prices are justified by the quality of ingredients and the decorative atmosphere.

Overall, considering the food, menu variety, service and ambiance, MLLe’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide is reasonable.