Recognition

From a home kitchen in Saar to the MICHELIN Guide.

Awards, guide selections and press gathered along the way — in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the United Kingdom.

Chef Roaya Saleh, founder of Roaya Saleh & Sons

Chef Roaya Saleh — CEO & Founder

The MICHELIN Guide

The MICHELIN Guide

Selected restaurant · Abu Dhabi and Riyadh

Villa Mamas is recognised in the MICHELIN Guide in both Abu Dhabi and Riyadh (Villa Mamas at Al Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah), a distinction held in two Gulf capitals.

Abu Dhabi

“Bahraini chef Roaya Saleh leaves her mark in Abu Dhabi with this elegant Khaleeji restaurant... The menu showcases flavours and dishes loved in the region, such as chicken machbous and hummus topped with lamb cubes.”

Riyadh

“Chef Roaya Saleh brings her own style of Khaleeji cooking from her native Bahrain to this restaurant overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif.”

Awards & Honors

Forbes Middle East

2024

Forbes Middle East

Named #16 among the "20 Leaders Behind Luxury Dining in the Middle East" — the only Bahraini on the list.

FACT Magazine

Inaugural

FACT Magazine

Chef of the Year, the first to hold the title.

Television

MasterChef · Top Chef Arabia

Guest expert and judge.

State & Stage

Appearances

State & Stage

Prepared Khaleeji cuisine for the Arab League Summit and showcased Bahraini cuisine at the British Grand Prix.

In the Press

Forbes Middle East

“20 Leaders Behind Luxury Dining in the Middle East.”

The Evening Standard

“Khaleeji home cooking, brought to Chelsea.”

The Telegraph

“A family table with a global address.”

Arabian Business

“A Bahraini group scaling across the Gulf.”

Arab News

“Carrying Gulf recipes onto the world stage.”

FACT Magazine

“Chef of the Year.”

Time Out feature on Villa Mamas

Time Out

“One of the region's most-loved tables.”

Gault & Millau UAE feature on Villa Mamas

Gault & Millau UAE

“Daughter of the Gulf: pioneer of Khaleeji cuisine.”

The Success Story

One house, then many.

2012

Villa Mamas opens in Saar, Bahrain — an extension of Roaya's own home, built on her mother's and grandmother's recipes.

The turn

A former banker with no industry background builds it into an award-winning restaurant.

2017

London arrives in Chelsea, following a sold-out Mayfair pop-up.

2020

Abu Dhabi opens.

Next

Riyadh follows, on Al Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah.

2024

Forbes Middle East recognition, and dāwa opens.

Today

A global family of brands, in the MICHELIN Guide in two countries.