In Saudi Arabia, dining is not just a meal; it’s an experience deeply woven into the country’s vibrant culture. Restaurants in Saudi Arabia serve more than just a dish; they offer warmth and hospitality. The Saudi Arabian culinary scene caters to diverse tastes, from the bustling local eateries to high-end dining delights. Of all the fascinating things to do in Saudi Arabia, indulging in delicious delights is a must-experience. Riyadh has many restaurants and cafes to quench your culinary cravings, and picking ten is challenging. What makes a good restaurant is the excellent food that labels it as the best, along with the decor, ambience, and service, which play a crucial role. Here, Thrillark, with a handful of some of the best dining spots in Riyadh, takes you to explore the city’s culinary scene.
1. Il Terrazzo
- Location: Rosewood Hotel Al Faisaliyah in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Timing: Opened on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Culinary highlight: Succulent meats
Il Terrazo Brazilian Restaurant is a charming open-air buffet restaurant in the heart of the Rosewood Hotel Al Faisaliyah. Adorned with its iconic Brazilian barbecue, the eatery is situated on the spacious terrace overlooking the fountains and courtyard of the establishment. The buffet is famous for serving many meat barbecues and skewered beef, including succulent chicken and lamb. Savour in the unique dining while unwinding in the relaxed atmosphere graced with good music and excellent Saudi “champagne.”
2. Cipriani
- Location: Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Hittin, Riyadh
- Timing: Daily From 1 pm to 12.30 am.
- Culinary Highlight: Italian Dishes
For those who love to indulge in Italian cuisine in Riyadh, head to one of Riyadh’s most famous Italian brasseries, Cipriani, a go-to spot for Italian food lovers. It gets this relaxed vibe with glass chandeliers, a blue and white terrazzo-patterned floor, sleek oak tables, and fancy blue leather chairs. Severed in Italian goodness, the restaurant is graced with its astounding Venetian dishes with a modern twist. They also have this amazing veal brisket in their many ovens, toasted to achieve a super tender and delicate texture with creamy mashed potatoes.
3. Beefbar
- Location: 8712 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223
- Timing: Saturday To Wednesday From 1:00 pm To 12:00 am; Thursday & Friday from 1:00 pm To 12:30 am
- Culinary Highlights: Kobe Beef, Black Angus Beef and Wagyu Beef
Discover the Beefbar, where luxury mingles with art. Thus, the new sensation in Tahlia Street brings you perfectly crafted international dishes and a legendary selection of meals. Its recently released secret sauce is the talk of the town. This thick, creamy, buttery sauce made with black truffle and Sauce Originale Relais de Paris pairs perfectly with their signature Croque Sando sandwich and classic Filet-Frites. The restaurant boasts an Art Nouveau-inspired decor and an inviting ambience. The Beefbar is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience of culinary excellence in a high-end setting.
4. Lusin
- Location: Centria Mall, Al Olaya, Riyadh
- Timing: Daily: 12:00 pm to 1:00 am
- Culinary Highlights: Armenian Manti
Blending modern elegance with top-tier service, the renowned restaurant Lusin takes guests on a culinary journey through centuries of Armenian tradition. Regarding the menu, Lusin sings with punchy, earthy flavours, and the most special cherry kabab is uplifted by luxurious comfort with a mixture of richness and lightness. Located in the Centria Makk, Lusin also has splendid decor. When you ascend to the second floor, you are greeted by signature dishes like kabab and elephant roll. Apart from its renown for its culinary excellence, the warm ambience for family and friends makes it one of the sought-after destinations in Riyadh.
5. San Carlo Cicchetti
- Location: Prince Musaed Bin Jalawi Street, Sulaymaniyah Dist, Riyadh
- Timing: Thursday to Wednesday 12:30 PM – 12:30 AM
- Culinary Highlights: Delightful Shared Italian Plates.
If you are still getting familiar with how Venetians share food, check out the San Carlo Cicchetti with your friends and family. Pronounced as Chi-KET-tee, it is a unique small plate for sharing or solo munching. We understand that items like stone-baked pizzas or handmade pasta are so delicious and reasonably priced that you might not mind sharing them. But it’s cool, as your dining buddies will understand. This vibrant place encourages the guest to feel free to order seconds and thirds. Dive into the fabulous menu and order until your heart’s content.
6. MNKY HSE
- Location: Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Hittin, Riyadh
- Timing: Sunday to Wednesday 6.30 pm- 1 am, Thursday to Saturday 6.30 pm- 2 am.
- Culinary Highlight: Decadent Latin American Fusion.
Experience the transformation in Riuaydh at MNKY HSE, an intimate restaurant serving contemporary Latin American cuisine. The award-winning tavern, with its cosy music, pleasing ambience, and splendid dining, transports you to another world. Pronounced “Monkey House” the venue’s prolific staff come to us with his exuberant dessert, Thisnis Primavera, a surprising combination of tropical pomegranate, yuzu juice, Earl Grey, agave, cherry, and citrus. MNKY HSE caters to all tastes, featuring iconic MNKY HSE tacos with diced tuna and wasabi tobiko. For seafood lovers, you can indulge in hamachi tiradito with fresh black truffle. For a delightful dessert experience, try out the chocolate monkey, a perfect gift for sharing with family and friends.
7. Maya Chocolaterie
- Location: Al Takhassousi, Ar Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh 12342, Saudi Arabia
- Timing: Saturday to Friday from 12 pm to 12 am
- Culinary Highlight: Heavenly Chocolate Delicacies
Chocolate fan? Well, this is a place for you! Maya Chocolaterie is the chocolate heaven in Riyadh. This restaurant is all about chocolate, like Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, where you even see liquid chocolate flowing in pipes! Adorned with a spacious interior, Chocolaterie invites guests to enjoy the chocolate experience fully. Aside from the delightful combination, a diverse array of chocolates, including pralines, truffles, and cocoa, are available in their in-house shop. Indulge in heavenly fondue, the rich aromas of the desserts, and exquisite chocolate delicacies, and get on a sugar high!
8. Mirage
- Location: Al Takhassousi, Ar Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh
- Timing: Daily : 3 pm-12 am
- Culinary Highlight: Chinese-Taiwanese Fusion Delights.
Mirage presents you with an extensive array of Chinese dishes with a Taiwanese flair. Apart from its high-end collections and dining options, what makes Mirage stand out is its stunning interior decor, impressive aquarius with vibrant fish, a central pond in the dining space, and illuminated waiting areas. Adorned with an upscale ambience, Mirage also maintains a reasonable price. Experience the Asian culture in a cosy setting while savouring authentic and flavorful Chinese cuisine at Mirage.
9. Nozomi
- Location: 7448 King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, 4255, Riyadh 12331, Saudi Arabia
- Timing: Daily 1 pm to 12 am
- Culinary Highlights: Innovative Japanese Culinary Marvels.
Nozomi is one of the standout establishments in the culinary arts, surpassing the iconic status of Japanese restaurants. Offers a unique dining experience, making it a must-try restaurant for those seeking exceptional gastronomic adventures. The entrance itself is enriching as it resembles a cave illuminated by over 26,000 pulsating light rods; it transports you to a world of wonder. As you navigate further, you will be captured by the 3D image mapping on the rock wall, adding a layer to the magical journey. It will be exciting as the menu boasts exceptional dining options that will likely exceed your expectations.
10. Cafe Bateel
- Location: Northern Ring Branch Rd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 11564
- Timing: Sunday to Saturday from 07:30 am to 12:30 am
- Culinary Highlight: Mediterranean Culinary Elegance.
Famous for its Mediterranean gourmet dishes, Café Bateel offers a unique dining experience combining exquisite flavours and elegant presentation. Curated by the award-winning chef, the Café Bateel is recognised for its high-quality ingredients and warm hospitality. The Café Bateel offers you a variety of wholesome Mediterranean dishes, fresh bakery and pastry items, and a fine selection of coffee. Every recipe is sourced from suppliers who share the restaurant’s values and passions for agricultural settings, making Café Bateel stand out.
Essential information
- Book in advance to catch the early seats and enjoy a refreshing dining experience.
- Check each restaurant’s dress requirements, as some establishments have specific guidelines for outfits.
- Be mindful of restaurants opening and closing hours to ensure you enjoy the meal without any time constraints.
- Inform the staff if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions for a tailored dining experience.
- Be mindful of gadgets or smartphones since some places prefer a silent mode for a relaxed atmosphere.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from staff; they often know the best dish.
- Check if the establishments have any specific policies for children.
- Familiarize yourself with the local tipping customs to show appreciation for excellent service.
