6 restaurants you must try in Riyadh for traditional Arabic breakfast
From falafel to shakshouka, there’s plenty for you to try…
When it comes to Arabic food, everyone has their favourite dishes. We have rounded up some of the best spots in Riyadh for an authentic Arabic breakfast.
AlKofeia
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For a taste of Palestinian cuisine, head to AlKofeia. The place is full of kitsch and quirky paraphernalia, but the food is the real deal – simple and satiating, including staple crowd-pleasers. If you need help deciding what to order, the gallaya tomato and meat (minced meat fried in olive oil and chopped tomatoes), shakshouka, and fatteh hummus with meat are fab choices. Need a nice little pick-me-up? Order a cup of super potent Turkish coffee.
AlKofeia, Al Olaya, opposite Localizer Mall, Coordinates: PM2R+2M, daily 6am to 1am. Tel: 055 345 3888. @alkofeia
Give Me Five
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The bright seating and quirky décor of this much-loved venue are rivalled only by the colourful crockery. Sink your teeth into authentic Arabic fare and keep a lookout for whimsical accessories dotting the place, including the drawings on the wall and lamps made of terracotta pots. It’s another spot you should head to for breakfast if you can, but lunch and dinner here are just as fantastic.
Give Me Five, King Salman Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 11564, daily 4.30am to 11.30am & noon to 2.30am. Tel: 9200 27700. @givemefiveksa
Hamsa Taghmeesa
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For a more upmarket breakfast experience that offers big traditional flavours, Hamsa Taghmeesa it is. The menu is bursting with Arabic staples – enjoy baked halloumi, lentil stew, dips and every hamsa dishes you can think of, from liver to eggplant.
Hamsa Taghmeesa, Al Abbas Ibn Abdulmutalib, At Taawun, Riyadh 12476, daily 5am to midnight. Tel: 050 679 0666. @hamsawtaghmeesa
Harat
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Another crowd favourite in Riyadh, Harat’s extensive menu blends both traditional and contemporary recipes, using fresh ingredients. You’ll be surrounded by locals who head to this great spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bestsellers from the breakfast items include the lamb mugalgal and egg-halloumi bil fekhara. If you need help choosing the dishes, just ask one of the friendly servers for recommendations.
Harat, The Zone, daily 7am to 1.30am. @haratksa
Mirzam
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Here, the casual restaurant offers an impressive spread of sharing dishes inspired by the country’s diverse food culture through a modern spin in the kitchen and on the floor. The minimalist space is bright and inviting and accented with Sadu-inspired cushions, a range of pottery wares, and geometrical art patterns on the wall. The straightforward menu has three parts: appetisers, main courses, and a dessert. It is influenced by the rich culinary traditions, local produce, flavoursome spices, and cooking methods passed down through generations defining Saudi Arabian cuisine today.
Mirzam, Takamul Plaza, Riyadh 12383, Sun to Thurs 5am to 3pm, Fri & Sat 5am to 5pm. @mirzam_sa
Tameesa
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Get ready for a wait; everyone comes to this restaurant because it’s cheap and amazing. The mugalgal beef and falafel pizza are two highlights from its menu. For the adventurous, try the fried liver with vegetables. The restaurant itself has a beautiful setting too, and the outdoor seating is not one to miss.
Tameesa, King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Al Yasmin, Riyadh 13326, daily 6am to 2am. Tel: 9200 23392. @tameesa_sa