7 seriously cool places to have breakfast in Riyadh

We’ve included a few of our recommendations on what to order…

Fuel up at these cafés and restaurants in Riyadh that will give early risers a good head start.

Chapter

Hit up this café for your dose of breakfast delights any time of the day. The open and light-filled venue is a lively hub of activity, with swarms of locals keen to get a taste of the renowned breakfast menu with their morning coffee. There will likely be a line, but it moves quickly.

Must order: You should probably get some scones and the honey baked halloumi topped with pistachio. But you should also absolutely get their Cilbir egg (perfectly poached eggs with creamy labneh and chilli clarified butter served with chopped olives and tomato sourdough) because it’s one of the most delicious things you’ll ever put in your mouth.

Chapter, 8113 Ath Thumamah Road, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315 4083, daily 7am to 6pm. Tel: 050 231 2406. @chapter.sa

Different

If you need a quiet place to get some work done in Al Malqa and want food motivation to get you out of bed, make your way to Different. Plus, the dishes churned out by this eatery are a breath of fresh air. Expect elevated versions of classics like crème Brulee pancake, spinach crepe and cheese souffle.

Must order: While the whole menu seems interesting, try their signature Shakshuka and eggs & simit. They’re seriously tasty.

Different, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 11564, Sat to Thurs 8am to midnight, Fri 8am to 11am & 1pm to midnight. @different.ruh

La Gais

There’s a friendly neighbourhood feel to this chic, cosy café. The blush tones, youthful vibe, and attentive staff make it a pretty special place to start the day. La Gais serves everything from Arabic breakfast to salmon benedict and acai, so there’ll be something to satisfy your cravings no matter what mood you’re in. And if you need to get groceries after breakfast, Lulu Hypermarket at The Roof is just down the road.

Must order: If you’re a fan of offal, try the kebda (liver). Otherwise, get the avocado toast, have some coffee, feel really civilised – all before you haul off for the day.

La Gais, Abu Baker, Al Yasmin, Riyadh 13316, daily 6am to midnight. Tel: 054 707 8136. @la.gais

Le Vert

Whether you need a fibre-fuelled breakfast or you’re in search of something new, Le Vert is the best spot to head for breakfast with a side of florals.

Must order: Saganaki – we’re talking about halloumi cheese fried with roasted cherry tomatoes and compound butter. Their monthly specials are also worth checking out.

Le Vert, The Zone, Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh 12362, daily 7am to 1am. Tel: 055 060 9065. @levert.sa

Richoux

Richoux is one of the finest spots in Riyadh to tuck into a delectable breakfast. We love that the restaurant serves complimentary tea and generous starters of fresh pieces of bread and salad.

Must order: The classic smashed avo on toast – done to perfection with a sprinkle of chilli. Don’t forget the waffles, too. They’re crisp and golden brown on the outside, warm and soft within.

Richoux, Abu Baker, Al Yasmin, Riyadh 13316, daily 7am to 9pm. Tel: 050 855 2550. @richouxksa

Zeila

Known for its delicious food and beautiful décor, Zeila Coffee Lounge is the new breakfast spot you didn’t know you needed to visit. What sets the tone here is the interior. The relaxed vibes, green foliage, and natural light (thanks to the floor to ceiling glass windows) work well for the ‘Gram.

Must order: The brioche with halloumi is amazing, or the French toast if you’re craving something sweet.

Zeila Coffee Lounge, Imam Abdullah Ibn Saud Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Al Hamra, Riyadh 13217, Sat to Thurs 6.30am to 1am & Fri 2pm to 1am. Tel: 056 751 9954. @zeilalounge

Zooba

This popular Cairo-based street-food chain makes its Saudi debut in the capital city. Zooba focuses on taameya, a patty similar to falafel but made with fava beans instead of chickpeas. It comes in a classic flavour, as well as spicy sauce, eggplant, and pickled lemon ones. All can be stuffed into pita-like Baladi bread.

Must order: Alexandrian ful (fava beans) and the classic taameya, of course. But if you’re staying till lunch, the koshari – a hearty bowl of lentils, chickpeas, macaroni, rice, and crispy fried onions topped with spiced tomato sauce – comes highly recommended.

Zooba, Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 11564, daily 7am to 2am. Tel: 011 415 8885. @zoobasaudi

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