French food in Riyadh? Here are 6 restaurants that you must check out

The selection includes old favourites and new launches…

For those looking to fill up on French fare, we’ve put together a list of six French restaurants in Riyadh. From haute cuisine institutions to neighbourhood bistros, you’re sure to find something to love on this list.

Entrecote Café de Paris

With its signature steak frites, Entrecote Café de Paris offers diners an authentic French experience set in an elegant, sky-high restaurant. There is only one main course (steak, of course), but you get to choose your type of steaks – striploin, tenderloin, or striploin Wagyu.

They’re served with its secret sauce, alongside green salad and chips. Additionally, five different desserts are available for after-meal indulgences, such as crème brûlée and profiteroles topped with melted chocolate.

Entrecote Café de Paris, King Fahd Branch Rd, Al Faisaliah Tower, Riyadh, Sun to Thurs 1pm to midnight, Fri & Sat 2pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 18998. @entrecote.sa

Entrecote Petit Louis

For another incredibly tasty steak frites, but at a great price, head to Entrecote Petit Louis. Executive chef Brice Alexandre serves up one cut of steak on the menu – the beef tenderloin.

For just SAR139, start with a fresh green walnut salad before digging into the soft, tender, and slightly smoky steak, paired with crispy golden fries and a generous helping of the secret sauce, as well as your choice of dessert.

Not in the mood for steak? The set menu also offers fish and chips for its main course alternative. We recommend trying the ala carte dishes, too, such as onion soup and escargots.

Entrecote Petit Louis, 8145 Al Hufuf, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thurs 1pm to 1am & Fri 1.30pm to 1am. Tel: 050 558 3558. @petit_louis_riyadh

Le Maschou

Expect plenty of finesse at this newly opened restaurant in the Diplomatic Quarter. Known for its unique and exceptional cooking method using the wood-fire grill, Le Maschou specialises in traditional French food and steaks. The tenderloin carpaccio, fig salad and grilled rib-eye are all hot favourites.

Just as unique as the food, the décor at Le Maschou is rustic yet stunning with a style unto itself that helps set a sophisticated atmosphere. Bookings are essential.

Le Maschou, Diplomatic Quarter, Tayma St, Al Safarat, Riyadh 11564, Sun to Thurs 3.30pm to 11.30pm, Fri & Sat 3.30pm to 12.30am. @lemaschou_sa

LPM Restaurant & Café

LPM Restaurant & Café is dedicated to providing Riyadh’s sophisticated diners with the authentic flavours and iconic glamour of the French Riviera to the heart of the Kingdom. The menu showcases ingredient-led light French Mediterranean and Niçoise fare, alongside bespoke mocktails to perfectly match the fine food.

Its authentic cuisine perfectly blends with an ambience renowned for a pared-back environment reminiscent of the Cote d’Azur, framed in a light colour palette with fine linens and marble accents. The gorgeous interiors feature the same touches with eclectic art and occasional Belle Époque​ accessories.

Here’s the good news – all that wait will soon be over as LPM Riyadh is officially opening its doors to the public on July 1, 2021. In the meantime, read our review here.

LPM Restaurant & Café, King Fahd Road, Street No. 38, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya (behind Al Faisaliah Hotel), Riyadh, daily noon to 3pm & 6pm to 10.30pm. @lpmriyadh

Le Relais de l’Entrecote

This is another restaurant where only one main, the E’entrecote steak, is served. Here, the meat is without much fat but is still lean and tender. The thin slices of beef are complemented with a fresh walnut salad and crispy golden French fries. Be sure to leave some space for desserts.

Le Relais de l’Entrecote, Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Sulaimaniyah, Riyadh 12223, daily 12.30pm to 11.45pm. Tel: 011 461 5058. @lerelaisentrecote

Coming soon: Bagatelle

Bagatelle is one restaurant that we’re excited about, and it is set to make its way to our capital city this summer. The restaurant boasts a strong focus on fresh, clean flavours and ingredients. Expect French classics enlivened with innovative flavour combinations and a lighter approach to dining.

Bagatelle’s famous plates include truffle roasted chicken, baby potatoes and jus, and homemade gnocchi with truffle sauce and parmesan. Not much details have been revealed about its location, but watch this space for more information.

Opening soon. @bagatelleworldwide

Images: Instagram / Provided