5 chic restaurants that have recently opened in Riyadh
Where to eat right around the capital city…
Sometimes, it feels like nothing will slow down Riyadh’s culinary scene, but we’re pretty thankful for it. There’s always a new restaurant to check out, and if you’re wondering where to eat, we’ve got it.
From a steakhouse and burgers to decadent Italian cuisine, these are the hottest new places in the capital city.
Ayo
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Experience the modern African vibes at Ayo. The restaurant identifies its menu as “joyful food” with international flavours. Much of the menu consists of shareable plates such as the Mabolo butter chicken skewers with mushroom sauce and the baked shrimps served with sweet chilli aioli. Those looking for heartier fare can try the Showkawa beef, a Nigerian-style grilled beef with pineapple served with yoghurt and black rice, or the Ayo ribs served with its special sauce and a side of fries.
Ayo, Riverwalk – Taawon Square, 3160 Al Hussain Ibn Ali, At Taawun, 7258, Riyadh 12475, weekdays 6pm to midnight, weekends 6pm to 1am. @ayo_riyadh
Finca Rosalia
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Think you know your steak? This new farm-to-table restaurant takes beef to new levels. Finca Rosalia exclusively offers 100 per cent Wagyu. Gourmet salads and appetisers, burgers, and of course, steaks are on the menu.
Finca Rosalia, Signature Centre, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Riyadh 11564, daily 4pm to 1am. Tel: 9200 03101. @fincarosalia.sa
Latifolia Lounge
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Designed as an elegant and inviting space, this contemporary restaurant features various seating options to replicate the easy warmth of a family home. The food is inspired by home-style cuisine, featuring solid starters like Mexican-style grilled chicken bites and Chinese cabbage stuffed with chicken and Korean sauce. Its main courses include marinara pasta and its signature Latifolia steak served with your choice of sauce. What’s interesting is the variety of sauces – there are the classic mushroom and mint sauces and interesting ones like saffron, cheddar cheese, and pineapple with olives.
Latifolia Lounge, Riverwalk – Taawon Square, Riyadh 12475, Sat to Wed 4pm to 2am, Thurs & Fri 4pm to 2am. Tel: 059 038 4540. @latifolia.lounge
Ortaggio Restaurant
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A feast for the eyes and the tastebuds, Ortaggio features elegant interiors and a sophisticated Italian menu. Expect exciting renditions of classic dishes like beetroot risotto and spaghetti alla Milano served with chicken roulade.
Ortaggio Restaurant, Welfare Centre, Prince Mohamed Bin Saad Bin Abdulaziz Road, Hittin, Riyadh 13512, Mon to Wed 1pm to 12.30am, Thurs to Sat 1pm to 1.30am. Tel: 011 483 2624. @ortaggio_sa
Shiso Burger
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Burgers with an Asian twist – that’s what you get at Shiso Burger. The Asian influence is reflected in the fresh and healthy ingredients, from the best Wagyu beef, salmon, tuna, and prawns, to tofu and mushrooms. Vegetarians can look forward to their veggie burger with marinated tofu and grilled eggplant or the toad burger comprising portobello mushrooms with blue cheese. Be sure to round off your meal with sides such as tempura sweet potatoes, vitamin-rich kimchi and steamed edamame beans.
Shiso Burger, An Nakheel, Riyadh 12382, Sun to Wed 6pm to 1am, Thurs to Sat 4pm to 1am. Tel: 011 288 5855. @shisoburgerksa
The Social Pizzeria
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A pizza bar that’s serving up some yummy pasta, classic starters like burrata salad and bruschetta, and homemade tiramisu? Yes, please. But the headline here is their authentic Neapolitan pizzas made in their wood-burning oven. The setting is welcoming, casual, relaxed and fun in an intimate space. The restaurant has been designed with the kitchen open and airy, allowing diners to see in, chefs to see out, and everyone to connect like in an authentic Italian home. A white-washed wall wraps the space’s interior that features both high-top table and booth seating, complemented by a marble counter, exposed ceiling, vibrant greenery and potted lemon trees. Just a heads-up – The Social Pizzeria is already packed every night.
The Social Pizzeria, 7099 Ath Thumamah Road, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315 3683, Riyadh 11564, Sun to Wed 7.30pm to midnight, Thurs to Sat 4pm to midnight. Tel: 050 546 0225. @the_social_pizzeria
Images: Instagram