21 new cafes and restaurants in Riyadh to check out right now
Read on to find your new favourites…
Riyadh offers an exhaustive list of good dining spots, yet there’s no stopping this city’s appetite for brand-new bites. Here’s a roundup of some of the new cafes and restaurants in Riyadh that have opened since the middle of this year. Be sure to add these hot spots to your must-try list.
Anago
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Recently opened in June 2022, Anago in Diplomatic Quarter’s Oud Square is a testament to the timelessness of Japanese cuisine. From the colourful range of sushi in various formats to the delectable robata items, Anago will delight with its inspired treats.
Anago, Diplomatic Quarter, Oud Square, 6810 Amr Aldamri St, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12511, daily 6pm to midnight. @anago.sa
A.O.K Kitchen
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With a focus on nourishing and seasonal food, the all-day dining space A.O.K Kitchen keeps customers coming back for more with personal service and reliable dishes. From freshly prepared acai bowls and gluten-free blueberry pancakes for breakfast to seabass ceviche and homemade gluten-free gnocchi served later in the day, its menu promises something for everyone.
A.O.K Kitchen, KAFD Wadi, Al Aqiq, Riyadh, daily 7am to 10.30pm. @aokkitchensaudi
Aseeb Najd
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For a taste of authentic Saudi cuisine, head to Aseeb Najd in the AlYasmin district. The new luxurious restaurant, with its suave, modern architecture and strikingly decadent interior, is a beautiful space that embraces the Kingdom’s heritage and culture. Expect some of the finest Najdi specialities and enjoy local dates served with delicious Arabic coffee.
Aseeb Najd, Alyasmin, Riyadh 13325, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 28226 / 055 400 3213. @aseeb.najd
BarBar
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Hailing from Beirut, this Lebanese street food eatery has just opened its first Saudi branch on the famed Tahlia Street. Diners will be able to enjoy their manakish, tawouk platters, falafel, shawarma sandwiches, and other signature items. So, come and bite your way through the collection of dishes great for sharing, cocktail juice in hand.
BarBar Restaurant, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241, daily 8am to 2am. @barbar.ksa
Beefbar
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A temple of exceptional meat with international success, Beefbar recently opened its doors in Riyadh. Understated yet glamorous interiors, an excellent menu and a buzzy atmosphere make this the perfect spot for date night (just make sure your dining partner isn’t vegan first).
Beefbar Riyadh, 8712 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 4237 12223, daily 6pm to 1am. Tel: 9200 04146. @beefbar_riyadh
Chök
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If you’ve not heard of Chök, can you even call yourself a cronut fan? For those of you who have been living in a cave, cronuts are a hybrid of a doughnut and a croissant. And this pastry shop from Barcelona has a collection of delicious goodness awaiting your taste buds. Other treats to try at Chök include the melt-in-your-mouth bonbons and cheesecakes.
Chök, The Esplanade, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, King Saud University, Riyadh 12371, Sat to Thurs 8.30am to midnight & Fri 1pm to midnight. Tel: 055 588 4672. @chok.ksa
Crazy Pizza
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Thin, blistered, decadent, and cool – that’s the way of the yeast-free pizza at Crazy Pizza. And if you still haven’t checked out its new space in the Diplomatic Quarter’s Oud Square, you’ll love the mix of local Arabian architecture and modern, rich brick-coloured exterior.
Crazy Pizza, Diplomatic Quarter, Oud Square, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12511, daily noon to midnight. Tel: 9200 07275. @crazypizza.saudi
Eloge
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Eloge is the latest addition to Riyadh’s neat collection of French-inspired eateries, and it’s all about the ambience here. Part boulangerie, bistro, and traiteur, a lot is going on at this all-day eatery, and it’s well worth visiting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Begin your day at the boulangerie and grab the freshly baked croissant and madeleine. Alongside the boulangerie is the La Paneterie, which is a lot like a deli, offering salads and sandwiches, such as Croque Monsieur and chicken panini. Finally, Eloge’s La Cantine bistro serves up classic savoury breakfasts, such as egg benedict, omelette, and French toast. Eloge is simply a beautiful room to behold, and there may be no better way to refuel than at this whimsical place.
Eloge, Al Thumamah, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315, daily 7am to midnight. @eloge_ksa
Feluka
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Seafood lovers in Riyadh, you asked for seafood, you got it. Feluka restaurant in As Sulimaniyah offers a refined dining experience focusing on fresh seafood fare. Nab a spot here and tuck into the marinated raw fish platter, then follow up with the fresh crab salad, the seafood marinados, which includes octopus legs, shrimps, calamari with garlic and olive oil, and hammour fish oven baked in a salt cave, amongst other delights.
Feluka, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243, Sat to Wed 1pm to 1am, Thurs & Fri 1pm to 1am. Tel: 011 222 3424. @feluka_seafood
Florya Steak by Etci Mehmet
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Known as one of the best Turkish steakhouses in Riyadh, Florya Steak opens a new branch in Riyadh Front. Its elevated menu includes prime cuts like rib eye, filet, and a New York sirloin steak, as well as sides like spinach cream, mushroom stew, and grilled vegetables. Florya’s classically inspired starters, mini kofte, and oven-roasted lamb dishes are also notable. In addition, the restaurant’s interior features glamorous flourishes like ornate mid-century modern chandeliers, red leather booths, dark wood décor, and sumptuous marble elements.
Florya Steak by Etci Mehmet, Riyadh Front, Gate 7, Airport Road, Riyadh 13413, daily 2pm to 1am. @floryasteaksa
Halepi
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Halepi – one of the best Greek restaurants in London, known for its homely and hearty fare – is now open in Riyadh’s Laysen Valley. Diners can enjoy a taste of Halepi’s signature dishes in the new outpost, including its two most popular items: milk-fed lamb and the taramasalata (a Greek dip).
Halepi Riyadh, Laysen Valley, Riyadh 12329, Mon to Thurs 7pm to 1am, Fri & Sat noon to 1am. @halepi.sa
High Joint
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Now serving from its food truck on The Boulevard Riyadh, High Joint is cooking up some of the brand’s most drool-worthy, best-selling freshly-minced patties, all of which are made using premium Angus that’s free from any nasties, such as antibiotics and hormones. On the menu, expect favourites such as the High Jamz, Double High, Kingshroom, High Burger, High Chicken, Spicy Mango, and Halloumi Katsu.
High Joint Food Truck, The Boulevard Riyadh, daily 8pm to midnight. @highjoint.ksa
Morini
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Enjoy an incredible meal within the gorgeously lush ambience of this New York-style Italian restaurant. Morini pays homage to the authentic and rustic cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The menu, designed to be shared amongst family and friends, features fresh, hand-crafted pasta and a broad selection of grilled fish and meat.
Morini, The Boulevard Riyadh, Jareed Hotel, daily 4pm to midnight. @moriniriyadh
OXAR Prime Steakhall
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This Medieval-inspired steakhouse serves delicious steaks, like the grilled Tomahawk, burgers and a wild array of starters. Decadent sides include potato and raclette cheese, truffle fries, and corn puree. If there’s any way you have room for dessert, the fried ice cream served with brownies and caramel sauce will finish you off – and will most definitely have you rolling out of the restaurant.
OXAR Prime Steakhall, The Esplanade, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, King Saud University, Riyadh 12371, daily 12.30pm to 1.30am. @oxarksa
Roma Restaurant
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One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Riyadh, Roma has opened its latest branch at The Boulevard Riyadh. It offers an extensive menu that features seafood, pasta, meat dishes, and even vegetable-based choices. For pasta fans, the Ravioli Di Carne – ravioli stuffed with minced meat and served in pink sauce – is flavourful, while the tiramisu makes for the perfect sweet ending.
Roma Restaurant, The Boulevard Riyadh, Prince Turki Bin AbdulAziz Road, First Floor, Riyadh 13513, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. @romarestaurant.ksa
Sadelle’s
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New York brunch institution, Sadelle’s, is now open at Mansard Riyadh hotel. It is an all-day dining concept that transforms from a brunch-centric haven to a power lunch hotspot and a relaxing dinner locale. The menu is all about New York deli classics – from its famed bagels and house-made sticky buns to house-cured salmon, chopped salads, and a decadent egg sandwich. Enjoy these heavenly bites with a cuppa, and you’re good to go.
Sadelle’s, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, 4248 Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Road, Riyadh 13315-6721, daily 11am to 1am (last order at 11.30pm). Tel: 011 829 0929. @radissoncollectionmansard
Sumosan
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The beautiful Sumosan, with its sleek interior and buzzy dining space, is the latest addition to Riyadh’s Japanese dining scene. The menu is centred around high-quality sushi, sashimi, and innovative Japanese cuisine menu. So come hungry – the thinly sliced sashimi served with a touch of citrus dressing, tuna and truffle rolls, and salmon rice pizza are some of the must-order dishes.
Sumosan Riyadh, Laysen Valley, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Building 25, Riyadh 12329, Mon to Sat 6.30pm to 12.30am. Tel: 9200 21225. @sumosan.riyadh
Swiss Butter
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Swiss Butter, another Lebanese restaurant chain, offers only three types of protein: beef, chicken, and salmon. These are served in a skillet smothered in the special Swiss Butter sauce, accompanied by slices of white or brown baguette, a choice of crispy fries or a baked potato, and a generous serving of mesclun salad. Dip your fries in the sauce for the ultimate hit. And for a price tag of SAR88, it’s a pretty good value-for-money option in the heart of the city centre.
Swiss Butter, Century Corner, Musa Ibn Nusair St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12331, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs & Fri noon to 1am. Tel: 053 339 0630. @swissbutter
Twina Seafood Restaurant
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If you’re looking for another seafood spot cooked at its finest, Twina is the restaurant for you. This first branch outside of Jeddah sticks to the brand’s well-known sea and sunset aesthetics with blue chairs, decorative shells, and an assortment of framed photos of Jeddah. From mussels with cream, shrimp fajitas, soups and salads to fried favourites such as calamari and fish, as well as pasta and mains such as linguine seafood, curry tajine, and seabass fillet with mushrooms – dive into one and feast on all it has to offer, or graze across Twina’s extensive menu; the choice is yours.
Twina, The Esplanade, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, King Saud University, Riyadh 12371, daily 1pm to 1am. Tel: 9200 28284. @twinapark
Urban Kulture
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Urban Kulture is one of the latest fusion restaurants in Riyadh to hit the scene. The menu contains a unique combination of ingredients inspired by Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Asia to deliver rippling flavours in a casual setting. Short ribs empanadas, chorizo flatbread, Indomie spicy chicken noodles, tuna Nikkei, and beef quesadilla are some of the most popular meals here.
Urban Kulture, The Esplanade, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, King Saud University, Riyadh 12371, daily 6pm to 12.30am. @urbankulture.sa
Vittoria’s Italian Bakery & Café
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Craving Italian-style baked goods? You’ve come to the right place. Nestled in the Qurtubah area, Vittoria’s Italian Bakery & Café is a new venue that churns out amazing croissants, tarts, bambolini, cannoli, biscotti, and other sweet treats, but we’re equally enamoured with its selection of savoury sandwiches. So, order a cup of coffee and don’t think twice about treating yourself to something flaky or frosted.
Vittoria’s Italian Bakery & Café, Qurtubah, Riyadh 13248, Sun to Thurs 7am to 4pm, Fri & Sat 9am to 6pm. @vittorias.sa
Images: Instagram