All the upcoming restaurant openings in Riyadh that we’re excited about
The dining scene just keeps getting better…
We spend a lot of time keeping up with new restaurants, and with the constant stream of openings, there’s a lot to keep track of. So, read on to discover the new restaurants still to open in Riyadh.
AB Steak by Chef Akira Back
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Steak lovers will enjoy this unique steak house combining American and Korean influences. Serving premium meat cuts that are dry-aged for 30 days in a dedicated on-premises chamber, AB Steak utilises a smokeless, open-grill tabletop cooking experience in a vibrant and social setting.
Akira Back
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The Akira Back restaurant by award-winning Chef Akira Back showcases modern Japanese cuisine with Korean accents and culinary influences from around the world. Dishes like the umami hit of his signature AB tuna pizza or ‘Show Me The Roll’ of shrimp tempura, salmon belly aburi, spicy tuna, and chipotle mayo represent truly world-class cuisine from a culinary master.
Amazonico
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Junglesque restaurant Amazonico is an exotic paradise filled with foliage and imagery of exotic animals. The food is based on Latin American cuisine and features a variety of tender steaks, fresh fish and delicious appetisers. It has restaurants already in Madrid, London and Dubai, so we can’t wait to see what’s to come at Amazonico in Riyadh.
Location: KAFD
Angelina
The iconic Parisian patisserie, Angelina, will provide a chic European atmosphere and its famous hot chocolate to the streets of Diriyah. In addition, enjoy a selection of signature sweet pastries such as the Mont-Blanc, lemon tart and more, along with breakfast items, pasta, and afternoon tea sets. This will be the second outlet in the Kingdom, with the first located in Jeddah.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
B+F
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This vibrant restaurant concept from Kuwait (yes, they’re the same group behind Burger Boutique) will focus on upscale, international cuisine with a unique dining experience. It is keeping its exact plans under wraps, but diners will be entertained by open-flame cooking demonstrations, and artisan pizzas will be cooked in a wood-fired oven.
Location: Laysen Valley
Bagatelle
A coveted French luxury brand with restaurants in Miami, Dubai, London, and Bahrain, to name a few, this is very exciting for Riyadh. Bagatelle, known for its lively atmosphere, upbeat music, and delicious French-Mediterranean food, will undoubtedly be one of the best spots in Riyadh to spend with your friends and family. Expect a strong focus on fresh, clean flavours and ingredients as the centre of the concept, with French classics enlivened with innovative flavours and a lighter approach to dining. From seafood pasta to an array of truffle dishes, the menu will offer a range of options for everyone. The space at Bagatelle Riyadh will be designed by Bishop Design by Paul Bishop, an international multi-award-winning interior design firm based in Dubai and Miami.
Location: Laysen Valley
Brunch & Cake
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Much more than an all-day dining restaurant, Brunch & Cake is known for hosting in iconic locations with beautiful interiors, wholesome dishes, generous portions, and a place that provides one-of-a-kind experiences.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Bruno
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This One Michelin-starred restaurant, which has been part of the French Riviera’s dining scene since 1990, is known for its truffle-based menu. The second outpost of the much-loved Chez Bruno will soon open at Bujairi Terrace and provide upscale Italian.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Brute
A new meat and steak eatery, brought to you by the creator of the Argentinian steak restaurant Gaucho, offers the finest cuts of steak and an exciting range of meats on the menu.
BT Burger
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BT burger joint will open another location in Riyadh, offering a variety of burgers, fries, and appetisers. Menu items include Rocca salad, toffee glazed shrimps, truffle fries, and its signature namesake burger, the BT Burger, which is made up of a juicy beef patty, cheese and crunchy onions sandwiched between buttered toasts.
Café de L’Esplanade
Exquisite coffees and savoury French delicacies make the fusion-style Brasserie menu at Café de L’Esplanade’s first branch outside France. So, drop in when it opens and indulge without guilt.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Carbone
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A New York-Italian restaurant that pays homage to the essence of the great Italian restaurants of the mid-20th century in New York, where delicious, exceptionally well-prepared food was served in settings that were simultaneously elegant, comfortable and unpretentious. The food nods to that same history but takes culinary cues from the great talents and techniques of the present and future, featuring familiar dishes like seafood salad, linguini vongole, and veal parmesan elevated to a new level.
Location: Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Chotto Matte
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Those seeking a taste of more Japanese-Peruvian cuisine from Riyadh’s first location of chain Chotto Matte won’t have to wait much longer. Chotto Matte, which means “wait a minute” in Japanese, will soon welcome their first customers in the heart of KAFD. Expect to see bold street art on the walls and a myriad of authentic Nikkei dishes like the best-selling sashimi, shrimp gyoza, and lobster and wild prawn ceviche. The brand is also memorable for its diverse and vibrant atmosphere that suits all types for any occasion.
Clap
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Clap, a Japanese restaurant originally from Beirut, is a fine-dining concept well-loved for its top-quality menu featuring the finest Japanese ingredients. Comprising Japanese classics, from sushi, sashimi and shrimp tempura to mains like miso cod, highlights on its menu include a salmon tartare with spicy miso and poppadum, yellowtail sashimi with tosazu dressing, and wagyu beef and foie gras gyoza.
Cova
Cova offers food lovers authentic Italian cuisine, a selection of sensational cakes and desserts, as well as chocolates and fine foods directly imported from Italy.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Dasha
Not only will this upscale Chinese restaurant offer up inventive dishes that blend traditional techniques with modern flavours, but there will also be karaoke rooms. Yes, you read that right. Dasha is looking to invent the way guests experience karaoke with stylish private rooms, extravagant décor and flavourful Chinese cuisine to ensure you have the courage you need to get up on the mic. All the reasons to make Dasha your go-to spot when it opens.
Dosa
An innovative Korean BBQ restaurant will present guests with an experience they will never forget – from unlimited menu options consisting of freshly prepared meats, seafood, and vegetables to refreshing and traditional Korean food.
Flamingo Room by tashas
Combining elegance and sophistication with a playful personality, Flamingo Room by tashas is a testament to Africa’s refined side. The restaurant provides a chic yet relaxed dining experience – from lunch into the evening for dinners. The contemporary menu showcases elegantly prepared, simple classics with a clean profile and a leaning toward South African flavours.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Gaia
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Already a firm favourite on Dubai’s fine dining circuit, Gaia’s global expansion plans include restaurants in Doha, London and Riyadh. The upscale Greek restaurant with its pretty interiors, coastal Aegean vibes and delicious menu masterminded by chef Izu Ani is still yet to announce exactly where in the Saudi capital it will open, so stay tuned.
Good Food
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You’ll soon be able to try Prague’s most popular traditional pastry, trdelnik, right here in the city. Trdelnik, known as chimney cake, consists of rolled dough topped with sugar and walnuts. However, Good Food is known for taking the classic recipe to a whole new level by adding a bunch of other colourful ingredients to the mix. You’re definitely going to want to ‘Gram this one.
Hakkasan
Chinese cuisine is one of the most ancient and diverse in the world. At Hakkasan, you can expect dishes inspired by ancient recipes, innovative beverage creations, an artistic patisserie, and iconic design. Hakkasan’s unique cuisine blends authentic Cantonese recipes with contemporary influences. The kitchen teams create modern dishes using traditional techniques and the finest quality ingredients. With international outposts in some of the world’s most vibrant cities, Hakkasan’s menu is a culinary balance of signature dishes, as well as an Only At collection created exclusively for each different location.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Iris Café
A similar concept to the popular Iris Bar in Lebanon, Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE, this more laid-back version will be located in Riyadh and aims to provide the same buzzing atmosphere in a chilled cafe setting.
Jones the Grocer
The popular Australian cafe is known for its fresh produce, hearty breakfasts, and healthy, freshly pressed juices. We’re hoping its first outlet in the Kingdom will also feature a retail section showcasing dried and ambient products such as jams, chutneys, mustards, sauces, cereals, and chilled items like smoked salmon and charcuterie.
Location: KAFD
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon
Enjoy the pleasures of dining at the counter while you watch the chefs preparing your food in the open kitchen before you. Besides the course menus, there will be an extensive range of a la carte menu items, allowing you to enjoy Robuchon’s modern French cuisine by combining these small dishes freely according to your feeling on that particular day.
La Cantine du Faubourg
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Rikas Hospitality – the group behind La Cantine, Lana Lusa, Twiggy, Mimi Kakushi and several other award-winning restaurants in Dubai – will bring their signature restaurant La Cantine du Faubourg to Saudi Arabia. It is described as a Parisian rendezvous of art, music, food, and the embodiment of the chic French lifestyle, which has entertained diners in Dubai since 2015.
La Serre
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In Dubai, La Serre is a popular French restaurant and Boulangerie with many What’s On awards accolades, and now the brand is headed for Riyadh. The 500-seater restaurant at KAFD will feature indoor and outdoor terrace seating, incorporating its popular Boulangerie, viennoiserie and pastries, as well as its finer bistro elements.
Location: KAFD
Long Chim
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Inspired by Thailand’s markets and street food, the critically acclaimed Long Chim brings the flavours of modern Bangkok to Riyadh’s historic district. Meaning “come and taste” in Thai, Long Chim dishes up curries, stir-fries, noodles, desserts, snacks, salads and more, all faithfully recreated using recipes researched and fine-tuned by celebrity chef David Thompson.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Maiz
Promising a completely authentic celebration of Saudi Arabian cuisine and culture, Maiz is a stylish space with grand interiors befitting the beautiful historical setting of Bujairi Terrace. On the menu, traditional Saudi recipes will be reimagined with contemporary finesse, redefining what diners may have grown to expect the local cuisine to look and taste like.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Mastro’s
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Beverly Hills steakhouse favourite Mastro’s, will open its first branch outside the US in Riyadh. Experience the finest prime steak, an array of the freshest seafood selections, and genuine service.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
MayaBay
The Monaco-born restaurant is expanding. Having opened its second branch in Dubai, it is now set to open its third in Riyadh in early 2023 on Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road. The venue will cover a spacious 930 square meters, including a terrace. We hope the Riyadh restaurant includes some of MayaBay’s signature dishes, such as the Maya crispy duck, pad thai, MayaBay sashimi, and black cod with miso and honey.
Mimi Kakushi
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Another Rikas Hospitality concept making its way from Dubai to Saudi Arabia is Mimi Kakushi, an upscale Japanese restaurant. Transporting guests to the glamorous world of 1920s Osaka, Mimi Kakushi’s glamorous interiors offer an east-meets-west aesthetic, with bold artwork and cosy corners.
Mohalla
Dubai’s homegrown Indian street food concept is opening its second Riyadh outlet this December. The new venue will keep in line with the aesthetic of the brand’s existing outlets while also featuring new, exciting design elements, promising to transport guests to the eclectic streets of India. The menu will offer a lot of dishes from the existing Mohalla restaurants, including signature crowd favourites such as Raj Kachori, avocado Papdi Chaat, tender chicken kebab and Rayalaseema prawn curry, with some new additions to surprise and delight returning diners.
Location: Riyadh Front
Monopoly
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Some of you may already be familiar with this outdoor restaurant at Oud Square in the Diplomatic Quarter. Specialising in pizza and fusion food, Monopoly is opening a new branch in KAFD. The opening date is not yet clear. However, signs have been installed at the shop front, and work has been going on inside.
Location: KAFD
Mr Chow
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The first Mr Chow opened in London on Valentine’s Day 1968, with top chefs serving authentic Beijing cuisine and creative original recipes, such as chicken satay and Ma mignon. For half a century, diners have enjoyed watching the handmade noodle show at all of its locations, and on the menu is one of the best-prepared Beijing ducks. We can’t wait.
Location: KAFD
NAC
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Short for North Audley Canteen, NAC is a chic restaurant in London’s Mayfair, famed for its photogenic interior and French bistro-style menu. Expect fresh and innovative food all afternoon (and night) long, perfect for sharing with friends, plus a selection of excellent patisseries and desserts. Some of the menu highlights include ricotta pancakes with Dulce de Leche and banana and honey French toast with raspberries, clotted cream and speculoos.
Location: Laysen Valley
Nammos
Chic Greek restaurant Nammos can be found in Mykonos, Dubai and soon Riyadh. The concept is loved by many thanks to its premium experience, high-quality menu (think Mediterranean with Asian influences) and fun, uplifting vibe. Last year, Nammos opened a pop-up in Riyadh Oasis as part of Riyadh Season, but it is now set to open a permanent restaurant.
Nobu
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The world’s most recognised restaurant, known for its innovative new-style cuisine, needs no introduction. Located on King Fahd Rd, Nobu will bring the unique concept of the fusion of Japanese and South American cuisines to the capital. Diners can look forward to signature dishes, such as the black cod miso, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, salmon new style sashimi and rock shrimp tempura.
Location: Nobu Hotel, King Fahd Rd
Nozomi
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The moment that we’ve been waiting for… Nozomi is finally opening its new branch in Riyadh. Those familiar with this contemporary Japanese restaurant know that the menu here is all about elevated Japanese cuisine with European flair. Diners can look forward to its signature dishes, including the famed black cod miso – a classic Japanese dish that features a delicate and buttery cod fillet generously glazed in miso sauce.
Location: Century Corner
Pahli Hill
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Modelled on the cultural melting pot of regional cuisines of India is Pahli Hill. A celebration of diversity and indigenous recipes, techniques, and produce, dishes are confidently executed, easy to eat, and full of fresh, simple flavours. The menu is divided into ‘big’ and ‘small’ plates, and sharing is encouraged.
Location: KAFD
Reif Japanese Kushiyaki
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As the name suggests, Reif Japanese Kushiyaki’s focus is on the Japanese street food known as kushiyaki (grilled skewered meats). And if the flagship branch in Riyadh features the same menu as Dubai’s, expect top-notch Japanese dishes with an inventive twist. From the beautifully presented platters of fresh sashimi and hearty bowls of ramen to their famed sanchoku wagyu sando (generously sliced wagyu fillet, slathered with tonkatsu sauce and sandwiched between thick slices of toasted milk bread), every dish is a must-order – and we hope to see those items on the menu here.
Santini
A family-run Italian restaurant, Santini was established in 1984 by Gino Santini and is known to be Frank Sinatra’s all-time favourite London restaurant. Today, the restaurant is overseen by his daughter Laura, who brings her own special touch to the business. Santini’s menu celebrates the simplicity of the most authentic Italian cuisine with Venetian influence, using fresh, light flavours of the best ingredients. So, look forward to homemade pasta like spinach and Ricotta ravioli, and dishes such as Venetian-style grilled scallops, poached sea bass with herb and balsamic dressing, and perhaps, their signature traditional Roman apple fritters for dessert.
Location: Laysen Valley
Sarabeth’s
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This award-winning bakery and café from New York has earned a warm spot in the hearts of Riyadh folks when it first opened in U Walk. Renowned for its fresh, wholesome, and delicious fare, the all-day dining spot has also become a staple for dinner with its classic American fare.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Sass Café
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Born in 1993 and named after its owner “Sassa”, Sass Café is one of the most historical venues in Monaco where you can dine and dance all night long. This popular and legendary spot, known for its elegant décor, heads to Riyadh so gastronomes can enjoy its delicious menu featuring Mediterranean and Italian fare accompanied by performers and live music.
Somewhere / Sugar / Grind
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Saudi entrepreneur Deem Albassam will bring her renowned brands to Bujairi Terrace – Somewhere, an upmarket restaurant serving authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, a dessert shop, Sugar, and a stylish coffee shop, Grind.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Sum + Things
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Like its first branch at The Boulevard, Sum + Things will offer a bespoke combination between a curated retail space and a casual family restaurant serving popular international dishes.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Sushisamba
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Among the retail, hotel, and restaurant plans for the KAFD development are several new restaurants, including a global concept, SushiSamba. With outlets already in Miami, Las Vegas, London, Amsterdam and Dubai, the restaurant blends Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines. Dishes on the menus in other cities include wagyu gyoza, samba salad, vegetable tempura, crispy lobster taquitos, tiradito, robata grills, and of course, plenty of sushi.
Location: KAFD
Takya
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Takya at Sulimaniyah may have closed, but you will soon be able to enjoy its delicious contemporary Saudi cuisine when it reopens at Bujairi Terrace.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
TATEL
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First established in Madrid but with locations now in Ibiza and Beverly Hills, Tatel is the brainchild of tennis ace Rafael Nadal and a duo of co-founders. It is self-described as embodying the “welcoming and playful spirit that characterises Spanish restaurants, with a carefully selected gastronomic offer based on traditional products and recipes. TATEL gathers traditional Spanish recipes with a twist of sophistication and innovation. A glance at Tatel Madrid’s menu showcases an array of starters such as Tatel’s truffle Spanish omelette, grilled octopus and prawn and jalapeno ceviche, plus mains like red tuna loin and dry-aged steak.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Villa Mamas
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A Bahraini restaurant boasting Middle Eastern fusion cuisine made of organic, seasonal and local ingredients.
Location: Bujairi Terrace
Wadi
A brand-new name in Riyadh’s restaurant scene, Wadi will offer a luxurious dining experience focused on Saudi fusion cuisine. The restaurant, which will be designed by Bishop Design by Paul Bishop, will also be serving hookah.
Zuma
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Following the arrival of sister restaurant Roka in 2021, Zuma will open a permanent restaurant in Riyadh. Joining Rainer Becker’s Zuma empire of 17 restaurants around the globe, Zuma Riyadh will serve signature dishes such as marinated black cod, sliced yellowtail and robata skewers.
Location: KAFD
Images: Social