A dining guide to Bujairi Terrace in Riyadh's historic Diriyah
Some of the best places to visit at this premier dining hotspot…
One of Riyadh’s landmark dining districts, what distinguishes Bujairi Terrace at Diriyah from other high-end dining destinations is the balanced offering of Saudi cuisine alongside top-notch international brands — from famed institutions to long-standing favourites.
What’s more, visitors can walk for hours around the area, enjoying the natural and historic surroundings. Cross over the bridge after dining at Bujairi Terrace to visit the recently restored ruins of the prominent citadel of Salwa Palace — the original home of the Al-Saud royal family — in the historic At-Turaif district. The Unesco World Heritage Site is open all year round and features events, performances, and activities for all to experience and enjoy.
Here, we’ve rounded up the hottest tables at Bujairi Terrace for you to book. Of course, reservations are highly recommended.
African Lounge
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Foodies are probably already well aware of the stunning Flamingo Room. Mere steps away, just above Flamingo Room, lies the gorgeous African Lounge – part of the three unique concepts under one roof, with a terrific terrace letting you take full advantage of the Bujairi Terrace location and the historic At-Turaif as the backdrop. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by an eclectic mix of bright and bold hues and an ostentatiously designed bar counter. The intimate space is African-inspired, the vibe is relaxed, and the opulent decor is a feast for the senses. It is glamorous and chic – but not overly thematic. The ambience is truly out of this world, with expertly crafted mocktails and food on offer.
African Lounge, Flamingo Collection, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah Gate, daily 6pm to midnight. @african__lounge
Altopiano
This Saudi-born brand offers dishes that evoke a taste of Southern Italy fused with Arabic ingredients and cooking, served in a rustic, casual elegance setting.
Altopiano, daily 5pm to 1am. @altopiano
Angelina
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The iconic French café, Angelina, provides a chic European atmosphere and its Parisian flavours to the streets of Diriyah. 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 is the second outlet in the Kingdom, with the first located in Jeddah, and a third scheduled to be open in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.
Angelina, 10am to midnight Sun to Thurs, 10am to 1am Fri and Sat. @angelinaparisksa
Assouline
If you haven’t heard, the Assouline experience has landed in Riyadh. The publishing house has opened a flagship replete with a restaurant and piano lounge at Bujairi Terrace. We love that the space is both local and international, reflecting a fusion of cultures and influences. Take a seat at the zero-proof bar or head upstairs for a more intimate experience to tuck into bites from a menu showcasing a delightful array of Mediterranean cuisine. Look out for their afternoon tea (SAR170), which offers enticing finger sandwiches, scones and handmade pastries. Of course, be sure to browse through the Assouline collection, including their branded books, candles and vintage pieces.
Maison Assouline, Bujairi Terrace, 7227 King Faisal Rd, Al Bujairi, Unit #11, Riyadh 13711, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs noon to 1am & Fro 1pm to 1am. @assouline
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. The Bujairi Terrace venue is the first Brunch & Cake location in Saudi Arabia. Check out our first look of the restaurant here.
Brunch & Cake, daily 9am to midnight. @brunchandcakeksa
Café de L’Esplanade
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Exquisite coffees and savoury French delicacies make the fusion-style brasserie menu at Café de L’Esplanade’s first branch outside France. You can look forward to cooked oysters, broths and good French steaks. So, drop in and indulge without guilt.
Café de L’Esplanade, daily noon to 11pm. @cafedelesplanadesa
Cova Pasticceria
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Here, you can look forward to classic breakfasts and sublime brunches to the finest selection of sweet treats such as panettones, chocolate gems, cream pastries, and succulent fruit tarts.
Cova Pasticceria, daily 10am to midnight. @covaksa
Dolce & Gabbana Cafe
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Dolce & Gabanna Diriyah promises an unparalleled experience for fashion enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs, inviting you to shop, sip and snack in a haute, high-fashion space. The sprawling experience centre is set across 1,500 square metres, making it one of the biggest D&G stores in the world, with rooms off the central space that invite you to to discover each of the different collections, from menswear and womenswear to fine jewellery.
Dolce & Gabbana, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, daily 10am to 10pm.
Flamingo Room by tashas
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Visitors to Flamingo Room by tashas are greeted by stunning interiors with an elegant colour scheme of peach, salmon pink, and ocean turquoise complemented by lavish gold accents and quirky little touches. As with the expressive décor, the vibrant menu covers a range of vegetarian, seafood and meat dishes across starters, salads, pasta, and main courses. You’ll find plenty of African flavours on the menu, too, like the calamari Mozambique. Expect a big plate of soft squid – heads and all – with a piquant peri-peri sauce. A nest of crispy shoestring fries covers the dish to give it a nice bite and texture.
Flamingo Room, daily noon to midnight, Tel: 9200 13253. @flamingoroomksa
Joe & The Juice
The popular Danish juice bar and coffee shop brand is known for its fast and healthy options and nourishing, made-to-order drinks. From coffee, tea, and delicious sandwiches to power shakes and veggie shots made with organic ingredients and all prepared in the store, the menu includes vegan options to satisfy every creative palate.
Joe & The Juice, Sun to Thurs 10am to midnight, Fri & Sat 10am to 1am. @joeandthejuiceksa
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.
Long Chim, 6pm to 2am daily. @longchimksa
Maiz
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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 from each of the Kingdom’s 13 provinces are reimagined with contemporary finesse, redefining what diners may have grown to expect the local cuisine to look and taste like.
Maiz, 12pm to 1am daily. @maizriyadh
Nakhati
Local dessert brand Nakhati is now available at Bujairi Terrace. Opened since November 2024, gelato fans can look forward to an exclusive flavour at this branch: the Tahini Gelato, which is offered in two distinctive variations. Choose from the oh-so-creamy Tahini and White Chocolate Variegato or the Tahini, Cardamom and Dates, a flavourful tribute to traditional tastes, celebrating the essence of Diriyah’s rich history.
Nakhati, Bujairi Terrace, Sun to Wed 3pm to midnight & Thu to Sat 3pm to 1am. @nakhati.ksa
Sarabeth’s
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Saunter into this award-winning bakery and café from New York if you are looking for that American-style brunch. While it is an all-day favourite, don’t miss out on the rest of the scrumptious menu, which spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sarabeth’s, 10am to midnight Sun to Thurs, 10am to 1am Fri and Sat. @sarabeths.sa
Somewhere
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Independent Food Company, the brand behind Salt, Parkers and Public, brings its oh-so-Instagrammable brand Somewhere to Bujairi Terrace. Expect a dining experience that takes you somewhere unexpected, featuring traditional dishes of the Arab world.
Somewhere, 1pm to 12am Sat to Thurs, 2pm to 12am Fri. @somewhere
Sum+Things
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Sum+Things combines all-day dining with contemporary, design-led retail. Whatever you fancy, take your pick.
Sum + Things, Sat to Wed 2pm to midnight, Thurs & Fri 2pm to 1am. @sumplusthings
Takya
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Takya is the first Saudi-owned fine dining restaurant serving Saudi cuisine with a contemporary twist. Enjoy its signature saleeg, a creamy rice dish infused with mastic and smoked dehydrated yoghurt and sautéed chicken.
Takya, Sun to Weds 5pm to 2am, Thurs to Sat 2pm to 2am. @takya_sa
Tatel
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First established in Madrid but with locations now in Ibiza and Beverly Hills, Tatel is a Michelin-starred restaurant focused on Spanish Mediterranean gourmet dishes with a twist of sophistication and innovation. Tatel Riyadh is the brand’s first Middle East location, bringing Spanish fare and a lively atmosphere to Bujairi Terrace. Try Tatel classics like Spanish omelette with truffle, grilled octopus, prawn and jalapeno ceviche, and paella.
Tatel, 6pm to 1am Sat to Weds, 6pm to 2am Thurs and Fri. @tatel_riyadh
Villa Mamas
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Modern Middle Eastern cuisine made of fresh seasonal and local ingredients is what you’ll find at Chef Roaya Saleh’s restaurant. Expect a complete immersion in remarkable regional flavours with a contemporary turn. Villa Mamas’ signature dishes include Machboos, Tacheen, Dum Biriyani, Lamb shanks, Umm Ali, Kashke and much more.
Villa Mamas, 5pm to 12am Sat to Weds, 5pm to 1am Thurs and Fri. @villamamasriyadh