10 incredible Italian restaurants in Riyadh to dine in at
Get ready to twirl some pasta…
Good Italian food is some of the most sought-after cuisines in Riyadh. Pizzas, pasta, polenta; we want it all. And Italian restaurants in Riyadh come in spades.
Whether you’re looking for more upscale restaurants or a laidback spot to chill with your friends, this list has you covered.
Get ready to say “ciao” to the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh.
II Barretto
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London’s II Baretto set up shop in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. The cool Italian restaurant is a firm favourite among Riyadh diners. The Italian restaurant offers a menu of dishes authentic to the region which can be enjoyed in either the main dining area as well as on the outdoor terrace.
II Barretto, KAFD 5.08 KAFD, 2822 – 6591, daily 12.30pm to 11.20pm. @ilbarettosa
Annabella Ristorante Italiano
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If you’re after a chill casual spot for Italian eats, head on over to Annabella Ristorante Italiano. The spot pays homage to its Italian roots within its menu and cutesy modern decor. A restaurant concept by Chef Nicola Offredi, Annabella Ristorante Italiano serves pizza straight from the wood-fired oven, cheesy pasta and more.
Annabella Ristorante Italiano, Levels Mall, 8089 Northern Ring Rd, Almasiaf, daily 12pm to 1.30am. @annabellaksa
Azzurro
Looking for a fine-dining spot for Italian food in Riyadh? Well, it doesn’t get much finer than The Ritz-Carlton. Overlooking the indoor swimming pool, the restaurant is led by an Italian chef from Sardinia. The menu usually features seasonal ingredients to create modern dishes. Try out the balsamic pappardelle served with lamb jus and foie gras, and if you’re feeling spendy, try out the Royal Pizza for SAR700.
Azzurro, The Ritz-Carlton, daily 7pm to midnight. @ritzcarltonruh
Bal’harm
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Located in As Sulimaniyah, Bal’harm serves fuss-free Italian cuisine in the casual and modern dining area. Menu highlights include the new Penne Arrabbiata and the signature Ravioli Di Cammello. You can also sip on mojitos like the Rise of Etna and the Mix Berry.
Bal’harm, King Mohammed V Street, As Sulimaniyah, Sat to Wed 1pm to 1pm, Thu to Fri 1pm to 2am. @balharm.sa
Eataly
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Opening in Riyadh back in November 2016, Eataly is one of the most popular Italian restaurants in the world and in the city too. Dig into everything from cheesy pasta dishes and pizzas to delicious meat, fish, and vegetable recipes, as well as delicious fried treats.
Eataly Riyadh, Al Malik An Nasir, As Sulimaniyah, daily 8am to midnight. @eatalyarabia
La Rustica
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Proudly calling itself the first Napoletana pizzeria, La Rustica currently has two branches in Riyadh, in Olaya and the Diplomatic Quarter respectively. This is where you want to go for a top-tier pizza in the city. Try out the Buratta, Margherita and the Bresola too. Don’t forget to save room for dessert and try out Italian desserts like Tiramisu, Cannoli and the signature Crème Brûlée.
La Rustica, Wadi Al Artawi St, Al Olaya and Diplomatic Quarter, Sun to Wed 1pm to 12.30am, Thu to Sat 1pm to 1am. @larustica_sa
Roma Restaurant
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One of the oldest Italian restaurants in Riyadh, Roma Restaurant has been open in the capital since 1991. Say hello to homemade pasta and tortellini, pesce and pizza too, plus dessert too.
Roma Restaurant, Shubah Ibn Al Hajjaj, Al Olaya, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. @romarestaurant.ksa
Serafina Italian Restaurant
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Categorised as a Northern Italian restaurant, Serafina Riyadh is known for its casual-cool setting and creative twist on homestyle Italian fare. The venue is originally from New York and comes from two friends Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, cheese-wheel pastas are all the rage here, so don’t forget to grab your cameras too.
Serafina Riyadh, The Esplanade, King Saud University, daily Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thu 1pm to 1am, Fri 1.30pm to 1am. @serafinaksa
San Carlo Cicchetti
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After an award-winning Italian restaurant experience? The first San Carlo Cicchetti opened its doors as a passionate family business in 1992 and represents dishes from all around Italy. Try out the Bresaola, Ravioli Burrata, and Beef Short Ribs too.
San Carlo Cicchetti, Sulaymaniah, daily Sat to Wed 1pm to 1am, Thu to Fri 1pm to 2am. @cicchettisaudi
Walton St. Scalini Riyadh
All the way from London, Walton St. Scalini Riyadh offers home-cooked Italian favourites. The ambience is one of the most stunning ones in the city. The venue is set up like an old-timey fine-dining restaurant serving Italian fare.
Walton St. Scalini Riyadh, Signature Centre, Hiteen District, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, daily 1pm to 12.15am. scalini-riyadh.com
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