30 incredible restaurants opening in Riyadh in 2023
Riyadh’s food scene is getting a slew of exciting new openings…
Riyadh’s restaurant scene just keeps getting better. If you’re looking for new spots to switch up where you dine in the Saudi Capital, we’ve got a complete guide of all the new openings to keep track of.
Here are all the incredible restaurants opening in Riyadh in 2023.
AB Steak by Chef Akira Back, Diplomatic Quarter
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, Diplomatic Quarter
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, KAFD
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Junglesque restaurant Amazonico is an exotic paradise filled with foliage and imagery of exotic animals that previously popped up in Riyadh in 2021. 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 when it opens in KAFD later this year.
B+F, Laysen Valley
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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.
Bianca, Via Riyadh
Famed LA hotspot Bianca is a restaurant and bakery offering a menu influenced by the owners’ roots – Italian, Argentinean and French. Bianca serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by a rotation of seasonal specials. Alluding to the restaurant’s name, the foundation of Bianca’s interiors is bright and airy with strong natural light. The aesthetic is a layered expression of the chefs’ coastal roots and is inspired by Forte Dei Marmi in Tuscany, Italy. A visit to Bianca is as much about the cuisine as the lifestyle.
Carbone, Mansard Collection Riyadh
It’s known as one of those restaurants in New York that’s impossibly hard to get into, so we’re already excited to sink our teeth into the laidback Italian dishes at Carbone Riyadh when the restaurant opens in the glamourous Mansard Collection Riyadh this year. A red-sauce joint made iconic by its celebrity clientele – that includes everyone from the Kardashians to Justin Bieber – one of the must-try dishes is the spicy rigatoni.
Cipriani Dolci, Diplomatic Quarter
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From Fundamental Hospitality, the Dubai-born hospitality brand behind upscale restaurants like Gaia, Shanghai Me and Scalini in Dubai will bring the relaxed cafe outpost of legendary Italian, Cipriani Dolci, to Riyadh in 2023. Located in the Diplomatic Quarter, Cipriani Dolci is instantly recognisable for the same aesthetic of the fine dining restaurant, complete with blue and white terrazzo patterned floor, high gloss oak tables and bespoke blue leather chairs. At Dolci, expect delicate pastries, delicious desserts and lighter Italian classics.
Chotto Matte
Those seeking a taste of the 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 be welcoming 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.
Dosa, The Esplanade
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, Bujairi Terrace
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Combining elegance and sophistication with a playful personality, evident by way of bronze meerkats and monkeys throughout, Flamingo Room by tashas is a testament to Africa’s refined side. Founded by restauranteur Natasha Sideris, the Dubai restaurant is one of the most glamorous restaurants in the city – found at the lagoon side in Jumeirah Al Naseem. In Saudi Arabia, the same chic interiors can be expected at the Bujairi Terrace restaurant.
Gymkhana, Via Riyadh
The Michelin-starred restaurant is set to travel outside London for the first time as Gymkhana opens its doors in Riyadh in June at the exciting new Via Riyadh development. Guests to Gymkhana Saudi can expect the same level of flavour and experience as those in Mayfair. The carefully curated menu brings to life flavours from across India, offering a modern interpretation of renowned classics. All the restaurant’s signature dishes will make the trip to Riyadh, like Chettinad Duck Dosa with Coconut Chutney, Kid Goat Methi Keema with Salli and Pao, Wild Muntjac Biryani and Duck Egg Langoustine Bhurji with Malabar Paratha.
Joan’s on Third, Via Riyadh
LA’s hottest speciality food market, Joan’s on Third, is the ideal spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Marking the brand’s first international move, the Riyadh outlet will reflect the LA outpost’s most distinctive features, including the neighbourhood-friendly atmosphere with communal tables and casual, charming decor. A hip gathering spot, Joan’s on Third Riyadh will feature the original rustic farm shop design, with a speciality food marketplace and an abundance of hand-packed products available to grab and go – from a freshly prepared beverage menu comprising a variety of bottled fruit juices and ground coffee, warm and comforting pastries for the ultimate bakery and café experience; to an extensive selection of artisan cheeses and deli counter.
Jones the Grocer, KAFD
The popular Australian cafe is known for its fresh produce, hearty breakfasts, and healthy, freshly pressed juices. It’s already open at Ramla Terraza, but we’re hoping the second outpost in KAFD feature a retail section showcasing dried and ambient products such as jams, chutneys, mustards, sauces, cereals, and chilled items like smoked salmon and charcuterie.
Kuuru
A staple in the Jeddah dining scene, Kuuru prides itself on being a true Nikkei experience. Blending together flavours of Peru and Japan, the Riyadh branch is set to be nestled in a food meets business atmosphere over in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The restaurant is known for its vibrant and colourful dishes served in a fine dining ambience. The menu combines the ancient Japanese cooking technique of robata grilling with a contemporary flair.
L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, TBC
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, TBC
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, KAFD
Dubai-born La Serre entertained diners for a decade before closing its doors. It’s now found in Abu Dhabi, and this year, the French restaurant and Boulangerie will head to the Kingdom’s KAFD area. The 500-seater restaurant will feature indoor and outdoor terrace seating, incorporating its popular Boulangerie, viennoiserie and pastries, as well as its finer bistro elements.
Mayabay, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road
Opening this summer is Thai and Japanese fusion restaurant by way of Monaco, Mayabay. Already a popular fine dining restaurant in Dubai, when it opens in Riyadh’s Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road., the elegant restaurant will boast 750 square metres of space with an expansive 180 square metre outdoor 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, TBC
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.
Monopoly, KAFD
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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.
Mr Chow, KAFD
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.
Robata, The Canopy by Oud
MFC Saudi are the brains bringing some of the world’s biggest brands to Riyadh, including Billionaire, Coya, Beefbar and Signor Sassi. In 2023, they plan to add to their impressive roster of restaurants with the opening of Robata. Described as a trendy restaurant that presents the vibrant Tokyo energy with a unique twist, expect Instagrammable interiors and impressive dishes when this restaurant opens in Riyadh in 2023.
Sass Cafe, TBC
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.
Scott’s, Via Riyadh
Mayfair’s seafood institution and celebrity favourite Scott’s offers the finest traditional fish and seafood dishes, alongside various meat and seasonal game options, and it opens in July. Oysters, served at Scott’s elegant oyster bar, are a house speciality. Scott’s Riyadh outpost will pay homage to the Mayfair flagship restaurant’s aesthetic with a sophisticated yet warm ’40s elegance. The timber-panelled dining room with burgundy leather banquettes and dining chairs creates an impressive atmosphere, featuring silver leaf mirrored screens, a marble top with a stingray fronted bar, and walls adorned with artwork from some of today’s most celebrated British artists.
Sexy Fish, Via Riyadh
Another Mayfair export, Sexy Fish serves a diverse menu of Japanese-inspired sushi, sashimi, seafood, fish, and meat cooked on a Robata grill inspired by the seas of Asia, with a focus on Japan. The Riyadh outpost will retain the signature dishes of the original Sexy Fish, such as duck salad; vegetarian sushi; smoked tuna belly; black cod and king crab, with the addition of new dishes and bold, seasonally inspired flavours. Guests can also expect brilliant entertainment by the restaurant’s resident DJs from lunch to dinner through the later hours.
Sushisamba, KAFD
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Among the retail, hotel and restaurant plans for Riyadh’s landmark KAFD development are a slew of new restaurants, including global concept, SushiSamba. With outlets already in Miami, Las Vegas, London, Dubai and Doha, 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.
WAGYUMAFIA, Via Riyadh
Founded by self-taught chef-turned-wagyu expert Hisato Hamada and entrepreneur Takafumi Horie, WAGYUMAFIA is an exclusive dining concept with special members-only offerings for wagyu gourmands. Its Riyadh venue marks the brand’s maiden foray into the region. Taking signature elements from its Tokyo restaurants, WAGYUMAFIA Riyadh offers an omakase menu with signature dishes, as well as original creations available only in Riyadh. Highlight menu items include WAGYUMAFIA’s signature Chateaubriand Cutlet Sandwich, Kobe Beef Bento Box; Tricolor Sushi; and more.
Yakinikumafia, Via Riyadh
Also the brainchild of WAGYUMAFIA’s founder Chef Hisato Hamada, Yakinikumafia is a contemporary dining spot that celebrates the traditional Japanese technique of grilling hearty delectable meat. From their delicious assortment of wagyu cuts, refreshing cocktails, and delightful deserts to an immersive omakase experience, the dining destination welcomes its guests to fathom the unique flavours. The show stealer is the rare cut wagyu paired with signature wagyu bone broth, koshikari rice, daikon with ponzu, pickled cucumbers, and house original big eye BBQ sauce, prepared on a state-of-the-art smokeless Japanese yakiniku grill.
Zuma, TBC
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Following on from the arrival of sister restaurant Roka in 2021, Zuma will open a permanent restaurant in Riyadh in 2023. Joining Rainer Becker’s Zuma empire of 17 restaurants around the globe, Zuma Riyadh’s as of yet undisclosed location will serve up signature dishes such as marinated black cod, sliced yellowtail and robata skewers.