All the amazing restaurants and cafes to try at KAFD
Here’s what’s open…
An important landmark of Riyadh, the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious and distinguished projects. In addition to serving as the city’s business and entertainment hub, KAFD is becoming quite the culinary hotspot.
Further expanding the incredible selection of cuisine in the capital city, here’s our guide to all of the restaurants to dine at in KAFD.
A.O.K Kitchen
Looking for a healthy restaurant that’s all gluten and dairy-free? It sounds like A.O.K Kitchen may be just the thing. The healthy eating concept from London opened in November 2022 in KAFD, and it prides itself on using absolutely no refined sugar. The restaurant serves dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and Californian flavours, with signatures such as homemade gluten-free gnocchi, BBQ lamb chops, and honey roasted salmon.
A.O.K Kitchen, KAFD, daily 7am to 10.30pm. Tel: (966) 9200 25304, @aokkitchen
Black Tap
Providing a fresh take on the classic burger joint, Black Tap welcomes diners to an Instagrammable restaurant in Riyadh’s (KAFD). If you’re not familiar with the New York-born burger chain, it’s over-the-top, candy-festooned milkshakes and action-packed array of tasty burgers have seen it become one of the most ‘Grammable burger bars out there. Couple that with the retro American diner feel and pumping playlist, and you’ve got yourself an award-winning burger joint.
Black Tap, KAFD, Riyadh, daily 12pm to 12.30am. Tel: (966) 9200 24304, @blacktapksa
Café Bateel
The new Café and Boutique at KAFD seamlessly combines Café Bateel’s elevated dining experience with Bateel’s Boutique offering of organic Saudi date creations, premium confectionery, single-origin chocolates, gourmet products, and bespoke gift sets. The 500-square-metre flagship venue embodies Bateel’s signature aesthetic, blending modern sophistication with timeless elegance. Guests can enjoy a spacious and stylish atmosphere while indulging in Mediterranean-inspired dishes, fine beverages, and sweet treats, all expertly crafted by Café Bateel’s award-winning chefs.
Café Bateel, KAFD Wadi, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily 7am to 12.30am. @cafe.bateel
Cafe Tale
View this post on Instagram
Tucked away in a nondescript corner on the ground floor of Area 5, Cafe Tale is a hidden gem for those looking for good coffee. The interior is super cosy, and there’s also a small selection of pastries to enjoy alongside your coffee.
Cafe Tale, KAFD, daily 8am to 1am. @cafe.tale
Crème
View this post on Instagram
Those who are familiar with Crème – yes, that dessert shop from London, known for its colossal cookies – you’re in for a treat. You can choose from delicious flavours like miso white chocolate and banana dark chocolate in their mixed box of six soft-baked cookies.
Crème, KAFD, Sun to Thurs 8am to 1am, Fri & Sat 3pm to 1am. @cremelondonksa
Draft Café
View this post on Instagram
There isn’t anything that we don’t love about Draft Café. The simple, minimalist interior leaning into the japandi aesthetics is fresh and welcoming, and we love how it gets absolutely flooded with light during the day. A great spot to enjoy a moment of calmness reading a book and journaling your thoughts whilst sipping on an expertly made cup of coffee away from the hustle and bustle of Riyadh.
Draft Café, KAFD, Area 4, Ground Floor, daily 7am to midnight. @draftcafe
El Camino
It’s hard not to gawk at the interiors in this beautiful restaurant, but the food here is even better. Offering seven cuisines of Mexico, El Camino serves vibrant tacos (here lamb shoulder, chicken, battered fish), with liberal application of accompanying delights, alongside a range of options, like brisket burritos, Black Angus beef, and red rice with chicken tinga chilli pasilla.
El Camino, KAFD, Vue East (Tower 5.08), Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily noon to 1am. @elcamino.ksa
Il Baretto
Il Baretto was the first restaurant to open in KAFD back in November 2021, and is renowned for its simple and authentic Italian menu. The menu includes a curation of Italian favourites and modern classics such as veal Milanese, whole seabass, lobster linguine, and salmon carpaccio. Design-wise, the brand’s Riyadh location merges signature interior elements from its Marylebone location with contemporary influences inspired by KAFD. Think dark mahogany tables, leather banquette seating, and exposed brickwork. Aside from the restaurant’s main dining area, Il Baretto Riyadh invites guests to enjoy the cooler months on its inviting outdoor terrace.
Il Baretto, KAFD, Riyadh, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (966) 9200 12508, ilbaretto.sa
Joe & The Juice
View this post on Instagram
A chic and welcoming atmosphere, sit back and relax with Joe & The Juice’s friendly hospitality in the city’s financial hub, KAFD, complete with menus packed full of fresh coffee and juice, delightful bites, and great vibes.
KAFD, Area 3, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, Sun to Wed 7am to midnight, Thurs to Sat 7am to 1am. @joeandthejuiceksa
Jones the Grocer
Looking for quick, hearty and delicious eats in a chic, laidback space? Jones the Grocer in KAFD has got you covered. Like the food it serves, this popular Australian gourmet grocer and café makes you feel right at home, with a retail space and cheese room that keeps you coming back for more. The comfortable atmosphere and convivial vibes also add to the draw of Jones the Grocer in KAFD, as you can easily while away an afternoon there with your friends over a no-frills meal (portions are generous, too) and refreshing mocktails.
Jones the Grocer, KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily 7am to 12.30am. @jonesthegrocersa
Kuuru
View this post on Instagram
A staple in the Jeddah dining scene, Kuuru is a Nikkei restaurant that is an ode to Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. The restaurant boasts a large, warmly lit interior that sports brilliant hues of turquoise and gold with geometric patterns and industrial copper tones. Pair that with the enticing Nikkei menu, featuring a drool-worthy array of sushi alongside killer mocktails, for one helluva meal out. Check out our review here.
Kuuru Riyadh, KAFD, 3.05, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, Sat to Wed noon to 11.30pm, Thurs & Fri noon to 12.30am. @kuuruksa
Maui
View this post on Instagram
All about fresh and healthy food? Maui offers the choice of poke bowls or a menu full of delightful wraps and more.
Maui, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, Sat to Wed 11am to 11pm, Thurs 11am to midnight & Fri 3pm to midnight. @maui_ksa
Monopoly
View this post on Instagram
Previously located at Oud Square in the Diplomatic Quarter, this casual eatery specialises in pizza and fusion Italian food.
Monopoly, KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily noon to 1am. @monopolysaudi
Mr Chow
View this post on Instagram
One of KAFD’s most hotly anticipated new openings of 2023 was Mr Chow, now welcoming diners to enjoy its globally renowned fare. The very first Mr Chow opened its doors in London on Valentine’s Day 1968 with top chefs at the helm of the venue serving up authentic Beijing cuisine and creative original recipes such as Chicken Satay and Ma Mignon. The brand then expanded to the USA with the Beverly Hills location in 1974, then New York where the first location opened in 1979 on 57th Street, and the second location in New York TriBeCa in 2006. Here, dishes are served in family style to ensure all guests get a taste of everything. On the menu, you will also find one of the best-prepared Beijing ducks in the world – so be sure to order that.
Mr Chow Riyadh, Al Aqiq, KAFD, daily noon to 2am. Tel: 9200 12658 @mrchowriyadh
Pistrina Bakery
View this post on Instagram
This Greek-inspired bakery, known for its freshly baked goods, has always been a favourite amongst the Riyadh locals. We love that it serves all manner of treats, including French toast, croissants and a variety of sandwiches.
Pistrina Bakery, KAFD Wadi, Discovery Blvd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily 6am to 11pm. @pistrinasa
SushiSamba
View this post on Instagram
Among the retail, hotel and restaurant plans for Riyadh’s landmark KAFD development are a slew of new restaurants, including global concept, SushiSamba. The culinary offerings at SushiSamba Riyadh are as diverse as its décor and are made up of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavours. The three-page menu features appetisers, small plates, raw dishes, robata items, wagyu beef, large plates, sushi, sashimi, and sides, including Saudi exclusives like the seabass ceviche and the Samba Riyadh Roll.
SUSHISAMBA Riyadh, King Abdullah Financial District, Area 5, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. Reservations can be made here. @sushisamba.riyadh
Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters
View this post on Instagram
A coffee lovers’ paradise, Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters from Australia is now brewing in KAFD. If you are looking to discover new tastes and experiences, this will be the place for you, and you can bet your coffee will be nothing short of excellent. Sweet tooths can indulge in an array of desserts, from the classic croissant to the rich, soft cheesecake sweetened to perfection.
Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters, KAFD Wadi, Building 1.11, Unit RTL02, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, Sat to Wed 8am to 1am, Thurs & Fri 8am to 2am. @tobysestate.sa
Trieste
View this post on Instagram
Trieste is another popular destination among coffee enthusiasts. The cosy spot also serves items, such as Turkey avocado sandwiches, cookies, french toast bites that are all made freshly in-house.
Trieste, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, Sun to Thurs 7am to 12.30am, Fri 3pm to 3am & Sat noon to midnight. @trieste_sa
Urth Caffe
View this post on Instagram
Urth Caffe is a homely, relaxed cafe with venues all over Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Khobar. From all-day breakfasts to freshly baked sweet treats and speciality teas, it’s a chilled-out spot for a casual bite in KAFD, with a contemporary design and an inviting atmosphere.
Urth Caffe, KAFD, Riyadh, daily 7am to 12.30am, @urthcaffesaudi
Zuma
The long awaited Zuma Riyadh is the latest addition to the dining scene in KAFD. The two-floor restaurant is all sleek and sophisticated, oozing the same modern Izakaya cool that you’ll find in Zuma restaurants around the world. Guests are welcomed into the ground floor restaurant, where you’ll find interactive sushi and robata counters. Then you’re invited to dine in the vibrant restaurant, one of three private dining rooms, and enjoy sips at the sophisticated bar or signature lounge. As is customary of Zuma venues, music plays a big part – and as such the DJ counter is the place to see and be seen for a high-octane evening of enjoying the beats.
Zuma Riyadh, 2.09 King Abdullah Financial District, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, daily 12.30pm to 1am. Tel: (+966) 92 0014 597. @zumariyadhofficial
12 Cups
View this post on Instagram
If you’re into the specialty coffee scene, you’ve definitely heard of 12 Cups. They’re the first coffee provider in Saudi Arabia to allow customers to choose different coffee blends and brewing methods to find sweetness, aroma, acidity, flavour and body of their cup of coffee.
12 Cups, opens 24 hours except Sat 7am to 11.30pm. @12_cups