The best new restaurants in Riyadh
Gourmands, assemble…
Foodies in the Saudi capital are spoiled for choice when it comes to the best restaurants in Riyadh. Whether it’s authentic Saudi cuisine or refined fare from culinary capitals around the world, there’s restaurants to suit every taste.
But if you’re tired of your regular restaurant circuit, we’ve found the best new restaurants in Riyadh.
From big names to homegrown favourites, these are the new restaurants in Riyadh to know about.
Jon & Vinny’s
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Known for making good food, fast – as it should be – LA’s favourite casual Italian spot, Jon & Vinny’s, has just opened in Riyadh. The new restaurant will emulate the look-and-feel of its trendy California outposts. Expect a cosy and minimalist aesthetic, with pops of green and their branded display of pizza boxes to grace the new Riyadh establishment. Getting rid of Italian clichés, the stylish space swaps out chequered tablecloths for high ceilings, sleek blonde wood seating, neon signage and a distinct family-centric neighbourhood feel. Diners at Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh can expect the same quality of cuisine the brand is famous for. Forgoing fancy or fiddly Italian dishes, you can look forward to their famous wood-fired pizzas made with 48-hour fermented dough, fully loaded anti-pasta board and salads, alongside meats straight from the grill and a dedicated children’s menu.
Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh, The Elite, Al Dabbab Street, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234. Tel: 9200 18212. @jonandvinnys.ksa
Carbone
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Setting up shop in one of the capital’s top hotels, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, celeb-loved Carbone landed in Riyadh last year, and is a treat for the eyes and the belly. The venue’s luxe interiors include accents of gorgeous royal blue, maroon, and striking gold to set the whole venue apart. The dim lighting makes the space perfect for an intimate dinner for two. Crowd-favourite menu items include seafood salad, linguini vongole, lobster fra diavola, chicken scarpariello and veal parmesan elevated to a new level. A must-try is the world-famous Spicy Rigatoni (SAR190) and it’s safe to say it did not disappoint. Perfectly al dente pasta, topped with a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce, it’s definitely a must-try on the menu.
Carbone, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, daily 7pm to 12.30am. @carbone.riyadh
House of Grill
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Located inside the understatedly luxurious Fairmont Riyadh, House of Grill is an ode to the lavish soirees and glamour of the roaring twenties, masterminded by acclaimed chef Nicolas Isnard. His Mediterranean heritage is brought to life through dishes like lobster bisque, chargrilled jumbo prawns paired with a spicy coconut sauce, and 24-hour slow-cooked black Angus short ribs with a black garlic glaze and mash potato. The interiors are a lesson in quite modern luxury, with mirrored accents, crisp white tablecloths, and feather chandeliers that add a feminine touch.
House of Grill, Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate, Airport Road, Qurtubah, 8pm to 2am Mon to Sat, closed Sun. Tel: (966) 118 26 26 26. @houseofgrillksa
Agio
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Located at The Canopy, Amalfi Coast-inspired gem Agio is Riyadh’s love letter to the coastlines of the Mediterranean. The Italian restaurant is the latest endeavour by Modern Food Company, a major player in the lifestyle and fine dining arena in Saudi Arabia. Agio embraces everything we love about Italian food: simple, well-sourced ingredients and dishes designed to share. Pasta features heavily on his menu with creations like the goccia pasta tossed in a creamy pink sauce and Calabrian spicy chilli; thin green tagliolini pasta with creamy bechamel and veal prosciutto; and the black seafood ravioli with prawns and fresh tomato sauce. But there are fish and meat dishes if these are what you’re craving for – the veal ossobuco is worth ordering. More than the food, Agio is also a destination for those who want to sail their way through spritzes and mocktails or savour some good ‘ol limoncello created in Italy just for Agio.
Agio, The Canopy, Northern Ring Rd, Hittin, Riyadh 13512. Opens January 14. Tel: 9200 13860. @agiosaudi
African Lounge
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Fans of the dining destination by Tashas Group in Bujairi Terrace are probably already well aware of the stunning Flamingo Room. And since December, mere steps away lies their gorgeous African Lounge – part of the three unique concepts under one roof, with a terrific terrace letting you take full advantage of the Flamingo Collection’s 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. The African Lounge has a different menu from the Flamingo Room, serving a selection of small sharing plates and sweet treats. Highlights include Grilled Bao and Malay Spiced Butter, Calamari Sosaties, Butternut Curry, and traditional South African Bobotie. Meanwhile, sweet lovers can enjoy desserts that celebrate the sweet fruits and spiced caramel flavours found across the savannahs, deserts, and forests of Africa.
African Lounge, Flamingo Collection, Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah Gate, daily 6pm to midnight. @african__lounge
Obaya Lounge
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Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh’s enviable Kingdom Centre location makes it the perfect pit-stop for any meet-up or shopping trip. However, the hotel’s new social sanctuary alone might be enough to entice you through its doors. Step inside Obaya Lounge, a new lobby space located within the hotel’s atrium on the ground floor of the most eye-catching tower in Riyadh. Inspired by the remarkable Arabian horse, Obaya, once owned by the esteemed King Abdulaziz, the elegant lounge exudes warm traditions amid opulent surroundings deeply rooted in local heritage. Obaya Lounge’s international offerings include a selection of sourdough tartines and sandwiches, such as buffalo burrata with heirloom tomatoes and grilled prime beef cheeseburger with a tasty side of French fries, as well as substantial mains from crispy confit duck leg with green beans and potatoes to chickpea, cauliflower and eggplant spiced curry with saffron pilaf basmati rice. And for dessert? Sweet treats by the hotel’s pastry team include Japanese quark cheesecake, baked apple galette, and daily churned ice cream with flavours from Thai mango to dark bitter chocolate.
Obaya Lounge, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, daily 6am to 2am. Tel: +966 11 211 5500. @fsriyadh
Mr Chow
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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, 5pm to 11.30pm daily. Tel: 9200 12658 @mrchowriyadh