18 amazing Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh to dig into
Falafel, fattoush, and fried kibbeh…
Who doesn’t love some good Middle Eastern food? Here in Riyadh, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to top-tier versions of the cuisine. Incorporating a spectacular flavour profile complete with traditional spice blends, Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh are some of the best.
The regional cuisine features incredible Arabic, Armenian, Levantine, Turkish, Lebanese, and of course Saudi dishes that you need to dig into. So without further ado, here are the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh.
Avak
View this post on Instagram
Avak is a modern Mediterranean restaurant in Riyadh’s Hittin district. You can sip on soups like lentil, truffle mushroom, and pumpkin too. Avak’s signature Avaktabbouleh, fatteh vine leaves, and mezza platters too.
Avak, Welfare Center, Hittin daily 1pm to 2am. Tel: 011 275 1833. @avak.sa
Awani
View this post on Instagram
Serving up Levantine cuisine, Awani aims to recreate dishes from the past and rewrite them for the future. The restaurant has two branches in Riyadh, one in Nakheel Mall and another in the popular complex The Zone.
Awani, The Zone, Nakheel Mall, daily 8am to 1.30am. @awanilevant
Balcona 99
View this post on Instagram
Egyptian food has to be one of the most popular cuisines in Riyadh. Balcona 99 recently opened in Riyadh’s Olaya district coming in hot from Cairo. Here you can marvel at the stunning decor (there are actual hieroglyphics carved onto the walls), pictures of old Egyptian actors and singers, and even a portrait of a pharaoh. Menu highlights include mahshi, stuffed pigeon, and bamiya too.
Balcona 99, Century Corner, Al Olaya Sun to Wed 6pm to 12.30am, Thu to Sat 1pm to 12.30am. @balcona.sa
Harat
View this post on Instagram
Located in the heart of Riyadh, Harat is inspired by traditional ancient Middle-Eastern neighbourhoods from the late ’80s. The venue combines Saudi, Lebanese, and Turkish cuisines on the extensive menu. The name translates to lanes in Arabic and that’s where the decor inspo comes from, it gives you the feel of eating outdoors without the (obvious) heat issue. Dig in.
Harat, Exit 5, Levels, Northern Ring Road, daily 6am to noon, 1pm to 1.30pm. @harat.ksa
Lusin
View this post on Instagram
Coming to you from the brand behind Suhail, a firm favourite with local diners when it comes to Saudi food, Lusin is an Armenian restaurant in Centria Mall. Hold the shopping for another time and make your way up to the restaurant to try out delicious-looking foods like cherry kebabs and cherry prawns and the comforting Armenian manti.
Lusin, daily, noon to 1am, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz، Centria Mall Olaya Street. @_lusin_
Nuri
View this post on Instagram
After a casual spot for lunch? Head to Nuri for Lebanese and Armenian food. The venue has indoor and outdoor seating areas, shisha offerings, and a chill ambience you and the family can enjoy. Try out the popular cherry kebabs, tenderloin steak served with a side of mushrooms or shrimp parmesan.
Nuri, King Abdulaziz Rd, As Sulimaniyah, daily 12.30pm to 1am. @nuri.ksa
Offwhite Lounge
View this post on Instagram
One of the most popular lounges in Riyadh, Offwhite combines traditionally Saudi, Armenian, Lebanese, and Italian cuisine. The venue is popular with families for its cosy ambience and stunning decor. Offwhite Lounge also has two other locations in Al Wahah and King Khalid International Airport too.
Offwhite Lounge, 6699 King Abdulaziz Rd, An Nafal, Sat to Thu 2pm to 1am, Fri 1pm to 2am. @offwhitelounge
Shababïk
View this post on Instagram
RÜYA Riyadh
View this post on Instagram
Known for its stylish restaurants in London, Doha, and Dubai (and pretty soon in Cannes), and the Riyadh one fits right into the portfolio. Rüya Riyadh is serving contemporary Anatolian cuisine with a Turkish spin. Walk in through the modest all-black entrance, and a very colourful venue will greet you.
Rüya Riyadh, 1224 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, daily 12.30pm to 1am. @ruya_riyadh
Sobhy Kaber
View this post on Instagram
At Sobhy Kaber, expect a range of grilled meats and stews that tick all your comfort food boxes. It has a lively family atmosphere, is welcoming, and is exceedingly tasty, and you’ll leave very satisfied indeed. Our top picks are the stuffed lamb shoulder and the okra tagine, but you won’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Take the plunge and try something new.
Sobhy Kaber, Al Takhassusi, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh 12312. Ramadan hours: daily 5.30pm to 2.30am. @sobhykabersa
Villa Mamas
View this post on Instagram
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
Em Sherif
View this post on Instagram
If you know Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh, you’ve definitely heard of Em Sherif. The brand pays homage to traditional Lebanese food and instantly became a staple in Beirut’s dining scene and has since expanded to the UAE, Oman, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Jordan, as well as in Monaco and London.
Em Sherif, The Zone, Al Takhassousi, Al Mohammadiyyah, daily 8am to midnight. @emsherifcafeksa
Villa Fayrouz
View this post on Instagram
Originally from Beirut, Villa Fayrouz serves authentic Lebanese cuisine in Riyadh. The airy venue ushers in a wealth of colours and floral arrangements. Complete with a balcony overlooking Riyadh’s bustling Olaya district, Villa Fayrouz is known for its kibbeh, eggplant fattah, and yabrak (vine leaves).
Villa Fayrouz, King Fahd Branch Rd, Al Olaya, 9am to 1.30am. @villafayrouz.sa
Mayrig
View this post on Instagram
The recently refurbished Mayrig restaurant at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences is one of the top Middle Eastern venues in Riyadh and has been serving Armenian fare since 2003. Tuck into Mediterranean and Armenian-inspired dishes, succulent grills and meats, soups, a selection of healthy salads, and hot and cold appetisers.
Mayrig, Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences, 6623 Eastern Ring Rd, Ghirnatah, Sat to Thu 12.30pm to 4pm, 7pm to 1am, Fri 4pm to 1am. @mayrigriyadh
Wadi ElNile
View this post on Instagram
Asmak Wadi El Nile is the place to be if you’re at all into seafood- prepared in the traditional Middle Eastern way. The venue is super expansive with booth and table seating choices, along with a solid nautical theme throughout the space.
Wadi ElNile, Olaya St, al maazar north, Soultan bin Abed el Aziz road, Mon to Wed 12.30pm to 11.30pm, Thu to Fri 12.30pm to 12.30am, Sat 12.30pm to 11.30pm, Closed Sun. @wadielnileksa
AlMayass
View this post on Instagram
AlMayass is a Lebanese restaurant in the heart of Riyadh. A hit with the local diners, here we recommend you tuck into stuffed lamb, mixed grills, batata harra, and the fattoush. Majority of the dishes are served in the style of mezze or small Plates, Hot Or Cold, And Can Best Be Enjoyed As A Sharing Experience
AlMayass, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, daily 12pm to 12.30am. @almayassriyadh
Topkapi
View this post on Instagram
Located in one of Riyadh’s most happening streets, Tahlia, Topkapi is a spot you simply have to check out. Decked out in traditional Turkish decor on the outside and floral embellishment on the inside too. Take bites out of karides sote (sauteed shrimp cooked in pottery), roast duck breast, and grilled meats too.
Topkapi, Tahlia Street, Sat to Wed noon to 1pm, Thu to Fri noon to 1.30pm. Tel: 055 989 8588 @topkapi_sa
The Lebanese Bakery
View this post on Instagram
After a warm manakish straight from the oven? Straight from Beirut, The Lebanese Bakery has locations in U Walk and the Alyasmin district. Try out finger foods like falafel, fried kibbeh, and manoushe. There are also locations in Bahrain, London and Cairo.
The Lebanese Bakery, 8am to midnight, U Walk, An Nakheel. @thelebanesebakeryriyadh
Images: Instagram/ Provided