11 amazing things to do in Riyadh this week: April 21 to April 24
Here’s everything to do…
Just before summer hits, Riyadh lights up with some pretty incredible things to do. Be it new restaurants, or viral desserts to try, here are all the things to do in Riyadh this week.
Sunday April 21
Check out Jon & Vinnys
The first location out of the United States, Jon & Vinny’s debut in Saudi Arabia is set to delight Riyadh diners with its playful Italian persona, California-inspired dining space, and comfort food classics just “like Nonna used to make”.
Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh, daily 8am to midnight, The Elite, Al Dabbab Street, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234. Tel: 9200 18212. @jonandvinnys.ksa
Experience contemporary art at Diriyah Biennale
Taking place in the JAX District in Diriyah, Riyadh, the 2024 edition reveals a stellar line-up of participating artists and introduces its curatorial framework, titled “After Rain.” Unfolding across seven halls, courtyards, and terraces along Wadi Hanifa, “After Rain” symbolises renewal and revitalisation, with the title drawing inspiration from the earthy scent that follows rainfall.
Have coffee at Vittoria’s Italian Bakery & Café
Craving Italian-style baked goods? You’ve come to the right place. Nestled in the Qurtubah area, Vittoria’s Italian Bakery & Café is a new venue that churns out amazing croissants, tarts, bambolini, cannoli, biscotti, and other sweet treats, but we’re equally enamoured with its selection of savoury sandwiches. So, order a cup of coffee and don’t think twice about treating yourself to something flaky or frosted.
Vittoria’s Italian Bakery & Café, Qurtubah, Riyadh 13248, Sun to Thurs 7am to 4pm, Fri & Sat 9am to 6pm. @vittorias.sa
Monday April 22
Order up a box of cookies from Baked By Sun
A home-based bakery in Riyadh, Baked by Sun was founded with the viral crookie in mind. Picture this: you’ve had a long day, and now you want to treat yourself. Order up a box of these delectable treats and just wind down with your favourite.
Enter workout heaven at Kayanee
Don’t call it a gym. Don’t call it a social club. The recently opened homegrown brand Kayanee in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter is an entirely new concept dedicated to enhancing women’s well-being and lifestyle. Kayanee (which translates to ‘my being’) prioritises mental, physical, and social health to help women find the balance between what the mind wants and what the body needs.
Kayanee, 1364 Plaza, Diplomatic Quarter, 8175 Abdullah Alsahmi St, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12512. All the brand’s signature products are now available online through the Kayanee website. @kayaneeofficial
Have pizza at La Rustica
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
Sip on the Kultura’s new Iced Kultura drink
Kultura’s recently been making sweeps across Riyadh’s social media pages. A cosy cafe with all glass gates making it a prime people-watching spot, Kultura recently introduced its brand-new Iced Kultura. The drink tastes like gingerbread and is topped with whipped cream and cookie crumble.
Kultura, 2934 Alsail Alkabeer St, Al Ghadir, daily 24-hours. @kultura.sa
Tuesday April 23
Have a flattened croissant at BK Boutique
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Regular croissants are a thing of the past. Now we have flattened ones, cookie ones, and so much more. And BK Boutique, famous for its incredible pastries, is debuting its very own chocolate-dipped version of the flattened croissants, and you simply have to try them.
BK Boutique, Al Takhassousi, Al Mohammadiyyah, Sat to Thu 7am to midnight, Fri 7am to 11am, noon to midnight. @bkboutique.sa
Dig into business lunch at LPM Riyadh
LPM’s coveted business lunch is a must-try. Popular for its counterparts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the French Mediterranean restaurant’s Riyadh branch is finally getting its version. You can dig into Vegetable Terrine, Sea Bream Fillet and so much more.
Business Lunch at LPM Riyadh, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Sun to Thu 12.30pm to 3.30pm. @lpmriyadh
Try out ROKA’s new specials
From the Fried Baby Monkfish served with shiso and umeboshi to the crisp, luxurious bite of the Scallop Sashimi crowned with tapioca pearls, yuzu, and truffle sauce, ROKA Riyadh is unveiling all-new menu specials for you to try. Meat fans will go crazy over the Seared Beef Striploin paired with black truffle, cucumber pickle and daikon, and miso crisp. Or, you can even try the Grilled Baby Chicken with Sancho Soya Dressing, to switch things up.
ROKA Riyadh, 5140 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243, Sun to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thu to Fri 1pm to 12.30am, Sat 1pm to 5pm, 6.30pm to midnight. @rokariyadhofficial
Wednesday April 24
Hang out at Level Up
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There’s a brand-new social club in town. And this one might just be one of the best ones. Big on community-building, the venue offers board game experiences, gaming consoles, and so much more. Head upstairs and you’ll find a VR room, a group therapy room where you can watch movies and TV Shows with your friends, and so much more.
LVL UP social club, Hittin, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight, Thu 11am to 12.30am, Fri 12.30pm to 1.30am, Sat 11am to 12.30pm. @lvlupsocialhub
Head to a concert at The Warehouse
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The ever-so-popular spot, The Warehouse, is back to hosting its incredible live music events after a bit of a break. Local artists like NHA, Immortal, and Spaceguurl will be performing.
The Warehouse, JAX District, Diriyah, daily 4pm to midnight. @twh_ksa