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
Crème
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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
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
Good Food Coffee & Bakery
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Fluffy, sugary donuts and silky soft serve sound like a match made in sugar heaven. Now, the grand dame of chimney cakes has arrived in Riyadh: Good Food Coffee And Bakery. A whole suite of sweet and savoury cones are available.
Good Food Coffee & Bakery, KAFD Area 3, Riyadh 13515, Mon, Tues & Thurs 8am to midnight, Wed & Sun 8am to 8pm, Fri & Sat 4pm to midnight. @goodfoodchimney
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
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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
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A staple in the Jeddah dining scene, Kuuru is a Nikkei restaurant that is an ode to Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Look forward to a unique Nikkei bar where you can catch the chefs in action producing inventive nigiri, hand-rolls, ceviche and more. We’re also expecting to see popular menu items like chicken panca truffle, black cod criollo and tiger shrimp anticuchero in the capital too.
Kuuru Riyadh, KAFD, 3.05, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, Sat to Wed noon to 11.30pm, Thurs & Fri noon to 12.30am. @kuuruksa
Maui
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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
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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
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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, daily noon to 2am. Tel: 9200 12658 @mrchowriyadh
Pistrina Bakery
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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
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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. 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
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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
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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
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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
Still to come
Amazonico
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.
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.
Zuma
Following on from the arrival of sister restaurant Roka in 2021, Zuma will open a permanent restaurant in Riyadh this October. Joining Rainer Becker’s Zuma empire of 17 restaurants around the globe, Zuma Riyadh will serve up signature dishes such as marinated black cod, sliced yellowtail and robata skewers. Although the location hasn’t been officially confirmed, we suspect it will debut at Via Riyadh.