New Year's Eve in Riyadh: Where to celebrate the start of 2025
Don’t have any New Year’s Eve plans? Now you do…
It’s almost time to bid farewell to the year that has gone and embrace the promise of a new one. If you’re looking to welcome the new year in style, the capital is offering a vibrant array of New Year’s Eve countdown parties, complete with live music performances and more.
From a multi-course dinner and chic gatherings with a more relaxed atmosphere to a glamorous rooftop bash and a pulse-pounding DJ set, here are some of the best places to ring in the new year in Riyadh. So, dust off your party wear and make your 2024 New Year’s Eve party in Riyadh one to remember.
A.O.K. Kitchen
Capping the year in style and bringing a dose of festive glamour to Riyadh, A.O.K. Kitchen is throwing an exclusive ‘A Golden 2025’ celebration this New Year’s Eve. Picture this: The Mediterranean-meets-Californian restaurant will transform into a golden-hued wonderland. Welcome drink in hand, foliage-covered terrace, glittering gold centrepieces, and more. Available from 9pm, guests will enjoy a special menu of festive A.O.K. favourites with a festive twist in a luxurious atmosphere complete with a live band. Adding to the excitement, a countdown complete with sparklers and confetti will be seen in the New Year. An earlier sitting will also be available, perfect for families, with seating from 6pm to 8pm, with no minimum spend.
A.O.K. Kitchen, KAFD, Tel: 9200 25304. New Year’s Eve at A.O.K. Kitchen runs from 6pm to 8pm with no minimum spend, and from 9pm til late with a SAR100 per person required to confirm the booking on Dec 31. @aokkitchensaudi
Azure
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Cheers to new beginnings with a spellbinding New Year’s Eve menu at Azure. The restaurant beckons with a sumptuous Spanish feast featuring an array of traditional Andalusian delights, from savoury tapas bursting with flavour to the iconic paella.
Azure, Dec 31, 7pm to 1.30am, Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya. Tel: 053 341 1234. SAR275 per person. @azureriyadh
Bagatelle
If you’re looking for an epic New Year’s Eve bash to cap off the year, the folks at Bagatelle have the ultimate Great BaGatsby-themed party waiting for you. Experience an evening filled with excitement featuring a mouthwatering Mediterranean set menu, a fantastic live entertainment, and vibrant dancers. The festivities kick off at 9pm, and when the clock strikes midnight, get ready to welcome 2025 with an in-house DJ who will be there all night with electrifying beats to keep the party vibes alive.
Bagatelle Riyadh, Dec 31, 9pm to 1am, Laysen Valley. SAR700 per person. Tel: 011 507 9710. @bagatelleriyadh
Beast House
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You can’t go wrong with a party at Beast House – it’s a classic. So, round up your squad at its NYE disco extravaganza featuring a night of vintage glamour and modern beats. The Disco Diner will be serving up the groovy sounds of DJ Ahmed Zainal and DJ Gari Saint , as you enjoy a curated a la carte menu. Meanwhile, the main stage welcomes house and disco aficionados Ralph Nasr and DJ Rush , as well as performances by a saxophonist and bongo player, roller skaters, carnival treats, and a spectacular live countdown with a balloon drop.
Disco Heaven – New Year’s Eve at Beast House, Dec 31, 7.30pm to 4am, JAX District. Tickets start from SA250 and can be purchased here. @_beasthouse
Beefbar
If you’re looking for somewhere with that extra pizzaz, Beefbar is sure to deliver. The restaurant is pulling out all the stops for a dazzling New Year’s Eve with a special menu and live entertainment from 9.30pm.
Beefbar, Dec 31, from 9.30pm, 8712 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St. 4237, Riyadh 12223. Tel: 9200 04146. @beefbar_riyadh
Carbone
Bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025 in style with Carbone’s Italian-inspired set menu. Begin with a selection of delicious appetisers, including Calamari Marco and Burrata with Roasted Peppers. For the main course, guests can indulge in the bold and flavourful Spicy Rigatoni and a succulent Ribeye Steak paired with Steamed Asparagus. To complete the meal, enjoy the decadent Nutella Tiramisu, offering the perfect sweet finish to the evening’s celebration. Alongside an exciting live band performing from 9pm, you’ll also have access to the hotel’s al fresco after party, where the band continues playing into the wee hours, with live dessert stations and a cosy, yet fun atmosphere in the central plaza.
Carbone, Dec 31, Mansard Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel. Tel: 011 829 0919. SAR1,000 per person. @carbone.riyadh
chi SPACCA
The restaurant will shimmer with golden accents and a festive balloon display, creating the perfect backdrop for a joyous evening. Enjoy live music as you savour delicious dishes while counting down to the New Year with a shower of confetti.
chi SPACCA, Via Riyadh, Dec 31, from 6pm. There’s a minimum spend of SAR350 per person after 8.30pm. Make your reservation here. @chispacca.sa
Coya
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Have a Peruvian flair to your meal at Coya, where you can have a dinner to remember. Kick things off early with its exclusive NYE menu in the restaurant first, featuring mouthwatering dishes like Delicias Festivas, Angus Negro T-BONE, and Gratinado de Vieiras, before counting down with the resident DJ and a live band, and grooving into 2025 with electrifying beats.
Coya, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223. Tel: 9200 10352. @coyariyadh
Crazy Pizza
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If you’re on the hunt for pizza on New Year’s Eve, then celebrate the occasion in Crazy Pizza-style. Dig into and devour all of its most-loved dishes, enjoy a celebratory mocktail at midnight to celebrate the New Year, and shimmy and shake to live DJs.
Crazy Pizza, various locations. Tel: 9200 07275. @crazypizza.saudi
Gymkhana
One of the best Indian restaurants in Riyadh, Gymkhana is ushering in the New Year with a specially curated menu. Highlights include Amritsari Lobster, Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops, Chicken Butter Masala, and more.
Gymkhana, Via Riyadh, Dec 31, from 6pm. There’s a minimum spend of SAR550 per person after 8.30pm. Make your reservation here. @gymkhana.sa
House of Grill
Gear up to welcome 2025 in style with a fabulous soiree at House of Grill. An opulent five-course tasting menu awaits, featuring the fine flavours of dishes like lobster bonbon with saffron bisque, truffle ravioli and the signature chocolate and gold time clock for dessert. Reservations are welcome from 7.30pm, and the menu is priced at SAR625 per person.
House of Grill, Dec 31, from 7.30pm, Fairmont Riyadh. Tel: 011 826 2629. SAR625 per person. @houseofgrillksa
Il Baretto
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Did someone sing “Havana ooh-na-na”? Well, Camila Cabello ain’t making an appearance, but you’re more than welcome to come in your best rendition of Havana glam. Celebrate the end of the year, Cuban-style, combined with the timeless sophistication of Italy, with a set menu of Italian-Cuban fusion cuisine, a live band to bring the much-loved Latin party hits, and non-alcoholic prosecco. Promising a fiesta to remember, a line-up of salsa dancer and musicians will also pay homage to Il Baretto’s Italian roots.
Il Baretto Riyadh’s Havana Club ’25 Celebrations, Dec 31, 6pm to 8pm (no minimum spend) & 8pm to late (with a minimum spend of SAR650 for reservations), KAFD. Tel: 9200 12508. @ilbarettosa
Iris
One of the hottest places to be at for New Year’s Eve countdown is Iris. It’s no surprise, considering its outdoor terrace gives you arguably one of the best views of the skyline, and you get a celebratory vibe throughout your evening.
Midnight Bloom at Iris, Dec 31, from 8pm, Ramla Terraza, 7713 King Fahd Rd, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321. SAR400 per person. Tel: 053 777 6452. @irisriyadh
L’ami Dave
Celebrate, savour, and sparkle into 2025 with a refined French-inspired set menu at L’ami Dave. Start with a selection of appetisers including Bisque de Homard à la Normandie, a rich and creamy French lobster soup and Crispy Prawns. For the main course, indulge in the luxurious Côtes De Veau au Crème de Chanterelle, a tender veal dish complemented by rich and earthy flavours. End the meal with a warm and indulgent Soufflé au Chocolat, a perfect chocolate dessert to cap off the evening. Alongside a delectable menu, you’ll also have access to the hotel’s al fresco after party, where the band continues playing into the wee hours, with live dessert stations and a cosy, yet fun atmosphere in the central plaza.
L’ami Dave, Dec 31, 9pm onwards, Mansard Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel. Tel: 011 829 0949. @lamidaveriyadh
La Petite Maison
One of the most popular dining destinations in Riyadh, La Petite Maison (LPM) returns with a magical New Year’s Eve celebrations. Particularly, you can dance the night away at LPM’s “Moonlit Elegance” themed party. The evening features elegant decor in white and silver, complemented by ambient candlelight and fairy lights, complete with a live DJ and a stunning champagne fountain serving non-alcoholic sparkling wine all night long. Get to savour plates of Foie Gras Terrine with Toasted Brioche, a Seafood Tower with Oysters, Langoustines, Prawns, Sea Bream Ceviche, and King Crab, Burrata with Black Truffle and main courses such as Atlantic Sea Bass with Bouillabaisse Sauce or Homemade Rigatoni with White Truffle. Diners can also look forward to a performance by renowned violinist Pasha Cazan during the second seating.
La Petite Maison (LPM), Dec 31, 6.30pm to 8.30pm (no minimum spend) & 9pm till late, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212. A minimum spend of SAR795 is required for a set menu with open beverages. Make your reservation here. Reservations require advance payment, with a non-refundable cancellation policy in place during the last week of December. @lpmriyadh
Les Deux Magots
Celebrate the arrival of 2025 in Parisian style. Enjoy a celestial dining experience with live violin music under a canopy of stars. Les Deux Magots will be adorned with enchanting decorations, creating the perfect ambience for a memorable evening.
Les Deux Magots, Via Riyadh, Dec 31, from 6pm. There’s a minimum spend of SAR350 per person after 8.30pm. Make your reservation here. @lesdeuxmagots.sa
Madeo
Dress in your sparkliest outfits and join in the golden-themed celebration adorned with glittering decor, a live band, and a menu that combines comfort with sophistication. This glamorous night is one not to be missed.
Madeo, Via Riyadh, Dec 31, from 6pm. There’s a minimum spend of SAR550 per person after 8.30pm. Make your reservation here. @madeoristorante.sa
Raoul’s
Sparkle and shine at Raoul’s, where the venue transforms into a twinkling wonderland adorned with silver sequins and droplets. Dance the night away to the hottest tracks spun by its resident DJ, enjoy a special menu featuring delectable dishes, and get ready for a magical midnight countdown.
Raoul’s, Via Riyadh, Dec 31, from 6pm. There’s a minimum spend of SAR450 per person after 8.30pm. Make your reservation here. @raoulsrestaurant.sa
Robata
Usher in the New Year in style at Japanese restaurant Robata. Enjoy the beats of DJ Galilo, a mesmerising live violin performance, and be captivated by a thrilling fire show that will light up the sky.
Robata, Hittin, Riyadh 13512, Tel: 9200 05613. @robatasaudi
ROKA
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Say hello to 2025 at ROKA Riyadh. The New Year’s Eve dining experience will feature the full à la carte menu, along with seasonal and premium tasting menus. The best part? The night will be filled with vibrant energy, with a live DJ and a percussionist. Guests can capture memories with a Polaroid camera, wear festive tiaras, hats, and glasses, and be surrounded by celebratory branded confetti. For a personal touch, a 2025 message card will be placed on each table’s napkin. The night will also include a complimentary champagne toast from 11.30pm, leading up to an exciting countdown with the DJ as midnight approaches.
ROKA Riyadh, Dec 31, 1st Seating: 6.30pm to 8pm, 2nd Seating: From 9pm with a minimum spend, reservations via phone or email only, with a SAR 500 deposit per person & Final Seating at 11.30pm. Tel: 9200 17652. @rokarestaurant.ksa
Sadelle’s
For those seeking a cosy yet elevated New Year’s Eve celebration, Sadelle’s offers a curated set menu featuring comforting yet refined dishes. Begin with the fresh and zesty Shrimp Cocktail and House-Cured Salmon Carpaccio, followed by a choice of the hearty Ribeye Steak with Roasted Garlic and Braised Leeks or the light and flavourful Grilled Branzino with Sesame Spinach. Finish the evening with the ever-popular Sadelle’s Carrot Cake, a delicious balance of sweetness and spice. Then, head to the hotel’s central plaza to join in the al fresco after party, where a live band will be playing into the wee hours.
Sadelle’s, Dec 31, Mansard Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel. SAR400 per person. @sadellesriyadh
Scott’s
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Welcome the new year in style with Scott’s elegant evening as you dine by candlelight, savouring its special NYE menu. The evening is elevated with beats from a live jazz band.
Scott’s, Via Riyadh, Dec 31, from 6pm. There’s a minimum spend of SAR650 per person after 8.30pm. Make your reservation here. @scotts.saudi
Spago by Wolfgang Puck
Step into a magical wonderland illuminated by shimmering fairy lights, complemented by live music throughout the evening. Indulge in a specially crafted New Year’s Eve menu that showcases the legacy of Spago.
Spago, Via Riyadh, Dec 31, from 6pm. There’s a minimum spend of SAR650 per person after 8.30pm. Make your reservation here. @spago.sa
Sumosan
Grab your date and make your way to Sumosan for one of the ultimate spots to bid farewell to 2024 in style. Indulge in a contemporary Japanese set menu for SAR550 per person and enjoy mesmerising live entertainment.
Sumosan, Dec 31, 8pm to 1am, Laysen Valley. Tel: 011 507 9712. @sumosan.riyadh
SushiSamba
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SushiSamba is gearing up for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration with its Sambazonia party. The dazzling event begins with an exclusive set dinner menu that puts the spotlight on the restaurant’s signature dishes, enhanced with seasonal highlights. Indulge in a festive sushi assortment meticulously prepared with vibrant flavours alongside main course favorites such as black cod, Robata Yaki Australian Wagyu, and truffle rice with mushrooms. A vegetarian menu is also available, ensuring a delightful experience for every guest. Then, head to the main floor to dance and count down to the new year with an electrifying line-up of live performances, and groove to electrifying beats spun by a live DJ.
Sambazonia NYE Event at SUSHISAMBA, Dec 31, 9pm to 1am, KAFD. SAR850 per person. Tel: 011 269 5347. @sushisamba.riyadh
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
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Celebrate the arrival of 2025 in unparalleled style at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. Indulge in an exquisite five-course dinner, immerse yourself in captivating live music, and experience an enchanting ambience designed for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration.
Gala Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Dec 31, 8pm onwards. Tel: 054 587 7614. SAR550 per person at Al Orjouan Restaurant / SAR750 per person for After party by the pool with DJ Chloe Kteily & Miss Hope. @theritzcarltonruh
Zuma
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After its highly anticipated opening in Riyadh, Zuma invites guests to come together and usher in 2025 with a spectacular New Year’s Eve soiree. The festivities will feature a dazzling light show and an electrifying set by Zuma’s resident DJ, setting the perfect tone for a spectacular start to the new year. Guests can savour Zuma’s renowned à la carte menu, featuring signature dishes such as the Spicy Beef Tenderloin with sesame, red chilli, and sweet soy, and for a sweet finale, the Riyadh-exclusive dessert; Ajwa Date and Miso Toffee Cake, which offers the perfect blend of local flavours and Japanese flair.
New Year’s Eve at Zuma Riyadh, Dec 31, 6pm (no minimum spend) & 9pm to late (a minimum spend of SAR750 per person). Tel: 9200 14597. @zumariyadhofficial
Main image: Photo by Viktor Hanacek from picjumbo.com