13 of the hottest new spots to dine at in Riyadh this month
Add these to your list…
We, like everyone, enjoy food a lot. And there’s honestly no better city to be a foodie right now than Riyadh, and with the constant introduction of brilliant new restaurants in Riyadh, it’s easy to lose track of all of them. Don’t fret though, we’ve got your back. Here’s our edit on the hottest new spots to dine at in Riyadh that are actually worth your riyal.
Akira Back
If you’re familiar with the concept, Akira Back features modern Japanese cuisine with a Korean flair while emphasising seasonal produce. So, don’t come in thinking that you’re going to get traditional Japanese fare. Plus, with any Akira Back dining experience, you’d know that drama is a given – from the interiors right down to the menu. Expect a luxuriously designed space at Akira Back Riyadh, which has barely anything to tell you it’s a Japanese place – not the marbled tables, not the glossy gold accents, and definitely not the abstract art scattered on the restaurant’s main floor.
Akira Back, 1364AH Complex, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. @akirabackriyadh
Attache
Have you ever found yourself torn between an elaborate dinner and hitting the dance floor? In Riyadh, yes. Well, buckle up because we’ve got you covered. We’ve recently tottered around town in our highest heels (blisters be damned) to uncover this gem where you can have dinner and then shimmy the night away – all without switching venues. Meet attaché. Once an equestrian club, attaché is the latest standalone project from MDLBeast, tucked in a valley between the endless rows of embassies in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter (DQ). The menu, by Chef Emmanuel Soares, features some contemporary international dishes inspired by the many rich cultures surrounding the venue and highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients, including produce from the garden.
attaché, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12513. Tel: 053 244 6209. @attache.dq
Chotto Matte
All Chotto Matte sites are set in impressive and memorable spaces, and the stylish, contemporary art-led design of the Riyadh location will add an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience, mirroring the city’s own modern and ambitious environment. The new space will be designed by Andy Martin, the respected founder of Superfutures: Architecture & Design and a long-standing partner, who has collaborated with the group since its inception in 2013. Signature items include the pollo den miso (chicken marinated in miso paste), sato maki sushi (yellowtail and salmon with red pepper lime soy, flamed at the table), black cod aji miso (cod with a chilli-miso and yuzu marinade), and cordero Nikkei (lamb anticucho with pear and yellow tomato salsa).
Chotto Matte Riyadh, KAFD, Al Aqiq, 7229 Innovation Blvd, 3004, Riyadh 13519. Reservations can be made here. @chottomatteruh
Isabel Mayfair
Hailing from London’s upscale Mayfair neighbourhood, glamorous restaurant Isabel will be making its international debut in Riyadh in January. Set to welcome diners from next month in As Sulimaniyah district, it’s the first international expansion of the famed London restaurant. A product of restaurateur and designer Juan Santa Cruz and named after the well-connected Argentinean’s grandmother and mentor, Isabel opened in London in 2017. It almost instantly became a celebrity favourite, counting Noel Gallagher, Sienna Miller, Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender, and Robert Patterson among its most famous patrons. Isabel brings modern European elegance with upscale Mediterranean cuisine. If Isabel Mayfair’s stunning ocean liner 1930s-inspired space is any indication, we’re expecting the Riyadh iteration to also feature jaw-dropping interiors with a mix of Chinoiserie and Art Deco influences.
Isabel Riyadh, 3818 Al Ayinah, As Sulimaniyah. @isabelriyadh
Berenjak
A Persian restaurant by way of London, Berenjak has long been one of the city’s favourite stalwarts for piling up delightful kebabs onto plates since its opening in 2018. They’ve grown from strength to strength, opening additional locations in London, as well as in Dubai, Sharjah, and Doha. Now, the team – in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority, Riyadh Season, and Cool Inc. – is setting up shop in Saudi Arabia, with the arrival of Berenjak at Via Riyadh.But hurry, as this unique experience will only be available in Riyadh for a limited time. The pop-up is set to debut this February and will run for just one month.
Berenjak Pop-Up, Via Riyadh. Reservations can be made here.
Hocho
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A meat lover’s haven awaits at Via Riyadh’s all-new dining destination, Hōchō. The spot brings something different to the ultra-luxury complex, a focus on Kobe beef, a prized Japanese meat. Immerse yourself in a curated menu that takes you on a culinary journey that features exquisite sushi and bold flavours inspired by the historic Silk Road.
Hōchō, Via Riyadh, Sat to Wed 3pm to midnight & Thu to Fri 3pm to 1am. @hocho.sa
L˜ARIA
’tis the season. For what you may ask? Well, alfresco season for starters. While we already have a glorious selection of restaurants in every cuisine, we’re always more than happy to welcome another. Especially when it’s an Italian one (okay, I’m biased). Without further ado, let’s dive right into Lake Como’s best-kept secret, the culinary delight that is L˜ARIA in Riyadh. The restaurant is now open in Riyadh as a limited-time pop-up until Wednesday Saturday 22.
L˜ARIA in Riyadh, Al Olaya, Mon to Sat 6pm to 11.30pm & Sat 1pm to 4pm. mandarinoriental.com
La Bocca
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La Bocca Restaurant opened its doors in the capital to offer its visitors an exceptional dining experience that offers authentic Italian cuisine. Picture famous Italian dishes and recipes, such as crispy pizza with fresh ingredients all served in a gorgeous space. Tuck into the incredible Burrata, Caesar or lentil salads, or the crispy mushroom croquettes made of mushroom balls with mozzarella cheese and special sauce.
La Bocca Restaurant, Anas Bin Malik Road, Al Malqa, daily from 6pm to 1am, @labocca.sa .
Brunch and Cake
KAFD dwellers, get excited. You now have a new Instagram-worthy destination for picture-perfect dishes. Barcelona-born, award-winning and all-day dining restaurant Brunch & Cake has opened a new venue in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). Known for its beautiful interiors, wholesome dishes, and generous portions, Brunch & Cake has been popular among locals and expats for a reason. It’s not only beautiful with an Instagrammable look and feel, but it also offers delicious food that is just as pretty to look at.
Brunch and Cake, KAFD, Fri to Wed 8am to 11.45pm & Thu 12pm 11.45pm. @brunchandcakeksa
Fuwa
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It’s debatable whether a jiggly stack of souffle pancakes, a dollop of whipped cream and maple syrup are too indulgent. We obviously think not. At Fuwa, it is popular for its Japanese pancakes paired with hearty boba drinks. Crowd-pleasers include cheesecake, taro and its latest flavour, the tiramisu. What a masterpiece. The Jeddah-based spot has just opened its Riyadh venue recently, and you need to try it.
Fuwa Riyadh, Ibrahim Ibn Naghmish, Al Aqiq, Sat to Wed 6am to midnight, Thu to 6am to 2am, Fri 1pm to midnight, @fuwapancakes
Kimyona
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Riyadh’s best-kept secret. No, really. What seems to be a regular streetside gallery is, in reality, a gorgeous new modern Asian restaurant in disguise. The goal here is to blur the lines between cultures, through art, food, and drinks.
Kimyona, Street Number 40, Al Olaya, Mon to Sat 6pm to midnight. @kimyona.sa
Lazy Cat
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Lazy Cat has finally reopened in Laysen Valley, which marks the arrival of its fluffy Japanese pancakes and its indulgent crispy chicken muffin, is a fine day indeed. Luckily for us, you can now enjoy them throughout the week thanks to its all-day menu, served Sunday to Saturday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Don’t forget to order its famous blue matcha, too.
Lazy Cat, Laysen Valley, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12329, Sat to Wed 7am to midnight, Thurs & Fri 7am to 1am. @eatlazycat
Public
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Setting up shop in central Riyadh in the Sulimaniyah district for the second branch, Public’s first branch is already up and running in Boulevard Riyadh City. Come for the pizza, stay for the stunning decor and incredibly upbeat ambience. By the public for the public, the restaurant serves comfort classics and Instagram-worthy items like the coveted tiramisu.
Public, RHSA8182، 8182 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, 4040, daily 1pm to 1am. @public.ksa