5 restaurants you must try in Riyadh for traditional Arabic breakfast
From falafel to shakshouka, there’s plenty for you to try…
When it comes to Arabic food, everyone has their favourite dishes. We have rounded up some of the best spots in Riyadh for an authentic Arabic breakfast.
AlKofeia
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For a taste of Palestinian cuisine, head to AlKofeia. The place is full of kitsch and quirky paraphernalia, but the food is the real deal – simple and satiating, including staple crowd-pleasers. If you need help deciding what to order, the gallaya tomato and meat (minced meat fried in olive oil and chopped tomatoes), shakshouka, and fatteh hummus with meat are fab choices. Need a nice little pick-me-up? Order a cup of super potent Turkish coffee.
Location: AlKofeia, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241
Timings: Mon to Sat 5am to 1am & Sun 5am to noon
Contact: 055 345 3888 / @alkofeia
Hamsa Taghmeesa
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For a more upmarket breakfast experience that offers big traditional flavours, Hamsa Taghmeesa it is. The menu is bursting with Arabic staples – enjoy baked halloumi, lentil stew, dips and every hamsa dishes you can think of, from liver to eggplant.
Location: Hamsa Taghmeesa, Al Abbas Ibn Abdulmutalib, At Taawun, Riyadh 12476
Timings: daily 5am to midnight
Contact: 050 679 0666 / @hamsawtaghmeesa
Harat
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Another crowd favourite in Riyadh, Harat’s extensive menu blends both traditional and contemporary recipes, using fresh ingredients. You’ll be surrounded by locals who head to this great spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bestsellers from the breakfast items include the lamb mugalgal and egg-halloumi bil fekhara. If you need help choosing the dishes, just ask one of the friendly servers for recommendations.
Location: Harat, The Zone
Timings: 7am to 1.30am, daily
Mirzam
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Here, the casual restaurant offers an impressive spread of sharing dishes inspired by the country’s diverse food culture through a modern spin in the kitchen and on the floor. The minimalist space is bright and inviting and accented with Sadu-inspired cushions, a range of pottery wares, and geometrical art patterns on the wall. The straightforward menu has three parts: appetisers, main courses, and a dessert. It is influenced by the rich culinary traditions, local produce, flavoursome spices, and cooking methods passed down through generations defining Saudi Arabian cuisine today.
Locations: Mirzam, two locations, including Wadi As Sarh, Al Wadi, Riyadh 13313 & Takamul Plaza, Riyadh 12383
Timings: Al Wadi daily 5am to 5pm & Takamul Plaza Sun to Thurs 5am to 3pm, Fri & Sat 5am to 5pm
Tameesa
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Get ready for a wait; everyone comes to this restaurant because it’s low-priced and amazing. The mugalgal beef and falafel pizza are two highlights from its menu. For the adventurous, try the fried liver with vegetables. The restaurant itself has a beautiful setting too, and the outdoor seating is not one to miss.
Location: Tameesa, three locations, including King Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, Al Yasmin, Riyadh 13326 & 7876 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12313
Timings: 4am to 4pm, daily
