Left it late? Here's where to dine in Riyadh for your festive celebrations
Festive feasting starts here
It’s that time of year when a few sacred things make our annual resurrection: evergreen ornaments, Advent calendars, Mariah Carey, and a wide-eyed, nine-year-old Macaulay Culkin screaming into the camera. But among these seasonal staples lies a severely underrated yet essential tradition: festive menus.
Even if it isn’t officially the holiday season in Saudi Arabia, festive specials abound at restaurants across Riyadh. For those celebrating, it’s all about gathering with your nearest and dearest around the table and tucking into a satisfying feast.
And if that table isn’t in one of your homes this year, there is no shortage of restaurants serving up the festive spirit. Here’s our pick of where to go.
Al Orjouan
View this post on Instagram
You can always count on Al Orjouan at The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh for some festive dining inspiration. Look forward to live stations, where you can watch the chef whip up your choice of main before your eyes. The best part? There’s live entertainment and plenty of activities for the little ones.
Location: The Grand Holiday Feast, Al Orjouan, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh
Timings: Dec 24 & 25, from 6.30pm | Dec 25, from 12.30pm
Cost: SAR350 per adult & SAR225 for kids between six and 12
Contact: 011 802 8333
Cafe Boulud
If you’re searching for a festive feast in the heart of Riyadh, Cafe Boulud at Four Seasons Hotel might be right up your street. On Wednesday December 24, enjoy a special set menu paired with beverages for an elegant evening of festive flavours, enhanced by live entertainment. The festivities continue on Thursday December 25 and Friday December 26 with a lively brunch buffet featuring themed drinks, generous buffet options, interactive cooking stations, curated pass-around delights, and live entertainment throughout.
Location: Cafe Boulud, Four Seasons Hotel
Timings: Dec 24, 6pm to 11pm | Dec 25 & 26, 12.30pm to 4pm
Cost: SAR490 for festive dinner on Dec 24 | SAR325 for festive brunch on Dec 25 & 26
Carbone
Carbone invites guests to revel in bold flavours through its three-course Winter Carnival menu, spotlighting signature classics such as burrata caprese, tortellini al ragù, veal parmesan, and a charming finale of Crostata di Frutta di Stagione.
Location: Carbone, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Timings: Until Dec 28
Contact: 011 829 0900
Che Figata
Celebrate the season with a festive family-style feast at Che Figata, an Italian gem at Fairmont Hotel Riyadh. Savour a thoughtfully prepared menu designed for sharing, honouring the rich and comforting flavours of the holidays.
Location: A Festive Eve to Savour, Che Figata, Fairmont Hotel Riyadh
Timings: Dec 24, 6.30pm to 11pm
Cost: SAR250 per person
Contact: 011 826 2629
Goji Kitchen
Head on down to Goji Kitchen at Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter and tuck into a festive turkey dinner buffet filled with seasonal favourites. Plus, there’s a live DJ to keep the holiday spirit going.
Location: Goji Kitchen, Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter
Timings: Dec 24 & 25, 7pm to 10pm
Cost: SAR350 per person
House of Grill
Savour the season at one of our favourite steakhouses in Riyadh. Indulge in a specially crafted set menu, celebrating festive flavours.
Location: A Festive Eve to Savour, House of Grill, The Fairmont Hotel Riyadh
Timings: Dec 24, 6.30pm to 11pm
Cost: SAR500 per person
Contact: 011 826 2629
La Brasserie
Celebrate the season at La Brasserie with festive dining designed to delight. Enjoy an elegant Festive Lunch on Wednesday December 24 and Thursday December 25, and indulge in holiday flavours made from the finest ingredients. Afterwards, don’t miss the Festive Brunch on Friday December 26, featuring live cooking stations, international treats, and holiday-inspired desserts – ideal for a memorable feast with family and friends.
Location: La Brasserie, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh
Timings: Noon to 3.30pm
Cost: SAR325 per person for Festive Lunch on Dec 24 & 25 | SAR397 per person for Festive Brunch on Dec 26
Contact: 011 273 2000
L’ami Dave
L’ami Dave sets the tone for a sophisticated Parisian winter with a three-course Winter Carnival menu, featuring standout dishes: a vibrant Waldorf salad to begin, roasted turkey with herb dressing, and the signature sticky plum pudding to conclude.
Location: L’ami Dave, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Timings: Until Dec 28
Contact: 011 829 0900
La Petite Maison Riyadh
Celebrated for its French-Mediterranean cuisine, La Petite Maison Riyadh invites guests to embrace the festive season with its limited-edition à la carte dishes. Each plate is crafted from winter ingredients, interpreted in the light, balanced, and elegant style of the French Riviera. Whether it’s a starter such as Tuna with Black Truffle, Red Endive and Clementine, or Oysters with Citrus Dressing, or a refined main like Tenderloin Rossini and Foie Gras, Tiger Prawns Provençal, or Wild Mushrooms and Scallop, each dish balances lightness and sophistication, giving guests the chance to savour the flavours of the season in a calm yet elevated setting. The Hazelnut Chocolate Tart adds a touch of festive indulgence with its rich, refined flavour, while Wild Idol enhances the moment with its celebratory sparkle.
Location: La Petite Maison Riyadh, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212
Timings: Until Jan 2, for lunch and dinner service
Contact: 9200 11794
Sadelle’s
At Sadelle’s, the beloved all-day dining concept inspired by New York’s classic eateries, the Winter Carnival menu delivers hearty warmth and nostalgic comfort. The experience begins with crispy, golden chicken wings served as a flavourful appetiser, followed by succulent roast prime rib as the main course. It concludes with the irresistibly warm and comforting deep-dish apple pie, offering the perfect sweet finish to a cosy winter meal.
Location: Sadelle’s, Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel
Timings: Until Dec 28
Contact: 011 829 0900
The 365 Restaurant
The festive celebrations at Fairmont Hotel Riyadh continue on Friday December 26 with a lively Boxing Day Brunch at The 365 Restaurant. Featuring a vibrant buffet of seasonal favourites, international flavours, and local delights, the brunch offers a joyful setting to linger over good food, enjoy the festive spirit, and create treasured memories with family and friends.
Location: The 365 Restaurant, The Fairmont Hotel Riyadh
Timings: Dec 26, 12.30pm to 5pm
Cost: SAR365 per person
Contact: 011 826 2629
Silk Road Restaurant
View this post on Instagram
Festive dinner, live music, and great company – celebrate the season at Silk Road Restaurant.
Location: Silk Road Restaurant, Radisson Blu Riyadh Minhal
Timings: Dec 24, 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Contact: 011 874 9200
Images: Supplied / Unsplash
