Restaurant review: SIRA, W Riyadh - KAFD
Bright ceviche, punchy chimichurri and bold Latin American flavours make SIRA one of Riyadh’s most exciting dining spots right now
At first glance, SIRA feels understated. The dining room was calm during our lunchtime visit, with only a handful of tables occupied, but what arrived on the table told a very different story.
From zesty ceviche to herb-packed chimichurri, the menu isn’t afraid of bold Latin American flavours, delivering a welcome departure from the safer, more familiar tastes often found elsewhere. And under the guidance of Chef Jordy Vera Arias, that’s exactly the point.
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The spot
Located at the far end of W Riyadh – KAFD’s ground floor, SIRA feels like one of the hotel’s best-kept secrets. Its tucked-away location gives it a sense of exclusivity, while a dedicated entrance allows diners to head straight into the restaurant without passing through the lobby.
Inside, interiors are cosy and comfortable: A confluence of colours and patterns evoke the vibrancy of Latin America (with proper backed chairs, a welcome practical consideration given meals can extend well beyond two hours), leafy plants, and beautiful earth-hued crockery reinforces the terroir-driven meal.
A striking circular bar anchors the room, while soaring windows flood the restaurant with natural light and frame views of KAFD’s futuristic skyline. Mosaic-style portraits, earthy terracotta tones, and handcrafted finishes lend character to the space, while arched partitions create intimate dining nooks without making the restaurant feel closed off.
The vibe
Despite being located inside one of Riyadh’s busiest business districts, SIRA feels surprisingly relaxed.
The high ceilings, natural light and soft furnishings give the restaurant an airy feel during the day, while the muted colour palette of warm woods, dusty pinks and natural stone adds a sense of understated luxury. It’s stylish without feeling showy and comfortable without sacrificing elegance. Good for catching up with friends, even better for eating your fill of, well, everything.
The menu
Before the starters even arrived, we were served cornbread presented brioche-style alongside dried panca butter and chulpi salt. It was, quite simply, excellent. Soft, warm and slightly sweet, the bread paired beautifully with the smoky, savoury butter.
We then moved on to the W Guacamole, empanadas and Peruvian fish ceviche.
The guacamole arrived fresh and generously portioned, while the empanadas delivered the satisfying contrast of a crisp exterior and flavourful filling.
The sea bass ceviche was the standout starter of the meal. Bright, citrus-led and bursting with freshness, it showcased exactly the bold flavours that Latin American cuisine does so well.
For mains, we had the roasted chicken, striploin al Fuego, and Latin Comfort Asado (slow-braised beef short ribs with mashed potato purée).
The striploin was cooked beautifully and paired with a vibrant chimichurri that brought plenty of herbaceous sharpness to the dish.
The short ribs were rich, tender, and deeply comforting, falling apart with little effort and nicely balanced by the smooth potato purée. Meanwhile, the roasted chicken offered a lighter option without sacrificing flavour.
What impressed most was the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity. The dishes showcased the tangy, zesty and vibrant characteristics that define Latin American cooking. There was no attempt to soften the acidity or mute the citrus notes. Every plate arrived with confidence and a clear sense of identity.
The service
Service throughout lunch was warm, attentive and well-paced. Dishes arrived promptly, recommendations were offered when needed, and the team struck the right balance between being present and allowing guests to enjoy the meal uninterrupted.
What to order
- W Guacamole (SAR69)
- Empanadas de Res (SAR89)
- Vuelve a La Vida – Peruvian fish ceviche (SAR89)
- Roasted Chicken (SAR241)
- Striploin al Fuego (SAR397)
- Latin Comfort Asado (SAR261)
- Papas Andinas (SAR49)
- Churros Artesanales (SAR69)
What’s On the bill
Expect to pay around SAR400 to 500 for three. Worth it for the quality and atmosphere.
The final say
What’s On Verdict: SIRA’s biggest strength is its confidence. Chef Jordy and his team aren’t afraid of the bright, tangy and punchy flavours that define much of Latin American cuisine, and that’s exactly what makes the restaurant stand out.
The real challenge will be maintaining that authenticity. Riyadh’s dining scene has seen more than a few international concepts gradually soften their flavours to cater to local preferences, often losing some of what made them special in the first place.
Hopefully, SIRA resists that temptation because its commitment to authentic Latin American cooking is what makes it worth returning for.
It may be early in the year, but it appears SIRA has already claimed its spot as one of the most compelling Latin American dining experiences in Riyadh. As voting continues for the What’s On Saudi Arabia Awards 2026, it also serves as a reminder of why Favourite Latin American Restaurant was introduced as a dedicated category this year.
If authenticity counts for anything, SIRA deserves to be firmly in the conversation.
Location: SIRA, W Riyadh – KAFD, Financial District, Area 1 Al Aqeeq, Riyadh
Times: 6.30am to 10.30am | 12.30pm to 3pm | 6.30pm to 11pm
Contact: 011 437 6060 | @sirakafd
Reservations: Recommended for weekends. Make your reservations here.
Images: Supplied
