All the amazing restaurants to try at KAFD
Here’s what’s open and what’s to come…
An important landmark of Riyadh, the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is one of the Kingdom’s most ambitious and distinguished projects. Alongside serving as the business and entertainment hub of the city, KAFD is becoming quite the culinary hotspot.
Further expanding the incredible selection of cuisine in the capital city, here’s our guide to all of the restaurants to dine at in KAFD.
Now open
AOK Kitchen
Looking for a healthy restaurant that’s all gluten and dairy-free? It sounds like A.O.K Kitchen may be just the thing. The healthy eating concept from London opened in November 2022 in KAFD, and it prides itself on using absolutely no refined sugar. The restaurant serves dishes inspired by the Mediterranean and Californian flavours, with signatures such as homemade gluten-free gnocchi, BBQ lamb chops, and honey roasted salmon.
A.O.K Kitchen, KAFD, daily 7am to 10.30pm. Tel: (966) 9200 25304, @aokkitchen
Black Tap
Providing a fresh take on the classic burger joint, Black Tap welcomes diners to an Instagrammable restaurant in Riyadh’s (KAFD). If you’re not familiar with the New York-born burger chain, it’s over-the-top, candy-festooned milkshakes and action-packed array of tasty burgers have seen it become one of the most ‘Grammable burger bars out there. Couple that with the retro American diner feel and pumping playlist, and you’ve got yourself an award-winning burger joint.
Black Tap, KAFD, Riyadh, daily 12pm to 12.30am. Tel: (966) 9200 24304, @blacktapksa
Bloom
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A pretty casual eatery in the heart of KAFD, Bloom serves up a menu of crowd-pleasing dishes daily from 5pm. Inside the glasshouse-style restaurant, blooming florals are dotted throughout, while guests are invited to relax on bubblegum pink sofas or dine on the alfresco terrace. On the menu, expect dishes such as French toast drizzled with chocolate, wood fired pizzas and salt and pepper calamari.
Bloom, KAFD, Riyadh, daily 5pm to 1am. Tel: (966) 55 531 5241, @letsbloom.sa
Chalmont
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Housed within KAFD, Chalmont is a dreamy fine-dining restaurant known for its timeless French classics and recipes. Each dish tells a story through well-thought-out ingredients and artful presentation. From small plates to a variety of dishes to share, you’ll be teleported to France with the scrumptious creations here.
Chalmont, KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, daily 6.30pm to midnight. Tel: (966) 9200 66011. @chalmont.sa
Il Baretto
Il Baretto was the first restaurant to open in KAFD back in November 2021, and is renowned for its simple and authentic Italian menu. The menu includes a curation of Italian favourites and modern classics such as veal Milanese, whole seabass, lobster linguine, and salmon carpaccio. Design-wise, the brand’s Riyadh location merges signature interior elements from its Marylebone location with contemporary influences inspired by KAFD. Think dark mahogany tables, leather banquette seating, and exposed brickwork. Aside from the restaurant’s main dining area, Il Baretto Riyadh invites guests to enjoy the cooler months on its inviting outdoor terrace.
Il Baretto, KAFD, Riyadh, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (966) 9200 12508, ilbaretto.sa
Urth Caffe
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Urth Caffe is a homely, relaxed cafe with venues all over Riyadh, Jeddah and Al Kobar. From all-day breakfasts to freshly baked sweet treats and speciality teas, it’s a chilled-out spot for a casual bite in KAFD, with a contemporary design and an inviting atmosphere.
Urth Caffe, KAFD, Riyadh, daily 7am to 12.30am, @urthcaffesaudi
El Camino, KAFD
Casual Mexican restaurant El Camino is another new restaurant diners can soon expect to enjoy at KAFD. When it does open, expect authentic Mexican cuisine and exquisite dishes in an exceptional atmosphere.
Jones the Grocer, KAFD
The popular Australian cafe is known for its fresh produce, hearty breakfasts, and healthy, freshly pressed juices. It’s already open at Ramla Terraza, but we’re hoping the second outpost in KAFD feature a retail section showcasing dried and ambient products such as jams, chutneys, mustards, sauces, cereals, and chilled items like smoked salmon and charcuterie.
Monopoly
Some of you may already be familiar with this outdoor restaurant at Oud Square in the Diplomatic Quarter. Specialising in pizza and fusion food, Monopoly is opening a new branch in KAFD. The opening date is not yet clear. However, signs have been installed at the shop front, and work has been going on inside.
Mr Chow
The first Mr Chow opened in London on Valentine’s Day 1968, with top chefs serving authentic Beijing cuisine and creative original recipes, such as chicken satay and Ma mignon. For half a century, diners have enjoyed watching the handmade noodle show at all of its locations, and on the menu is one of the best-prepared Beijing ducks. We can’t wait.
Joe & The Juice
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The cult-favourite, Danish-born juice bar is known and loved around the world for its zesty juices, fresh salads and organic ingredients. As Joe & The Juice continues to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, hoarding has gone up for a brand-new Joe & The Juice in the city’s financial hub, KAFD. We can expect the same pretty pink branding and refreshing menu as the other Riyadh outposts when it opens later this year.
Pistrina Bakery
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This Greek-inspired bakery, known for its freshly baked goods, has always been a favourite amongst the Riyadh locals. And now, Pistrina will be opening its latest branch in KAFD. We’re excited to see what the new venue has in store for us.
Still to come
Amazonico
Junglesque restaurant Amazonico is an exotic paradise filled with foliage and imagery of exotic animals that previously popped up in Riyadh in 2021. The food is based on Latin American cuisine and features a variety of tender steaks, fresh fish and delicious appetisers. It has restaurants already in Madrid, London and Dubai, so we can’t wait to see what’s to come at Amazonico in Riyadh when it opens in KAFD later this year.
Chotto Matte
Those seeking a taste of the Japanese-Peruvian cuisine from Riyadh’s first location of chain Chotto Matte won’t have to wait much longer. Chotto Matte, which means “wait a minute” in Japanese, will soon be welcoming their first customers in the heart of KAFD. Expect to see bold street art on the walls and a myriad of authentic Nikkei dishes like the best-selling sashimi, shrimp gyoza, and lobster and wild prawn ceviche. The brand is also memorable for its diverse and vibrant atmosphere that suits all types for any occasion.
La Serre, KAFD
Dubai-born La Serre entertained diners for a decade before closing its doors. It’s now found in Abu Dhabi, and this year, the French restaurant and Boulangerie will head to the Kingdom’s KAFD area. The 500-seater restaurant will feature indoor and outdoor terrace seating, incorporating its popular Boulangerie, viennoiserie and pastries, as well as its finer bistro elements.
ALSO READ: All the exciting restaurants opening in Riyadh soon
Sushisamba
Among the retail, hotel and restaurant plans for Riyadh’s landmark KAFD development are a slew of new restaurants, including global concept, SushiSamba. With outlets already in Miami, Las Vegas, London, Dubai and Doha, the restaurant blends Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines. Dishes on the menus in other cities include wagyu gyoza, samba salad, vegetable tempura, crispy lobster taquitos, tiradito, robata grills, and of course, plenty of sushi.
Zuma
Following on from the arrival of sister restaurant Roka in 2021, Zuma will open a permanent restaurant in Riyadh in 2023. Joining Rainer Becker’s Zuma empire of 17 restaurants around the globe, Zuma Riyadh will serve up signature dishes such as marinated black cod, sliced yellowtail and robata skewers. Although the location hasn’t been officially confirmed, we suspect it will debut at Via Riyadh.