The best new restaurants to visit in Riyadh this week
Foodie news flash…
With new restaurants popping up on every corner in Riyadh, it is no easy feat to decide which one to book. Here’s our edit of the hot spots that deserve a place on your list. The only question is: where to book first?
Jon & Vinny’s
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The first location out of the United States, Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. The hip and family-friendly restaurant forgoes fancy or fiddly Italian dishes in favour of American-inspired classics like hearty chicken parmigiana, its famous homemade red sauce, and a vast selection of pastas. Walk through the door, and you’ll see an open kitchen and the lofty space being done up in pale white oak interiors with a cosy and minimalist aesthetic. There’s also a glass cabinet near the entrance, displaying a variety of cookies and other Italian desserts, such as bombolini and coconut macaroons. And those little cones of soft serve at the back will be impossible to pass up.
Jon & Vinny’s Riyadh, daily 8am to midnight, The Elite, Al Dabbab Street, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234. Tel: 9200 18212. @jonandvinnys.ksa
Meatin Grill’s
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For those who are not familiar with the Korean BBQ concept, it is a fun, do-it-yourself kind of spot where you’ll first be treated to an array of small side dishes of fermented veggies, and then you’ll be brought out your pick of meat and seafood to add to a hot plate in the middle. The good news? Meatin Grill’s all-you-can-eat menu, priced at SAR150 per person, is a fantastic feast. And the other good news? It has now opened a new branch right in the heart of the city in the As Sulimaniyah district.
Meatin Grill’s, As Sulimaniyah, 3798 Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, 7801 Riyadh 12223. Tel: 050 251 0941. @meatingrills
Noho Deli
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We have three words for you: Rueben pastrami sandwich. And this new spot in Riyadh is taking sarnies to new heights. Noho Deli is one of those if-you-know-you-know kind of street food places, and you can find it serving its epic subs in the Al Aqiq district. Other indulgent fillings on the menu include roast beef, smoked turkey, and grilled chicken pesto. The homemade beetroot chips are another solid choice. Eat in and enjoy the people-watching or grab a bag to go along with one of the interesting salads and smoothies for a light dinner.
Noho Deli, Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 12341, daily 5pm to 1am. @nohodeli
Saddle House
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The popular Emirati-owned Saddle House is now open in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. If you’re looking for a new sleek spot for a coffee date with your pals, Saddle House is perfect for a wholesome coffee pick-me-up. Offering more than just artisan coffee, the menu is also quite the spread, featuring everything from smoothies and avocado egg toast to pasta and more.
Saddle House, daily 7am to midnight, 1364 Complex, Diplomatic Quarter, Al Safarat, Riyadh. Tel: 056 100 8550. @saddlehouse.sa
Stella Sky Lounge
Looking to amplify your next dining experience in one of Riyadh’s most luxurious hotels? Inside The St Regis Riyadh sits Stella Sky Lounge, which boasts an open-air terrace overlooking gorgeous views of Via Riyadh. It’s all about luxury, style, and stellar mocktails inspired by zodiac signs. Pair with a nibble or two: the food menu includes a selection of mezze platters, beef tacos, ceviche and grilled dishes. Whether you’re a mocktail enthusiast or just someone who appreciates good vibes, Stella Sky Lounge has got you covered. The team makes you feel like a VIP from the moment you walk in.
Stella Sky Lounge, Third Floor, The St Regis Riyadh, daily 6pm to 2am. Tel: 011 508 8866. @stellaskylounge
The Carnivore
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If you’re a meat lover, The Carnivore is bound to be on your radar. This sleek Riyadh sibling to the Islamabad original in Pakistan specialises in baked meats. Despite having opened for a few days now, it’s already a popular choice amongst the locals. Diners can choose from a range of cuts from lamb neck, lamb ribs, lamb shoulder, and lamb shank to beef brisket and beef ribs. Each cut of meat served sharing-style comes with various salads and side dishes, as well as beverages of your choice. Bring your hungriest troop of friends.
The Carnivore, King Abdullah Branch Rd, King Abdullah Dt, Riyadh 15314. @thecarnivoreriyadh
White Robata
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Found within Laysen Valley is White Robata, a Japanese concept from Kuwait, inspired by international flavours. With a sprawling open-plan kitchen, diners enjoy the spectacle of skilled chefs combining traditional techniques with unexpected ingredients to create inventive signatures. As its name suggests, the menu is centred around robatayaki – dishes cooked over fire. You’ll find all the contemporary Japanese staples here, with a unique spin, of course. These include a six-hour braised short rib finished on the grill with a maple glaze, spicy tuna wonton taco and the truffle hamachi crispy rice with tobiko roe and ponzu.
White Robata, Laysen Valley, 2252 Al Urubah Branch Rd, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh, daily 6pm to 2am. @whiterobata.ksa
Images: Instagram