This Mayfair hotspot is opening in Riyadh
Bringing Mediterranean cuisine and modern European elegance from London to Riyadh…
Riyadh foodies, get ready for an exciting new restaurant. Hailing from London’s upscale Mayfair neighbourhood, glamorous restaurant Isabel will be making its international debut in Riyadh.
A product of restaurateur and designer Juan Santa Cruz and named after the well-connected Argentinean’s grandmother and mentor, Isabel opened in London in 2017. It almost instantly became a celebrity favourite, counting Noel Gallagher, Sienna Miller, Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender, and Robert Patterson among its most famous patrons.
While the exact opening date has not been revealed yet, we do know that it will be located in the As Sulimaniyah district and it will be the first Isabel outpost outside of the UK.
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So, what can diners expect from Isabel Riyadh?
Isabel brings modern European elegance with upscale Mediterranean cuisine.
If Isabel Mayfair’s stunning ocean liner 1930s-inspired space is any indication, we’re expecting the Riyadh iteration to also feature jaw-dropping interiors with a mix of Chinoiserie and Art Deco influences.
The dining room will be gilded to the brim, with polished brass in abundance on the wall display and rows of statement pendant lighting that rivet the eyes as much as the conversation.
Think a sophisticated, clubby environment through dark wood, lots of gold, Napoleonic blue upholstery, flashes of yellow and clever lighting. Together, they lend the room a moody decadence.
As for the food, the small-plates menu at Isabel specialises in Mediterranean dishes with Argentine influences, like grilled zucchini with mint and lemon, veal ragù gnocchi, a paper-thin prawn crudo, and, of course, Santa Cruz’s legendary blackened chicken. Then, top it all off with the pear tarte tatin for two.
Isabel Riyadh will certainly be a hot opening and one we think we’re going to like…
Aside from Riyadh, there are also plans for Isabel to open in North America and Abu Dhabi. And from the LinkedIn post of the CEO of Isabel Mayfair, Scottie Bhattarai, it looks like the Abu Dhabi outpost will open in a lush location at The Galleria Al Maryah Island by the end of 2024.
Stay tuned for more updates on Isabel Riyadh.
Images: Social