6 of the best coffee shops to work from in Riyadh besides Starbucks
Reliable wi-fi, ample power sockets, comfy seating areas, and a good cuppa…
Since the Covid-19 pandemic started, working from home has become the norm for many of us. While it affords (some of) us flexibility and work-life balance, it can get monotonous.
Need to get work done, but don’t want to stay home? How about venturing beyond your friendly neighbourhood Starbucks and settle down at these work-friendly coffee shops in Riyadh to bang out your workday?
Not only do they serve excellent coffee, but they have an ambience and vibe that’ll help you power through your day and get you ticking off your to-do list in no time.
Whether you’re a remote worker, freelancer, or writing out your next thesis, here’s where we’ve been hunkered down with our laptops and some strong caffeinated drinks.
Ashjar Café
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This child-free café is a hidden gem. Fitted with plants and floor-to-ceiling windows that allow natural light to flow in, this lush yet minimalist cafe offers a much-needed tranquillity in the capital city. Top it off with a strong cup of coffee – there’s no better way to start the grind.
Ashjar Café, Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315, Sat to Wed 7am to 1am, Thurs 7am to 2am & Fri 4pm to 2am. Tel: 054 889 0637. @ashjarcafe
Brew Bar
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A community-minded hub, Brew Bar is part of creative space, Huna Takhassusi. The hip cafe doesn’t hold back when it comes to coffee – or being freelancer-friendly… so, bring on the laptops, pals. Oh, and you don’t need to be a member of Huna to chill out at this space.
Brew Bar, Panorama Mall Gate 5, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, Riyadh 12332, Sat to Thurs 9am to 10pm & Fri 1pm to 11pm. Tel: 059 376 6266. @brewbar_sa
Cacti
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Cacti is the kind of stylish all-day coffee spot that you can definitely get on board with. Although there are some tables on the ground floor, the first floor is better for working. There are plenty of plugs and less bustle than downstairs. Their mango ice cream is another excellent reason to hang about for an extra hour or two if you’ve spent the day working here.
Cacti Café, AthThumamah Road, Qurtubah, Riyadh 11564, daily 7am to 3am. Tel: 050 999 9866. @cacti_sa
Cozy
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We love Cozy most for its conducive and thoughtfully designed space, peppered with power plugs so you won’t have to worry about your devices running out of battery. The internet’s pretty reliable, and the café is airy, comfortable, and serves the kind of pastries where just one simply isn’t an option. It also has the sort of laid-back, cosy vibe for you to relax and go deep and finish that PowerPoint.
Cozy, Imam Saud Bin Faisal Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 11564, Sun to Wed 7am to midnight, Thurs 7am to 1am, Fri 1pm to 1am & Sat 7am to noon. Tel: 055 445 4694. @cozysa_
Esprito
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Charming, quirky, and cute, this quaint little coffee shop’s pleasing ambience is sure to get your creative juices flowing. With free wi-fi and cosy seats, this is one of the best hideaways for those looking to get work done.
Esprito, Wadi Al Amariyah, Hittin, Riyadh 13516, Sat to Thurs 6am to 1am & Fri 12.30pm to 1am. Tel: 055 933 2258. @espritosa
Zamakan
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One that’s made ideal for studying or working is Zamakan, a two-level space that’s flecked with numerous charging points. It is a work hub, decked with long tables for group meetings and little nooks for those who quietly work alone. There’s free wi-fi so you can stay connected throughout the day and tasty small plates on offer. Here, you can even book meeting rooms for up to six people. Price for the rooms varies from SAR19 per hour to SAR39 per hour.
Zamakan, Muhammad Ibn Saad Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13515, Sat to Thurs 7am to midnight & Fri 4pm to midnight. Tel: 055 226 6136. @zamakan_sa