Inside Cucina, Riyadh’s newest Italian restaurant at Riyadh Marriott Hotel
Say hello to Cucina, the modern Italian trattoria known for its big flavours and vibrant charm
Never judge a book by its cover, they say. Of course, we are quick to look at the unassuming façade of the Riyadh Marriott Hotel and rate a restaurant by its location.
But, step inside newcomer Cucina, set your eyes on the interiors, and you’ll be wondering what makes the restaurant so special. Truly, we have been delightfully surprised – even more so by its food, but we’ll get to that in a bit…
The vibe
Inspired by the trattorias of Milan and the bold, sun-soaked flavours of Southern Italy, there’s something transportive about this new kid on the block. The space itself is expansive and atmospheric, featuring distinct zones such as a bar, a private dining room that feels like being in a true Italian nonna’s home, which then leads to an open kitchen and a main dining room, a focaccia bar, and an al fresco area.
You’ll find a section stocked with an array of Italian staples, from pasta to gourmet olive oils. The space also boasts a vertical herb garden, providing fresh, home-grown herbs that bring a vibrant, seasonal element to each dish. And soon, a gelataria will be opening next to the restaurant.
The industrial-meets-rustic interiors echo the food philosophy where simplicity meets substance, and every dish speaks for itself.
Wooden accents, red brick walls, and soft ambient lighting create an inviting atmosphere, making you feel as though you’re dining in a homestyle Italian kitchen, while Italian graffiti adds a touch of personality to the décor.
The casual warmth of the space, combined with a modern design that incorporates a folksy flair, makes the experience feel genuine and unpretentious. Every corner is designed to transport guests to the cobblestone streets and bustling piazzas of Italy.
What’s On the menu
Of course, the food plays a significant role in the overall experience, and many of the dishes come in single or sharing-sized portions.
At the helm is Italian-born Chef Daniele Valente, whose Southern Italian heritage is evident in every dish, from Sicilian-inspired seafood to wood-fired pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts. While the dining experience at Cucina celebrates Italy’s full spectrum, expect the cuisine here to be stripped back to its essence: honest, bold, and deeply satisfying.
Here are some highlights from our exclusive preview dinner. But first, we need to talk about the focaccia. Cucina’s beautifully soft and pillowy focaccia – freshly made in-house and straight from the oven – nails that perfect, crispy exterior, airy interior texture we dream about. Dip it with the lemon-infused olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar – it’s pure textural and saporific bliss.
Have the La Burrata to start. Italian simplicity at its finest, this is a dish that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. But at Cucina, Chef Daniele pulls it off with aplomb by giving the classic salad a twist with a burrata gelato. The result? It is melt-in-your-mouth creamy yet strikingly fresh, pairing beautifully with the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes. While straightforward, this starter doesn’t disappoint – traditional at heart but clever on the plate. A perfect beginning to the meal and a promising taste of what’s to come.
You simply can’t have Italian cuisine without pizza and pasta. Cucina has five pizzas on its menu, with classics like the Diavola (tomato sauce, spicy salami, and mozzarella cheese), and the Margherita for those who prefer timeless flavours.
We also happily dig into the Cucina Paccheri next. Simple yet bursting with flavours, the pesto pasta dish with fried eggplants is surprisingly light, complemented by ricotta cheese for a salty kick.
Meanwhile, the pappardelle with Bolognese ragout is hearty, rich, and comforting. The meaty sauce clings to the ribbons of pappardelle with just the right amount of slipperiness and bite.
Next on the list is the braised beef cheek, resting on a bed of velvety smooth potato purée, topped with a rich beef gravy reduction, leaving us bowled over. The meat is so tender and soft that it melts in your mouth. There is very little resistance as we cut into it; it simply falls apart perfectly onto the plate, allowing you to eat it with just a spoon. The gravy is thick and glossy, rich, with an umami and subtly sweet flavour.
We also have the Pescato del Giorno All’isolana. The seabass fillet’s crisp skin, piled with capers and roasted vegetables, gives way to delicate oily flesh that is balanced by the tangy tomatoes.
Now convinced of the sturdy mains and starters, we move on to desserts. The velvety tiramisu is a delight – perfectly balanced in coffee, cream, and cocoa. And when a classic dessert like tiramisu can still surprise and impress you, you know it’s been done right.
What we’re most thrilled about is their signature pistachio gelato. But Chef Daniele puts forth an inspiring interpretation. He drizzles extra virgin olive oil all over the homemade gelato and sprinkles some salt flakes before pouring pistachio pesto sauce on it.
Let that sink in for a minute.
We would never think to have gelato with olive oil, salt, and pesto, but the savoury nature of the pistachio flavour melds beautifully and makes it work. We were pleasantly surprised and so glad we gave it a try that we inhaled Cucina’s signature gelato by the spoonfuls. I seriously consider ordering a third scoop, if only to prolong a traditional Italian evening that is over too soon.
What to order
- La Burrata (SAR85)
- Radicchio E Gorgonzola salad with walnuts and pears (SAR85)
- Frisella Con Polipo E Spinaci (SAR105) – such a rustic dish with fork-tender stewed baby octopus
- Margherita pizza (SAR85)
- Diavola pizza (SAR98)
- Cucina Paccheri (SAR90)
- Pappardelle Al Ragu (SAR90)
- Linguine Aragosta (SAR220) – this lobster linguine is a crowd pleaser with a subtly briny flavour.
- Ossobucco Alla Fiorentina (SAR175)
- Guancia di Manzo (SAR155)
- Pescato del Giorno All’isolana (SAR145)
- Cucina Signature Gelato (SAR60)
- Tiramisu (SAR65)
The service
The entire team is warm, attentive and efficient, anticipating one’s every need.
The Final Say
What’s On Verdict: Chef Daniele isn’t trying to be flamboyant with his creations but keeps things restrained to produce something understated yet ambrosial. His ability to bring down the notch when it comes to the simplicity of each dish but ups the ante by nailing the flavours with elegance, flair and imagination is truly admirable. He sets the tone right for Cucina’s menu by managing to pull off the considerable feat of feeling unfussy and free of pretension. By the end of your meal, you’ll be warmed with a full stomach and the subtly smug satisfaction of knowing you’ve just dined at one of the capital’s newest culinary hotspot. Just don’t judge a book by its cover, or in this case, don’t let the exterior deter you from discovering a hidden gem.
Location: Cucina, Riyadh Marriott Hotel, 8333 King Saud Road, Al Wizarat District, Riyadh 12622
Timings: Daily 6pm to midnight
Contact: 058 108 5117 | @cucinariyadh
Images: Supplied / Social
