Berenjak is going from pop-up to permanent in VIA Riyadh
After winning over Riyadh diners with its pop-up last February, London’s cult Persian restaurant Berenjak is returning – this time with a permanent home at VIA Riyadh
Good news for fans of Persian cuisine in Riyadh – Berenjak is coming back, and this time it’s here to stay.
After drawing crowds during its limited-time pop-up early last year, the London-born restaurant is officially opening a permanent location. Berenjak will open at the former chi Spacca space at VIA Riyadh on Thursday April 2.
If you missed the pop-up, Berenjak quickly became one of the most talked-about dining destinations in the city.
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Unfamiliar with Berenjak? Inspired by the lively kebab houses in Tehran, Kian Samyani founded Berenjak in London in 2018. The name comes from the golden, crispy rice Samyani used to prepare in his childhood.
Meals at Berenjak are meant to be enjoyed family-style, with shallow dishes of mezze, fresh bread, khoresht (stews), and kebabs spread across the table. The menu draws on Samyani’s family recipes, offering a flavourful journey through Persian cuisine, blending the nostalgic tastes of traditional dishes with a modern, elevated approach.
Since opening in London, Berenjak has gained a loyal following for its vibrant take on Persian cuisine, receiving praise for capturing the vibrant spirit of Tehran’s food scene in a contemporary restaurant setting.
Its new home at VIA Riyadh feels like a natural fit. The luxury dining destination has established itself as one of Riyadh’s most exciting culinary hubs, home to a growing roster of international restaurants.
Guests can expect the Riyadh menu to feature a range of sharing dishes that diners at Berenjak have come to love, such as charcoal-grilled kebabs, khoresht (stews), rice, and salads. The dishes are prepared using traditional Persian techniques, such as tandoor, mangal barbecue, and vertical rotisserie, and are crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients.
As for the vibes? Think dark and romantic, with interiors leaning into dark woods, rich colour tones, and intricate details to create a space that is a combination of nostalgia and refinement, full of the more traditional-coloured tiles and exposed brick, while also having a sophisticated vibe with the glistening open grill.
What started as a brief pop-up visit has clearly struck a chord with Riyadh’s diners. Now, with a permanent restaurant opening next month, fans of Persian cuisine will have another spot to return to whenever they crave perfectly grilled kebabs and saffron-scented rice.
Reservations are now open for lunch and dinner, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot.
Location: Berenjak, VIA Riyadh, Al Hada, Riyadh 12912
Timings: 1pm to 2am
