MARIN SUIT EL SWEDI

The vibe is set from the moment you enter this chic and stylish restaurant with its large open kitchen counter. The extensive menu of Japanese contemporary dishes are all designed for sharing. Plates are colourful, at times traditional and others imaginative, show well-judged creativity and layers of flavour. Sushi and makis are offered here, alongside their tasty beef takikomi gohan and salmon filo. Pair your meal with some of their creative mocktails and you’ll have a great experience and one that’s good value. We recommend heading there at night for the low lights and thumping tunes.

This is Chef Hisham Baeshen’s first restaurant. The cooking is inspired by five Saudi regions and sprinkled with some dishes from various Middle Eastern countries. The eatery, whose name translates as ‘in your heart’, is set in a large open room with an eye-catching tree trunk suspended from the ceiling. Be sure to come in a big group as portions are perfect for sharing. Recommendations include their samosas, seabream in molasses stew and the sharqawi rice topped with caramelised onions. Finish off the meal with the queen of Arabic desserts, the kunafah.

It’s all about Kobe beef here. Located in the luxurious VIA Riyadh, this simple yet contemporary restaurant with a large open kitchen finds itself sitting pretty in the high-end shopping district. While Kobe beef-based dishes are the star of the menu, it also features some modern and well-crafted sushi that are worth exploring. Finish off with a date, walnut and Saudi coffee tart – a sweet delight.

In Laysen Valley, nearby the Diplomatic Quarter, is this predominantly Lebanese restaurant. The colourfully designed interior matches well with the menu. Chef Abdullah Bakri prepares vibrant and flavour-packed dishes with subtle twists. Interesting plates include the tabbouleh with passion fruit and their version of the Egyptian Om Ali, while their shish tawook is considered a signature dish. In cooler months, opt to sit on the large terrace at the back, which overlooks a sunken garden.

Luxury, elegance and Chinese cuisine come together on the second floor of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Riyadh at this restaurant overlooking the hotel’s leisure club pool. The extensive menu boasts a wide range of authentic and bespoke Chinese dishes such as tasty dim sum, classic Peking duck, spicy Sichuan beef and the ever-so-loved sweet and sour prawns. Come Saturday night for a special-priced menu showcasing their dim sum selection.

Hidden inside Café Boulud, set in the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh within the landmark Kingdom Tower, is this 12-seater counter dining restaurant. Taking the name of both acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud’s son and father, this elegant space offers a 10-course tasting menu. Modern French dishes take inspiration from iconic plates blended with local influence, which are refined and prepared in front of you. Both flavour and texture are mastered in enjoyable combinations and paired with a selection of non-alcoholic wines and mocktails. The friendly team are also on hand to keep you entertained without i

Chef Daniel Boulud brings his Café Boulud to the Four Seasons Hotel at the Kingdom Center. A series of elegant pastel decorated rooms including a bar, lounge and orangery make up the space. The all-encompassing menu blends creative French classics with subtle tastes of the Middle East in refined and eye-catching creations. Turophiles will appreciate the fine selection of French cheeses – they even have a cheese chef who will help you with your choices. On weekdays, make use of their good value business lunch menu, while Fridays offer a brunch menu.