Al Masem Serviced Apartments - Al Olaya - Exit 5

Get your breakfast fix at this contemporary Saudi eatery located a short distance from Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. Served from early morning to mid-afternoon, the food here proudly represents the country’s regions, particularly in its ingredients and spices. Start with the Mirzam platter, a selection of appetisers including hummus, foul and salads all served with warm flatbreads fresh from the oven. Their Egg Maghash and Kibda Hijazi – aka lamb’s liver – are must haves but do leave room for dessert – the maasoub is the chef’s speciality – and come with friends as sharing is enco

Set within the King Fahd neighbourhood, not too far away from the bustling Financial District, is this Moroccan restaurant with its eye-catching décor. A feeling of warmth starts from the welcome to the interior design, and continues with the service. A sea of lampshades hang from the ceiling and authentic artefacts are strewn across a spacious room, creating an intimate setting, similar to that of a Moroccan home. The menu offers some hearty and flavoursome dishes, with the pastilla and tagine being particularly memorable.

Lebanese owner Dalal Haj Ibrahim has created a cosy restaurant offering a wide selection of delightful dishes inspired by her memories of home. Mixed in with a few Turkish influences and other regions, the menu boasts plenty of tasty options, ranging from beef or cheese sambousek, fresh salads, dips and mains focused on grilled kebabs. The desserts continue the homely feel thanks to the traditional flavours – the mahalabia with honey is especially noteworthy. In the cooler months, opt for a seat on the terrace.

Korean barbeque meets a fun and elevated setting. It’s on you to cook up the meat as you like on a hot plate at the centre of the table. Get yourselves a couple of starters to share before choosing your preferred cut of beef. Expect a generously portioned selection of pickles and kimchi to complement your barbeque experience. If you’re still looking to prolong your evening, make your way to the nearby bowling alley and cinema for the ultimate fun night out.

Overlooking the Financial Plaza in KAFD is this branch of Alain Ducasse’s Benoit. This classic French bistro de luxe is a restaurant on the ground level and a café on the first floor. Bright red banquettes and vintage chandeliers hanging from the ceiling add a classic touch to the otherwise modern and futuristic architecture of the district. It’s like being in a tiny corner of France as the vocals Édith Piaff and Charles Aznavour play in the background, while the menu offers escargot, pâté en croûte and soufflé au chocolat. Some subtle Middle Eastern influences are evident too, like the Camel

Italian classics find themselves in the heart of KAFD. This elegant restaurant sits at the footsteps of one the many modern skyscrapers and comes dressed with velvet armchairs, large bouquets of fresh flowers and art pieces hung on the walls. The charming team is happy to guide you through the extensive menu which is packed with favourites like gnocchi alla Sorrentina, veal chop alla Milanese or the feather-light Amalfi lemon soufflé. If you’re working in the area, head over for the business lunch – it’s a steal.

As the name suggests, the focus here is Japanese barbecue – or robatayaki, to be more precise. Expect flavourful, modern Japanese dishes paired with carefully sourced ingredients, such as a juicy Angus beef fillet, Gulf prawns with a kimchi sauce and plenty of vegetarian options like portobello mushroom in a ponzu marinade. Inside, the ambiance is always lively, as dance music plays in the background and the chefs can be seen grilling away through the glass wall.