Hotel Vivian Park El Raed

This is one of THE places to go in Riyadh for authentic Saudi cuisine. Their three branches have all been reconstructed to resemble a Najd village setting that is both welcoming and oozing in local charm. Take a seat on the floor under the covered terrace for a traditional experience. If you're two or three, opt for the sharing menu that highlights an extensive selection of satisfyingly generous and authentic flavours of the region. Don’t miss the freshly baked breads made to order and the tatlee, a baked custard with crushed pistachio.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Set on the third floor of Centria Mall in the heart of the Olaya district, this Armenian restaurant has a rustic style with a warm, authentic feel. Its two rooms have a stone-faced décor, wood flooring and a central kitchen partially on view between the two areas, while a small terrace offers a street vista. The menu is extensive, offering appealing, authentic Armenian dishes. Take your pick from fresh salads, appetisers such as delicious cheese borak and some great Middle Eastern dips – but certainly don’t miss their classic kebabs and signature honey cake.