沙漠之梦Desert Dreams

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.

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.

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.

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.

This modern upmarket brasserie has a lovely feel to it. It’s equipped with an open kitchen and is elegantly designed with matt brass shelving full of Turkish and Middle Eastern bowls and jars, a large contemporary chandelier and a mirrored bar. The menu offers a great choice of contemporary Turkish dishes, specialising in the Anatolian region of the country. Start with a selection of hot and cold mezze style dips and plenty of Pide bread, continue with lamb dishes, kebabs or slow-cooked beef ribs, and of course, a baklava or their traditional Anatolian rice pudding to finish. Their creative mo

With its welcoming light décor, this popular Lebanese restaurant seems to tick quite a few boxes for the locals, who frequent the place. It’s open from breakfast to late in the evening, offering authentic, generously sized and well-priced dishes mainly focused on Lebanese cuisine, but with some influences from across the region. Sharing is always recommended by the friendly team. Opt for tasty dips, such as muhamarrah with warm breads to start, kebabs are the way to go for mains, and save room for the delicious, rich mouhalabiya milk pudding to finish.

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