Arena Hotel Suite

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

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.

Regional cooking of Saudi Arabia is celebrated here at this neighbourhood restaurant. The space is decorated with brightly coloured kilims around the pillars and an array of basketwork shades hanging from the ceiling. Pick up an Arabic coffee infused with cardamom from the cart as you enter. The menu includes Hasawi meat kebabs from the eastern Al-Ahsa region, the well-known Mandi rice dishes from the Aseer and Al Bahah regions in the south, and Marqooq, which is recognised as the official dish of Riyadh. Desserts, like Om Ali, are a must have.

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.

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

Fast food