$$$Moroccan
Set within the King Fahd neighbourhood, not too far away from the bustling Financial District, is this Moroccan restaurant with its eye-catching décor. A feeling of warmth starts from the welcome to the interior design, and continues with the service. A sea of lampshades hang from the ceiling and authentic artefacts are strewn across a spacious room, creating an intimate setting, similar to that of a Moroccan home. The menu offers some hearty and flavoursome dishes, with the pastilla and tagine being particularly memorable.
$$Lebanese, Middle Eastern
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.
$$$Turkish, Contemporary
This modern upmarket brasserie has a lovely feel to it. It’s equipped with an open kitchen and is elegantly designed with matt brass shelving full of Turkish and Middle Eastern bowls and jars, a large contemporary chandelier and a mirrored bar. The menu offers a great choice of contemporary Turkish dishes, specialising in the Anatolian region of the country. Start with a selection of hot and cold mezze style dips and plenty of Pide bread, continue with lamb dishes, kebabs or slow-cooked beef ribs, and of course, a baklava or their traditional Anatolian rice pudding to finish. Their creative mo
$Lebanese, Middle Eastern
With its welcoming light décor, this popular Lebanese restaurant seems to tick quite a few boxes for the locals, who frequent the place. It’s open from breakfast to late in the evening, offering authentic, generously sized and well-priced dishes mainly focused on Lebanese cuisine, but with some influences from across the region. Sharing is always recommended by the friendly team. Opt for tasty dips, such as muhamarrah with warm breads to start, kebabs are the way to go for mains, and save room for the delicious, rich mouhalabiya milk pudding to finish.
$$Armenian
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.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Located on the second floor of a Riyadh shopping center, Lusin offers refined Armenian and Mediterranean cuisine. Most reviewers praise the high food quality, highlighting dishes like pumpkin soup, cherry sauce kebabs, stuffed cabbage, and inventive salads. The ambiance is elegant, and service is generally described as impeccable and swift. However, negative feedback points to poor value for money, with some finding the food average relative to the high prices. Issues include limited buffet variety, unresponsive booking systems, and instances of aggressive upselling. While it serves as an excellent introduction to Armenian culinary traditions, diners should be aware of potential inconsistencies in service and pricing.
Suitable for diners seeking refined Armenian cuisine who are less sensitive to price.
$$$$French
Overlooking the Financial Plaza in KAFD is this branch of Alain Ducasse’s Benoit. This classic French bistro de luxe is a restaurant on the ground level and a café on the first floor. Bright red banquettes and vintage chandeliers hanging from the ceiling add a classic touch to the otherwise modern and futuristic architecture of the district. It’s like being in a tiny corner of France as the vocals Édith Piaff and Charles Aznavour play in the background, while the menu offers escargot, pâté en croûte and soufflé au chocolat. Some subtle Middle Eastern influences are evident too, like the Camel
$$Korean, Barbecue
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.
$$$$Italian
Italian classics find themselves in the heart of KAFD. This elegant restaurant sits at the footsteps of one the many modern skyscrapers and comes dressed with velvet armchairs, large bouquets of fresh flowers and art pieces hung on the walls. The charming team is happy to guide you through the extensive menu which is packed with favourites like gnocchi alla Sorrentina, veal chop alla Milanese or the feather-light Amalfi lemon soufflé. If you’re working in the area, head over for the business lunch – it’s a steal.
$$$$French
Chef Daniel Boulud brings his Café Boulud to the Four Seasons Hotel at the Kingdom Center. A series of elegant pastel decorated rooms including a bar, lounge and orangery make up the space. The all-encompassing menu blends creative French classics with subtle tastes of the Middle East in refined and eye-catching creations. Turophiles will appreciate the fine selection of French cheeses – they even have a cheese chef who will help you with your choices. On weekdays, make use of their good value business lunch menu, while Fridays offer a brunch menu.
$$$$French Contemporary
Hidden inside Café Boulud, set in the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh within the landmark Kingdom Tower, is this 12-seater counter dining restaurant. Taking the name of both acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud’s son and father, this elegant space offers a 10-course tasting menu. Modern French dishes take inspiration from iconic plates blended with local influence, which are refined and prepared in front of you. Both flavour and texture are mastered in enjoyable combinations and paired with a selection of non-alcoholic wines and mocktails. The friendly team are also on hand to keep you entertained without i
$$$$Chinese
Luxury, elegance and Chinese cuisine come together on the second floor of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Riyadh at this restaurant overlooking the hotel’s leisure club pool. The extensive menu boasts a wide range of authentic and bespoke Chinese dishes such as tasty dim sum, classic Peking duck, spicy Sichuan beef and the ever-so-loved sweet and sour prawns. Come Saturday night for a special-priced menu showcasing their dim sum selection.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Located at The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Hong specializes in authentic Cantonese cuisine and dim sum. Reviewers consistently praise the high quality of signature dishes like Peking duck, har gow, and char siu bao. Service is frequently highlighted as exceptional, with staff members such as Kelvin and Maya noted for their attentiveness and friendliness, making it suitable for families. The atmosphere is described as warm and inviting. While the majority of feedback is positive, a minority of reviews mention issues regarding meal pacing, oily dishes, and perceived high value, alongside isolated complaints about service attitude. Overall, it maintains a strong reputation for culinary excellence.
Ideal for diners seeking authentic Cantonese cuisine and attentive family-friendly service.
$$$$Japanese, Grills
As the name suggests, the focus here is Japanese barbecue – or robatayaki, to be more precise. Expect flavourful, modern Japanese dishes paired with carefully sourced ingredients, such as a juicy Angus beef fillet, Gulf prawns with a kimchi sauce and plenty of vegetarian options like portobello mushroom in a ponzu marinade. Inside, the ambiance is always lively, as dance music plays in the background and the chefs can be seen grilling away through the glass wall.
$$Lebanese
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.
$$Saudi Cuisine
Fairly modern on the outside, but on the inside, the decor replicates classic Najdi architecture. Enter through heavy wooden doors, walk past sand blown walls before sitting down to enjoy a modern approach to traditional Saudi cuisine and other dishes from across the Middle East. The food is prepared with a degree of refinement, delivering authentic flavours and textures. The likes of machboos, jareesh and saleeq – a creamy rice dish made with milk and broth – adorn the menu. Do try the crispy sambosa pastries filled with camel meat. Fresh dates and a tahini dip are served at the start of your
$Saudi Cuisine
Regional cooking of Saudi Arabia is celebrated here at this neighbourhood restaurant. The space is decorated with brightly coloured kilims around the pillars and an array of basketwork shades hanging from the ceiling. Pick up an Arabic coffee infused with cardamom from the cart as you enter. The menu includes Hasawi meat kebabs from the eastern Al-Ahsa region, the well-known Mandi rice dishes from the Aseer and Al Bahah regions in the south, and Marqooq, which is recognised as the official dish of Riyadh. Desserts, like Om Ali, are a must have.
$$$$Creative
It’s all about Kobe beef here. Located in the luxurious VIA Riyadh, this simple yet contemporary restaurant with a large open kitchen finds itself sitting pretty in the high-end shopping district. While Kobe beef-based dishes are the star of the menu, it also features some modern and well-crafted sushi that are worth exploring. Finish off with a date, walnut and Saudi coffee tart – a sweet delight.
$$Saudi Cuisine
It’s all about celebrating Najdi culture here. From the off, the charming team will meet you at the door and guide you upstairs to a super chic restaurant. Take your pick of formally laid table, majlis-style seating or on the floor. The traditionally dressed team offer dates and Saudi coffee before you start your meal. Classic Najdi cuisine is full of flavour; go for the chicken mubahar rice flavoured with their special spices. Should you have room for dessert, get the tasty mini cheese and honey sambosa. A word to the wise: book ahead.
$$Saudi Cuisine
Head to Bujairi Terrace to enjoy some Saudi food but with a contemporary edge. The team here have travelled and researched the regions of the country, studying local recipes, dishes and cooking styles, and have created a menu inspired by their findings. Dishes have an appealing and recognisable flavour profile but boast a modern look on the plate. Those flavours are bold and the textures are distinct, making the dishes satisfyingly tasty. The friendly team seamlessly manage the bustling restaurant, which is loved by both locals and visitors.
$$$Saudi Cuisine
Nestled in historic Diriyah, known as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia, this Saudi restaurant boasts specialities originating from the country’s 13 provinces. Dishes like the lamb mantu (steamed dumplings), mandi lamb shoulder and freshly baked breads served with dips and local honey are delivered with obvious pride. To get the full experience, opt for one of their tasting menus known as the Maiz Experience – one offers six courses, another has eight and the last has 12.
$$Thai
If you’re walking in the bustling Bujairi Terrace and fancy a trip to Thailand, you should head to this spot that literally means “come and try.” Take a seat on the terrace, or if it’s open, the upstairs area to enjoy a selection of famed David Thompson recipes that may include chicken satay leu, green papaya salad, khao soi Chiang Mai and homemade ice creams. Their set Maa Long Chim menu is vibrant and authentic – and well worth a try. The service is also a plus, thanks to the endearingly friendly team.
$$$Middle Eastern
Chef Roaya Saleh brings her own style of Khaleeji cooking from her native Bahrain to this restaurant overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage site of At-Turaif. The room has a calm, chic feel with neutral tones and subtle bursts of colour. Even on a warm evening, the air-conditioned terrace is the place to be. The menu mixes a few Mediterranean dishes with wider Middle Eastern selections. Share some dumplings and koftas, followed with lamb mozat – a typical Bahraini dish of lamb served on vermicelli rice and pine kernels. End with the muhallabia for dessert, a comforting and creamy rice and milk
$$$$Middle Eastern
Within the Bab Samhan Hotel, with its neo Najdi architecture, sits this restaurant, set over two floors. The space is split into a series of smaller rooms and terraces, which makes it feel like a home. Chef Michael Mina, who is known for restaurants in the USA, was born in Egypt and his menu here shows regional nods. Mezze-style sharing dishes are brought to the table when ready – falafel topped with tahini and tuna, and the creamy rice pudding dessert is a nod to Egypt. The use of prime ingredients is apparent, while the faultless service adds to the experience.
$$Indian
Indian
$$$Japanese
Restaurant
$$$$Modern Cuisine
Restaurant