Almakan Suites 102

Open from early in the morning until mid-afternoon and often referred to as a traditional Saudi Arabian breakfast restaurant, this place is much more than that. A bright, colourful and slightly retro interior has the chefs visible in their glass-fronted kitchen. Dishes stem from Hijazi-style cuisine with must haves, all designed for sharing, include foul (fermented fava bean puree), moutabbal and mutabbaq. Be sure to order plenty of bread freshly prepared in the tandoor oven, along with tamees, and finish with a bowl of sweet areeka. Expect generosity in flavour and portions, all appealingly p

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.

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.

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.

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

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