Caffeine lovers in Riyadh are in for a treat as the city’s coffee culture grows stronger every year. Bringing in a mix of artisan coffee houses, globally recognized brands and local gems, cafes in Riyadh are limitless. The best cafes in Riyadh are the ones that make getting a cup of coffee a unique experience. Ranging from speciality coffee beans and creative blends to hearty breakfasts and desserts, Riyadh’s best cafes have set the standard.
The local favorites include the popular Ashjar Cafe and newer hotspots such as Apple Butter. Complete with stylish interiors and cozy spaces, these spots are perfect for long conversations, deep work, or a quick and simple coffee break. If you’re into coffee, tea or matcha, this guide covers all the best spots in Riyadh to grab your fix.
Apple Butter
Apple Butter brings all-day London dining to Riyadh. Located at KAFD, the venue embraces a softer and more welcoming style. Brick walls, marble tables, rattan seating, and greenery create an environment that feels both upscale and homely. The café quickly attracted attention for its warm interiors, Instagram-worthy centerpiece apple tree, and menu that pairs Western café classics with Middle Eastern flavors. Popular menu highlights mentioned by food publications include the Wagyu Beef Burger, Truffle Scrambled Eggs, Prawn Marinara Pasta, Pistachio Umm Ali, and Saffron Milk Cake.
Daily, 8AM – 12PM, KAFD, Area 4, Building 4, Riyadh, @applebutter.ksa, +966 50 118 8332
Ashjar Cafe
Specialty coffees, relaxing work spaces, and a romantic feel sum up Ashjar Cafe. With meeting rooms named after flowers, Ashjar Cafe has often earned the title of best cafe in Riyadh. The quaint cafe features earthy tones with minimal furniture. A huge glass window lets the sun in and opens up views of a gorgeous outdoor space, complete with a garden and water feature. As for the sips and bites, Ashjar offers a wide array of traditional Saudi treats along with beans from far corners of the world. Ashjar is frequented by those looking for inspiration from their surroundings as they work. They are open 24 hours and provide wi-fi making it an ideal spot for night owls.
Open 24 hours, Prince Mohammed Ibn Salman Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315, +966 11 511 3484, @ashjarcafe
Brew92
For the coffee aficionados in the city, Brew92 is just as fond of their coffee. Trained to the Specialty Coffee Association’s exacting standards, the team makes regular visits to farms around the world to find the best flavours. They strictly brew at 92°C to draw out the best flavour profile from each roast. Guests can find all the classics on the menu plus plenty of alternative milks for vegans. If you’re looking for something new, the most interesting options sit in the “stranger drinks” section. Think ice cream sandwiches dunked in espresso, cold pistachio lattes, and crème-brulée brews that add a twist to the everyday cup.
Sat – Wed 6AM – 12AM, Thurs 6AM – 12:30AM, Fri 8AM – 12:30AM, Al Nada Corner, Uthman Ibn Affan Rd, Hai، Riyadh 13317, +966 54 282 5536, @brew92cafe
Brunch & Cake
Amid the glass towers of KAFD, Brunch & Cake is where terrazzo tables, greenery, and warm neutrals soften the city’s edge. It’s a pause button for executives and creatives alike to meet, breathe, and brunch in a serene space. Brunch & Cake’s menu revolves around homemade and nostalgic favourites. As the name suggests, this is one of Riyadh’s favourite brunch spots, with love as the main ingredient in every dish. Soothing scrambled eggs, bitter-sweet coffees, and comforting teas make Brunch & Cake the city’s favourite comfort cafe.
Daily 8AM – 11:45PM, KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, +966 53 753 2153, @brunchandcakeksa
Elixir Bunn Coffee Roasters
Elixir Bunn has brewed beans since 2014, serving up blends inspired by the distinct aromas of the Kingdom’s regions. The Western version bursts with the warmth of cardamom, cloves, saffron, and mastic. Whereas, the light-roasted Southern blend delivers a subtly sweet profile with ginger, fennel, and cinnamon. Terracotta-coloured arches inspired by traditional Islamic architecture frame sleek, honey-hued tables at this oasis of calm creates the space. Made for the that iconic Instagram shot, Architectural Digest Middle East once praised the cafe for its unique design. Guests can pair their delicious coffees with a dense slice of chocolate-flecked banana bread or seasonal sweets like Kohei-Ziri, a Japanese dessert that marries the sweetness of vanilla ice cream with the bitterness of espresso.
Sat – Wed 6:30AM – 11:30PM, Thurs & Fri 6:30AM – 1AM, Dist, 9035 king abdullah ibn abdul aziz rd, King Faisal Dt., 3527, Riyadh 13215, +966 58 133 6317, @elixirbunn
Half Million
Half Million is the go-to spot for die-hard coffee fans in Riyadh. It is named after the initial 500,000 riyal investment by founders Meshari Alshehri and Abdullah Alrajhi. This homegrown brand has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its fuss-free approach and easygoing service. It’s a hit outside of Saudi Arabia too, having recently opened an outpost on London’s Oxford Street. Swing by 24 hours a day for coffee, a simple falafel bagel, or the irresistible mini caramel bites temptingly displayed on the counter. For a cosy treat in cooler months, the ultra-rich hot chocolate makes a classic winter warmer.
Open 24 hours, King Abdulaziz Rd, Almasiaf, Riyadh 12465, @halfmillion_sa
SCRMY
SCRMY is the coolest neighbourhood hang, with strong brews and freshly baked pastries. Chic yet functional, this is the perfect spot for a productive work session or to unwind with friends while catching up. The sandy pink building welcomes guests into a bright, inviting space with colourful art on the walls. Neon signs sporting ‘taste and tell’ funk up the space, complete with an ice cream cart. SCRMY is synonymous with croissants galore, with a variety of flavors and shapes from round, flat, classic, creme brulee, and much more to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Sat – Wed 8AM – 1AM, Thurs & Fri 8AM – 2AM, RITM by Rawajeh, 135, Prince Muhammad Ibn Saad Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13515, +966 55 770 7966, @scrmy.sa
Place and People
Place and People is a newer addition to the capital’s list of amazing cafes. This spot is all amount embracing oneself in the purest form. In line with what they stand for, they stray away from artificial flavorings, giving you real and authentic tastes. They specialize in a wide variety of flavors, including the classics and unique mixes such as a Golden Matcha and plenty of V60 brews. Be sure to try out one of their popular pastries, baked fresh everyday.
Daily, 6Am – 1:30AM, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13523, Saudi Arabia, @placeandpeople.sa
Sociale Cafe
Drawing in a young, artsy crowd and laptop-toting creatives, Sociale Café on Tahlia Street oozes rustic charm. Try out the açai bowls and sharing boards of grilled halloumi, stracciatella, and zaatar-infused dips. If sweet is your go-to, definitely go for the pain perdu drowning in chocolate and fresh strawberries. The Instagram-worthy space, bathed in natural light from grid-like windows, is adorned with vintage light fixtures and lush greenery, complete with rough-hewn concrete columns and snug cushioned corners perfect for cosy chats. The outdoor garden, hidden behind a wall of plants, is always busy, with friends catching up under fairy lights. They frequently hosts live music events and showcases works by local artists under monthly themes like Bauhaus, Memphis, and connected worlds.
Daily 8AM – 12:45AM, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223, +966 11 210 2664, @sociale.cafe
SoMatcha
After sipping her first sweet, refreshingly sweet matcha at New York, Saudi beauty influencer Yara Alnamlah was hooked. Inspired by the earthy flavours, she launched the Kingdom’s first specialised matcha cafe, SoMatcha, in a stripped-back space at the Shorofat Park complex. Here, on tables dotted among potted plants and shelves of Japanese chasen whisks, emerald green ceremonial-grade tea takes centre stage in every form imaginable, from pure shots to floral lattes with rose petal infusions. Whether you crave it straight up or as a mellow, milky concoction, this spot has your matcha fix covered.
Daily 6AM – 3AM, Shorofat Park, An Nada, Riyadh 13317, @somatcha.me
Urth Caffe
Packed with organic options for vegans and the health-conscious, Urth Caffe, a bohemian cafe from California. It focuses on all-natural dishes free from artificial ingredients or processed sugars. Their commitment to coffee and tea that truly sets Urth apart. In 1989, founders Jilla and Shallom Berkman met a Peruvian farmer who introduced them to rare heirloom coffee trees. Fast forward to 2017, and Urth Caffé opened in Riyadh, carrying the tradition of serving exceptional, earth-friendly dishes and drinks. The Manhattan Mudd, a smooth, rich African-Asian blend straight from New York, pairs perfectly with a slice of old-fashioned Granny Smith apple pie, baked fresh daily using classic recipes. Homely bread pudding breakfast bowls, hearty portions of lasagna, and scrambles with eggs from vegetarian-fed chickens keep diners coming back.
Sat – Thurs 8AM – 12AM, Fri 1PM – 12AM, Riyadh Park, Northern Ring Rd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13511, +966 9200 07498, @urthcaffesaudi
WOODS Specialty Café & Roastery
For the late nights and early birds, the machines at WOODS whir 24/7. WOODS os known for churning out brews that are as premium as they come. From the sprawling central counter, baristas reach for rows of beans sourced from all corners of the globe. Their variety spreads as far as fruity mananasi from Uganda, zesty lemongrass-infused Sidra coffee from Ecuador, and the Gulf Pearl blend, a bold, nutty brew that lingers long after the last sip.
Open 24 hours, MMXM+78C, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241, +966 53 465 0070, @woods.ksa
