Riyadh is positioning itself as a global food destination, with luxury fine dining led by internationally acclaimed chefs alongside homegrown concepts celebrating local Saudi flavors. Covering a range of cuisines inclusing high-end Japanese, Italian, French, and fusion restaurants alongside long-standing local favorites, Riyadh’s best restaurants reflect the city’s cultural growth.
This guide to the best restaurants in Riyadh covers top-tier fine dining, trendy new openings and hidden gems loved by locals. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find a spot at one of the best restaurants in Riyadh.
Aseeb
Aseeb is all about celebrating Najdi culture. From the off, the charming team will meet guests at the door and guide them upstairs to the chic restaurant. Aseeb offers a selection of seating options from a formally laid table, a majlis-style seating to the traditional dining style: seated on the floor. The traditionally dressed team offers dates and Saudi coffee before every meal, capturing the essence of Saudi hospitality. The menu features dishes of classic Najdi cuisine, is full of flavour and spice. Enjoy classics such as the chicken mubahar rice flavoured with their special spices. Their desserts are just as impressive, with a decadent mini cheese and honey sambosa.
Daily 6:30AM – 12AM, Alyasmin, Riyadh, aseeb.com.sa, +966 9200 28226
Carbone
Carbone is an Italian-American restaurant created by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick. The concept is transported to Riyadh all the way from New York. The restaurant pays homage to the Italian-American restaurants of mid-20th century New York, where good food came with comfort. The food nods to that same history, but takes its culinary cues from the great talents and techniques of the present and of the future. Familiar dishes like Seafood Salad, Linguini Vongole, Lobster Fra Diavola, Chicken Scarpariello and Veal Parmesan elevated to a new level.
Sun – Thurs 5PM – 12AM, Fri & Sat 1PM – 12AM, 4248 Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, Ar Rabi, Riyadh, carboneksa.com, +966 11 829 0919
Coya
Coya brings the spirit of Peru to Riyadh. They invite guests into a world inspired by the flavours and colours of Incan heritage and Latin American culture. The elevated Latin menu, lively vibe and resident DJs make COYA an easy choice for a fun night out. The buzzy Peruvian spot opened in Riyadh in spring 2022, and it has since become a go-to restaurant for many. The venue often hosts friends, couples and even families for a splendid meal. The menu is primarily focused on tapas and sharing plates so guests can enjoy a vast variety of Peruvian cuisine through little bites. COYA is a wonderful spot to check out with the crew while dressed in the finest outfits.
Sat – Wed 12PM – 12AM, Thurs & Fri 1PM – 1AM, 8710 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, 4237, Riyadh, coyarestaurant.com , +966 9200 10352
Em Sherif Café
Discover the warmth of Lebanese hospitality at Em Sherif Café, a quaint retreat nestled in the heart of the city. The café is an all day haven to indulge in creations inspired by family traditions and flavors while embracing a contemporary flair and spirit. In the cozy embrace of the café, indulge in moments of simplicity and gatherings while relishing delectable dishes that pay homage to the rich tapestry of Lebanese rituals, favorites and tastes.
Sat – Wed 10AM – 11:45PM, Thurs & Fri 10AM – 12:45AM, Al Takhassousi, Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh, @emsherifcafeksa, +966 9200 17617
Il Baretto
Il Baretto is located in the heart of KAFD. Since its opening in November 2021, it has built its reputation with a simple and authentic Italian menu. Their food draws influence from the specialty dishes and produce of regional Italy. The menu features Italian favorites including the popular Veal Milanese and Salt Baked Seabass, with modern classics such as Lobster Linguine and wild Seabass Carpaccio. The northern Italian influenced pizza which is cooked in an open wood burning oven is not to be missed.
Sun – Thurs 11AM – 12AM, Fri & Sat 12:30PM – 12AM, KAFD 5.08 KAFD, 2822 – 6591, Riyadh, ilbaretto.sa, +966 9200 12508
KAYZŌ
Located in Oud Square in the Diplomatic Quarter, Kayzo is all about contemporary Japanese cooking with an international twist. The name is derived from two Japanese words meaning volcano and ocean. This plays into the East-meets-West fusion and merging various influences in one cool space. The casual contemporary dining concept is inspired by Japanese street food artisans. The menu features classic Japanese favourites including sushi, gyoza and edamame, with the addition of international dishes such as a Japanese-flavoured fish burger.
Sat – Wed 1PM – 12AM, Thurs & Fri 1PM – 1AM, Prince Musaid bin Abdulaziz bin Jalawi Street, As Sulimaniyah، District، 8273, Riyadh, kayzo.com, +966 9200 14156
Kuuru
Kuuru brings together Japanese and Peruvian cuisines to form authentic Nikkei cooking. Theatrical, colourful and dramatically delicious, this is fresh, modern luxury dining, inspired by tradition and waiting to be discovered. Using Peruvian flavors and Japanese culinary artistry, Kuuru’s menu is one to impress. Their must try dishes include the Kuuru ceviche featuring smoked corn, Naka truffle with premium salmon belly, Concha Trufada made with fresh scallops and a succulent Wagyu A Lo Pobre topped with quail egg.
Sat – Wed 12PM – 11:30PM, Thurs & Fri 12PM – 12:30AM, KAFD 3.05 building,305, Al Aqiq, Riyadh, kuururestaurant.com, +966 9200 35739
La Petite Maison Riyadh
La Petite Maison, a French restaurant in Al Olaya, brings Riviera-inspired dishes made with quality ingredients, prepared à la minute. The space features Belle Époque-style decor, with contemporary artworks and a harlequin-mirrored bar serving mocktails, plus a terrace with Mediterranean colors. The menu includes escargots, poulet, and burrata, reflecting LPM’s focus on quality and flavor.
Sun – Wed 12:30PM – 3:30PM & 6:30PM – 11:30PM, Thurs 12:30PM – 4PM & 6:30PM – 11:30PM, Fri & Sat 1PM – 4PM & 6:30PM – 11:30PM, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh, lpmrestaurants.com, +966 9200 11794
MAMO Michelangelo
MAMO Michelangelo is a popular Riyadh branch of Michelangelo. The restaurant started by Italian chef Mamo in Southern France, has now arrived in the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah. His Mediterranean style and passion for food come through in his dishes. Set among lemon trees and terracotta-painted arches, waiters serve generous, authentic dishes. The menu offers dishes such as creamy Burrata from Napoli, lamb shoulder cooked in the wood-fired oven, and signature dishes like truffle focaccia and truffle raviolini.
Sun – Wed 12:30PM – 3:30PM & 7:30PM – 12AM, Thurs – Sat 12:30PM – 4:30PM & 7:30PM – 12AM, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh, mamo-michelangelo.com, +966 9200 00874
Myazu
Myazu, Riyadh’s infamous homegrown hotspot, is next-level Japanese food in a dramatically lit, contemporary Zen space designed by Noriyoshi Muramatsu. This spot highlights contemporary culinary art rooted in Japanese culture, blended with the most sophisticated international cuisine influences. Dishes from the sushi counter and robata grill range from the light marinated yellowtail sashimi with ponzu dressing to the Wagyu sando with katsu sauce. The mushroom takikomi-gohan, its signature rice dish cooked in a clay pot, is comfort food at its most luxurious.
Sat – Wed 1PM – 12AM, Thurs & Fri 1PM – 1AM, Musad Bin Jalawi, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh, myazu.com, +966 9200 09686
Nozomi
Nozomi is Riyadh’s go-to spot for modern Japanese cuisine. Frequented by top tier celebrities including Cristiano Ronaldo, Nozomi is among the best restaurants in the city with delectable food, pristine ambience and immaculate energy. The room is low-lit and offers a chic stage for precision plates. The menu includes small dishes, sashimi, skewers and more. The signature dishes include Marinated Yellowtail, Seared Salmon Tataki and Wagyu Beef Tataki. Head over to Nozomi for an unforgettable meal, guaranteeing guests to return for more.
Daily 1PM – 1AM, Century Corner, 7448 King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, 4255, Riyadh, nozomiksa.co, +966 9200 11923
Robata
Robatayaki, the traditional Japanese “fireside cooking” style rooted in Ainu culinary traditions from Hokkaido, has arrived in Riyadh with Robata. Located at The Canopy, the restaurant has an al fresco terrace with dance music playing. Chefs make a show of their skills and grill visibly through the glass wall. Expect modern Japanese dishes made with carefully sourced ingredients. The menu includes Angus beef fillet and Gulf prawns with kimchi sauce. Vegetarian options include portobello mushroom in a ponzu marinade.
Sat – Wed 1PM – 12AM, Thurs & Fri 1PM – 1AM, The Canopy, Riyadh, robatasaudi.com, +966 9200 05613
Thara
Thara may be 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 flavors and textures, focusing on quality in every bite. The likes of machboos, jareesh and saleeq adorn the menu. Guests can also indulge in unique delicacies such as the crispy sambosa pastries filled with camel meat.
Sat – Wed 12PM – 11:30PM, Thurs 12PM – 12:30AM, Fri 1PM – 12:30AM, Abi Bakr As Siddiq Branch Rd, An Narjis, Riyadh, @thara_saudi, +966 55 454 0039
The Globe
The Globe, located in the golden sphere is one of the most unique and sought-after restaurants in Riyadh. Located in the spectacular golden sphere that tops Al Faisaliah Tower, this dining destination offers panoramic views of the city. The menu features dishes including a hamour in a herb crust and white beans paired with a citrus beurre blanc. You can also try the more classical navarin-styled pressed lamb shoulder. Within this dramatic three-story dome, delicious modern European cuisine and world-class service come together to create an unmatched, fine dining experience.
Sun – Thurs 7PM – 11:30PM, Fri & Sat 3PM – 6PM & 8PM – 11:30PM, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh, mandarinoriental.com , +966 11 273 2005
The Rubi Room at Hōchō
Tucked away within Hōchō, in the luxurious VIA Riyadh shopping mall, The Rubi Room is where Chef Hassan’s imagination runs free. The omakase-style menu serves approximately 19 guests and features dishes that will certainly create intrigue. Halal Kobe beef sits at the heart of the menu, with various preparations and cuts appearing throughout. The chefs use numerous processes and techniques to create each dish, staying playful in parts. While the team comprehensively explains the dishes, guests will still leave here in a sense of wonder.
Sat – Wed 3PM – 12AM, Thurs & Fri 3PM – 1AM, VIA Riyadh, 8425 Makkah Al Mukarramah Rd, Al Hada, Riyadh, hocho.info, +966 53 992 2001
Zuma
Zuma has landed in Riyadh, bringing the same glamour as its sibling locations in London, Dubai, Bodrum, and Mykonos. Sweeping staircases, amber walls, and a mix of wood and stone fill the packed dining room in KAFD. The izakaya-style menu includes Zuma’s famous miso-marinated black cod and rock shrimp tempura. The venue’s Riyadh exclusives include yuzu-drizzled lobster carpaccio and beef gyoza with seasonal mushrooms. Upstairs, the bar serves zero per cent cocktails for guests waiting for tables. Our must try drinks are the Rikka Tonic, made with yuzu and grapefruit or the strawberry Ozaka Spritz.
Daily 12PM – 1AM, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, Riyadh, zumarestaurant.com, +966 9200 14597
