If one was to compare the culinary scene of Riyadh from only five years ago with the one that we see today, it would be as different as hummus and foie gras – and that is not a journalistic cliché, but rather a researched fact.
Thanks to the Kingdom’s vision 2030 and its progressive rulers, an influx of worldly cuisines as well as global brands and chefs have chosen to set-up shop in the capital. Whether it’s haute cuisine with multiple Michelin stars or simple hearty local street food, the culinary scene in Riyadh has evolved at a pace that few could have imagined.
Today, the kingdom’s food and beverage offerings can rival both neighbouring GCC countries and top European destinations, alike – often at times surpassing both. Parts of the city have become hotspots for the finest restaurants, where discerning diners can indulge on a true culinary journey. Arabian Business Traveller has shortlisted the seven fine dining restaurants that impressed us to the point of wanting to share.
Il Baretto
Located in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, Il Baretto has quickly cemented itself as an Italian hotspot to try since its inception in November 2021. An accomplishment that could have been an easy task, given that its founders are Arjun Waney (the brainchild of Zuma, Coya and LPM, to name a few), Giuliano Lotto (the man behind Zafferano and Memory of China) and Mohammed Jawa, who has over 18 years of local experience to his name.
In terms of dining experience, guests can expect a culinary journey that is simple and authentically Italian. A few dishes that we recommend are vitello tonnato, the eggplant parmigiana, and the veal piccata al limone. An insider tip? II Baretto is often full of vibrant guests, so if you are after an Italian eatery that ticks all the boxes then “avanti”, because the venue does fill up – quite fast.
Roka Riyadh
From the moment it opened its doors in Dubai, ROKA firmly established itself as one of the most popular modern Japanese venues to try. So, it is no surprise that the Riyadh edition is no different – some might argue that it is even better.
ROKA preserves its unique concept by proving an elevated dining experience, complete with some of the best Japanese culinary delights available on the market.
The venue’s extensive menu is sure to leave a smile on even the most demanding of diners – especially since it features the likes of mouth-watering beef dumplings, seasoned with ginger and sesame and our personal favourite – tempura panko Spanish red prawns, served with a dipping of equally delicious wasabi mayonnaise. The yellowtail sashimi, topped with yuzu-truffle is another must try.
Hotel Cartagena Riyadh
Inspired by the quaint hotel in Colombia, the story of this now well-known brand dates back to the 1950s, when the original hotel was inherited by Mrs. Buendia, following the death of her father. Through the years, many travellers have passed through its doors, leaving behind elements such as letters, books, and keepsakes that have gone on to create the brand’s iconic eclectic décor, which today, includes oversized birdcages and massive tropical vegetation.
With a menu that features everything from ceviche to empanadas and tacos to delicious grills, the food on offer can best be described as Pan-Latin delicacies meets Colombian fusion. Our dish to try would be the arroz con mariscos, which is Spanish styled rice served with mussels, squid, prawns, and chorizo, all of which are topped with Amarillo pesto.
Beefbar Riyadh
A carnivorous diet is one that is intertwined with Middle Eastern culture – using ingredients such as beef, lamb and chicken that form the foundation of most dishes served. That said, it is safe to say that opening a venue that specializes in meat, is no small
task. However, it is one that BeefBar Riyadh has done quite well. BeefBar Riyadh offers the perfect balance of luxury dining, with cuts that will surpass even the most discerning meat lovers’ expectations.
Dishes to look forward to include the goma spinach salad, the avocado hummus, and the wagyu gyros. When it comes to meat – the lamb rack, along with the mighty tomahawk are sure to impress. It is also worth noting that the fine cuts are imported from Argetntina to ensure that diners are treated to the very best cuts not only in Riyadh, but in the world.
LPM
Should you ever need reassurance that Riyadh has been inundated in the world of gourmet greats, look no further than LPM. A visit to LPM is a celebration of how food, drink, people, and setting come together to create something unique – those aren’t our words, but theirs and we have to agree. Discerning guests can enjoy al fresco dining out on the terrace, while the ambiance inside will transport you to its native Mediterranean shores.
The menu serves French delicacies and Mediterranean specialties, which includes the likes of salade de lentilles vertes, tartare de boeuf fumé, and grosses crevettes grillées. As for us, our personal favourite is loup de mer préparé en croûte de sel, which is salt baked sea bass served with artichokes and tomatoes.
Billionaire Riyadh
The brainchild of former Formula 1 boss and Italian socialite, Flavio Briatore, Billionaire Riyadh promises to bring together a unique dining experience, complete with a dinner-and-a-show concept like no other in the kingdom. Curated by famed Turkish chef, Batuhan Piatti Zeynioglu, the menu at Billionaire Riyadh is described as new-Asian modernity and Italian authenticity.
Guests can expect to be wowed by a rich offering that includes the likes of smoked eggplant and stracciatella to wagyu beef carpaccio and cured angus truffle to salmon Aburi.
On the Italian side, diners are free to indulge in flavours that are just like “mama used to make”, these include ravioli lobster, maltagliati served with veal ragout and gnocchi alla Sorrentina. And yes, there’s an extensive selection of Napolitano pizza to choose from.
The venue’s entertainment is just as impressive, with live music and show acts performing daily. To top it all up, a selection of multicultural desserts and famous virgin mocktails await. It is also worth mentioning that the venue accepts private events, should you want a little extra privacy.
Nadj Village
Nadj Village offers Saudi dining authenticity at its best. With three venues spread across the capital, the true time capsule will transport you to the heart of kingdom as it once was.
Najd Village is a place where rich Saudi dishes combine with the atmosphere of yesteryear, and where Saudi hospitality and the kingdom’s rich heritage come together in the greatest of harmonies.
Whether you are a resident of Riyadh or a guest visiting the capital, Nadj Village is a must stopover. A few dishes to try include kabsa – mixed rice dish, commonly served on a communal platter, jareesh – slow cooked wheat dish served with vegetables and tomato sauce, and our recommended dish is qursan. Commonly served as an entrée, qursan features thin layers of bread that have been glazed with tomato-based vegetable gravy and topped with diced onions – so simple, so delicious.
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