As major international brands, such as Cipriani Mamo and Hakkasan, continue to find their way to Riyadh, the five fine-dining establishments have their roots in Saudi Arabia. The dining scene in Riyadh is expanding at an incredibly rapid rate.
Over the past three years, the Saudi capital has welcomed dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants besides the opening of international fine-dining chains like Cipriani La Petite Maison Hakkasan and Mamo. Even more intriguing is the quick ascent of locally inspired homegrown restaurant concepts that are revolutionizing the city’s dining scene.
These Saudi-born eateries are challenging international chains with their eclectic blend of traditional and fusion cuisine, with many serving modernized versions of traditional Saudi dishes. We showcase the homegrown gems in this burgeoning international culinary hub of Riyadh amidst a flurry of foreign openings. You must eat the greatest food in Riyadh if you are visiting the city via Umrah packages from UK at a possible cheaper price. You should include the tourist VISA instead of Umrah VISA from Cheap Umrah Packages UK.
- Al Bujairi
Taste-tested and sourced from Dammam Saudi caviar is a must-try dish that has been drawing crowds since fine-dining restaurant Maiz opened its doors last year. It is served with masabeeb pancakes. Riyadh-born Maiz, a celebration of the cuisine, culture, and legacy of the Kingdom, bills itself as the world’s first authentic Saudi restaurant.
Born in Saudi Arabia, Maiz celebrates the Kingdom’s food culture and legacy. It is situated within the city’s renowned Bujairi Terrace, a traditional village in the ancient Diriyah district overlooking Turaif, which was formerly the seat of the first Saudi state. From lamb khabsa to chicken sale, traditional dishes from all 13 provinces of the Kingdom are modernized.
Think sumac croutons, feta mousse, and pickled dates. The dishes use the best heritage ingredients and flavors. When feasible, produce is purchased locally and from nearby farms, which range from camel farms in Al-Kharj to prawns from the Arabian Gulf. With dramatic chandeliers and Arabic architecture, the surroundings exude a Saudi aesthetic while remaining modern.
- Sulaimaniya district
Japan’s own high-end destination, Myazu, is a formidable rival to international brands Zuma and Roka. Not only has Myazu secured the title of the best restaurant in Saudi Arabia and been listed among the top 50 restaurants in the MENA region for the past two years, but it is also said to be a favorite hangout for Portuguese football legend Ronaldo.
Reputable sushi and teppanyaki restaurant that combines traditional techniques with innovative modern-day culinary creativity has locations throughout the Kingdom including Uliula Jeddah and Riyadh. Easy way to visit Riyadh is Umrah Package so Book Umrah Packages from United Kingdom to experience the delicious meals in KSA.
Worlds 50 Best describes it as such. Serving food directly from the sushi counter or robata grill Myazu serves a tasting menu appropriate for this modern Zen-inspired setting designed by Japanese design icon Noriyoshi Muramatsu. Particular highlights include the Wagyu fillet with Japanese pumpkin puree and the red snapper granite infused with yuzu. Besides providing private dining in your home the restaurant also offers butler service.
- Turki Square
Farm-to-table grill Marble, another locally owned Riyadh eatery to make MENA’s Best 50 list, began as a pop-up and has since expanded to become a regional institution and the best place for carnivores in the city. Marble began with a small menu consisting of just four meat dishes and fries, and it was only open for a few hours every day, four days a week.
These days, however, Marble serves up premium cuts of meat, such as steaks and burgers, for lunch and dinner six days a week to the city’s carnivorous population. Being an expert in smoking and open-flamed grilling meats,
Marble serves up seasonal favorites like the Saudi lamb specialty rice plates and signature dishes like the renowned Marble brioche burger drenched in house sauce and eight-hour smoked ribs. Marble is a celebration of the best butchery and craftsmanship led by chef-owner and grill master Abdulrahman Alwowailem. It is housed in a chic art deco-inspired setting.
- Al Bujairi
As part of the Bujairi Terrace Takya is a fine-dining establishment that takes regional Saudi comfort dishes and turns them into something special. It is situated next to Maiz and several other upscale Saudi and international dining experiences.
According to the restaurant’s website, to create Takya, we searched every region of Saudi Arabia to find its own unique style of cooking. The menu includes Saudi specialities such as fig salad sleep, jeesh, kasbah, and kabuli rice.
Everything from pan-seared hammer to cheesecake 10-hour cooked lamb to mocktails is infused with regional spices and ingredients like tamarind, rose, date cardamon, and saffron. Takya offers stylish yet laid-back surroundings that are influenced by the architectural and cultural features of the Kingdom. Takya means to recline or rely on something for comfort and relaxation.
- Sum+things
This upscale restaurant combines innovative, high-end Japanese cuisine with Saudi flair. Founded in Saudi Arabia, it is housed in the hip concept store Sum+Things on The Boulevard, giving it an atmosphere reminiscent of an art gallery. It opened its doors in 2021.
Japanese street food with a unique twist is served at this restaurant, which is led by Anthony Garlando, the former Global Executive Chief of Zuma Group. Consider dishes such as yellowtail carpaccio paired with Mandarin asparagus and courgette salad and soba noodle cabin area with smoked garlic butter nestled beneath a mound of crispy nori. Just as inventive are the non-alcoholic drinks.
When Visiting Riyadh, One Must Make a Stop at these Eateries
Azure
One of the best restaurants in Riyadh is Azure a Spanish eatery located in the Hyatt Regency Olaya Riyadh Hotel. Though it is a fine dining establishment, this restaurant is known for its authentic southern Spanish cuisine and its stunning city views.
With dishes like their renowned seafood paella beef stew calamari and many more delectable offerings chef Ramon Cantos will take you on a true culinary adventure. This restaurant in Al Olaya is definitely worth a visit.
Beefbar
When considering the top eateries in Riyadh for steak lovers Beefbar is an absolute must-visit. With its roots in Monte Carlo Beefbar offers some of the best beef cuts you’ve ever tasted in a gorgeous setting with eye-catching interiors and design.
With the elegance of fine cuisine and flawless service from the staff, BeefBar offers an experience that is somewhat similar to a casual fine dining establishment without the ostentation of luxury dining. Good steak is the only thing that matters at this restaurant!
Al Orjouan
Situated within the opulent 5-star Ritz Carlton in Riyadh, Al Orjouan offers an unparalleled fine dining experience amidst a world of splendor and charm. Luxury buffets with excellent food are rare, but Al Orjouan does a great job of providing one of the biggest selections of Middle Eastern and international cuisines in Riyadh.
They usually have a few themed nights like their Wednesday seafood nights and their Friday brunch is particularly noteworthy. The restaurant’s Chef’s Brunch, which features stations representing various regions of the world where you can eat food prepared and served by specialty chefs who are well-known for these cuisines, is highly recommended. Select affordable Umrah packages and experience these restaurants on your own.
