From upmarket eats to casual treats, these are the best new restaurants in the Saudi capital.
Keeping track of all the new restaurant openings in the Kingdom is a full-time job. But if you love finding the latest hotspots for lunch and dinner before anyone else, then this is the place for you. These are the best new restaurants in Riyadh right now
April 2024
Jon and Vinny’s
International restaurants keep coming to Saudi Arabia. The latest brand making its way to the Kingdom is Jon and Vinny’s. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Jon and Vinny’s was created by the friends, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo. The aim was to create Italian food that is reminiscent of nonnas – aka Italian grandmas. The menu includes pizzas and pasta galore. The pizzas include a Breakfast Pizza 2.0 with potato, egg and red onion, La Woman with local burrata, tomato basil and olive oil, and The Rosy with tomato and olive oil crust. Jon and Vinny’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but it's the pizza at soft serve that has captivated Riyadh residents.
GO: Visit www.jonandvinnys.com for more information.
Meatin Grill's
Meatin Grill's is a new yet unpretentious Korean restaurant that serves shrimp and a variety of meats cooked on tabletop grills in As Sulimaniyah. At this interactive spot, you get to play chef, and those looking for a socially driven dining experience should opt for the all-you-can-eat menu (SAR 150), which allows you to fire up the tabletop barbeque and cook your meat and veggies.
GO: Follow @meatingrills on Instagram for more information.
MLLE
If the sound of flatbreads, fatteh and freeeh get your mouth watering, then you’ll want to check out the newly opened MLLE in Riyadh’s Laysen Valley. The restaurant prides itself on creating twisted Lebanese cuisine while paying homage to traditional cooking techniques. Not only does the restaurant feature hand-painted plates and patterned upholstery, but the dining room includes a dramatic indoor tree with red leaves. Dishes are instilled with a modern twist with signatures such as hummus wagyu, ribs kebbah and the um Ali mille-feuille.
GO: Follow @mlle_eatery on Instagram for more information.
Stella Sky Lounge
The St. Regis Riyadh is one of the most sophisticated hotels in Saudi Arabia. Now, the hotel has opened Stella Sky Lounge. Featuring snacks, shisha, and sights, it boasts a classy and contemporary vibe. Dishes span flatbreads, grilled, plancha, raw, salads, sides and desserts, while the mocktail menu draws inspiration from the Zodiac signs. The design is smart and sleek with neutral tones, traditional carpets and panoramic views of Via Riyadh and the city
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
The Carnivore
With Nusr-Et shutting up shop in the Saudi capital, a worthy replacement has already emerged with the opening of The Carnivore. This Riyadh branch, a recent addition inspired by the original in Islamabad, Pakistan, will satisfy your carnivorous cravings with its menu of slow-baked meats. The menu features a selection of cuts, including brisket, ribs, and shanks. Portions are great for groups, and sharing is encouraged.
GO: Follow @thecarnivoreriyadh on Instagram for more information.
White Robata
Riyadh, we’ve got some tasty news. The Japanese restaurant, White Robata can already be found in Kuwait, and has now expanded to Laysen Valley in Riyadh. White Robata boasts an open kitchen so that you can watch the chefs at work. Great for groups, the dishes are superb for sharing and include Seabream Nigiri, Six Hour Braised Short Rib with crispy shallots, Spicy Tuna Wanton Taco and a Wagyu Burger with camembert. Look out for fun anime figures, which wouldn’t look out of place in Transformers. Plus, there are potted plants, which add a touch of colour.
GO: Visit www.whiterobata.com for more information.
March 2024
Ki
Craving a unique Japanese dining experience in Riyadh? Look no further than Ki, a new hotspot in the Hittin that offers an "offline experience." At Ki, Chef Aries curates a selection of fresh sushi, sashimi, and nigiri alongside some intriguing fusion dishes. Think tuna pizza or a refreshing mango kani salad. However, what truly sets Ki apart is its commitment to a phone-free experience. Each table comes equipped with a locker, encouraging you to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy the moment.
GO: Follow @ki.saudi on Instagram for more information.
Pairidaeza
Located within Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh on Al Ihsaa Street, Pairidaeza offers a memorable meal rooted in the rich history of Levantine and Middle Eastern cuisines. Wood panels or rattan-weaved light fixtures dangle from the ceiling, casting a glow over the minimalist marble tabletops and wooden chairs. Drawing inspiration from the Levantine culinary heritage, the menu features an array of dishes — but with an interesting twist. From falafel churros to lamb cigars, black chickpea hummus to zaatar burrata, each dish offers a taste of the Levant.
GO: Follow @pairidaeza.riyadh on Instagram for more information.
Saddle House
Saddle House in Riyadh is now open and brings a touch of Emirati culture to the Kingdom. Nestled in 1364 in the Diplomatic Quarter, Saddle House boasts seating for up to 130 guests. Whether you prefer to lounge indoors or soak up the sunshine in the outdoor seating area, Saddle Riyadh has got you covered. Plus, Mattar Bin Lahej — known for his calligraphy pieces at Dubai's Museum of the Future — has left his mark at Saddle Riyadh. His steel art installation, Speed, hangs from the ceiling. The menu includes Avocado Egg Toast, Beef Tagliata and Truffle Pasta. Plus, there is a wide selection of teas, coffees and smoothies, and signature serves include Saddle La Brioche and Saddle Acai Smoothie.
GO: Visit https://saddle-dubai.squarespace.com for more information.
February 2024
Crome
French toast fans, we have some tasty news. The London restaurant Crome, which is famed for its French toast, has made its Saudi Arabian debut in Riyadh Park Mall. Here, the sweet French toast is soaked in a sweet cinnamon batter, stuffed with sauces, fried in butter and tossed in some more cinnamon. The result is a golden brown French toast, which has a loyal following. The sweet options include The Choco-Holic, The Crunchy Salted Caramel, and The Lotus and Caramelised Banana. The savoury options include Eggs Florentine Brioche, Eggs Royale Brioche, and Smashed Avocado Brioche.
GO: Visit www.cromelondon.com for more information.
Kuuru
Just days after placing at number 50 on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Kuuru has opened in Riyadh. Having set Jeddah alight with its funky fusion cuisine, the restaurant has now made its way to KAFD in the capital. Kuuru brings Nikkei cuisine to the Saudi table with a sharing-style menu designed to bring people together. Combining the flavours of Japan and Peru, the signature fusion dishes include Black Cod Criollo, Chicken Panca Truffle and Tiger Shrimp Anticuchero. The colourful plates are so stylish that you’ll want to snap them before you start – we’re not judging.
GO: Visit www.kuururestaurant.com for more information.
January 2024
Agio
Riyadh, it’s time to say ciao to a new Italian restaurant. Located in The Canopy, Agio draws inspiration from the Amalfi Coast and is a sophisticated spot to indulge in Italy’s finest food. Created by Modern Food Company, which opened BeefBar, Billionaire, MYAZŪ and Signor Sassi in the capital, Agio is a homegrown concept. The menu from Chef Filippo Pagani spans pasta, pizza, fish and meat dishes and includes a wood fire oven. Plus, a range of classic desserts, from gelato to tiramisu. The smart spot includes white tablecloths, rattan-style chairs, soft sofas and statement chandeliers.
GO: Follow @agiosaudi on Instagram for more information.
Asador De Aranda
After wowing diners in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai, the superb Spanish restaurant Asador De Aranda has opened in the capital’s Laysen Valley. The restaurant is famous for its Spanish dishes, which include Patatas Bravasand Caldoso, El Cuarto de Asado roasted lamb, and Las Chuletillas grilled lamb chops. Marvellous for meat eaters, the dishes are slow-cooked in a clay oven, making the meat juicy, flavourful and tender. You won’t want to leave without satisfying your sweet tooth with a selection that includes puff pastry with custard and chantilly cream.
GO: Follow @asadordearanda.riyadh on Instagram for more information.
Q On Da Go
Rapper-turned-restaurateur Mutah Beale was part of Tupac’s rap group Outlawz. He is behind the FACT Award-winning Smokey Beards Q and is now opening several new restaurants in Riyadh, including a spin-off called Q On Da Go. The restaurant, like London’s Burger & Lobster or Riyadh’s Marble, specialises in a handful of perfectly prepared menu items. The menu at this casual eatery features a Boneless Brisket Sirloin Sandwich, Coleslaw, Fries with Cheese and Brisket, Mac and Cheese and Potato Salad. The bountiful brisket burgers can be topped with a generous pouring of Barbecue, Cheese or Mushroom sauce and are served in an industrial setting.
GO: Follow @qondago_sa on Instagram for more information.
