Riyadh Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Riyadh

November 10, 2017 Esmeralda Fenner

Riyadh (/rɨˈjɑːd/; Arabic: الرياض‎ ar-Riyāḍ Najdi pronunciation: [er.rɪˈjɑːðˤ]) is the capital and most populous city of Saudi Arabia. It is also the capital of Riyadh Province and belongs to the historical regions of Najd and Al-Yamama. It is situated in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau and home to more than six million people.
Things to do in Riyadh

1. The Globe

Al Faisaliah Tower, King Fahad Road, Riyadh 11491, Saudi Arabia Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Valet Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi European, Central European, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +966 11 273 2222
Excellent
61%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 908 reviews

The Globe

The Globe, is unique among Riyadh restaurants. Encapsulated in the stunning golden geodesic orb that tops Al Faisaliah Tower, guests enjoy a unique perspective of the Kingdom's first city. Within this dramatic three-story dome, delicious modern European cuisine and sweeping panoramic views of the city come together to create an unmatched Riyadh fine dining experience. The Globe's exclusive Asir Lounge, modern elegance rubs shoulders with an outstanding ambience. In sophisticated comfort, guests savor light meals and Saudi Arabia's most spectacular sunsets.

Reviewed By RAIZA S - Riyadh

The Globe...as usual always the nice place to visit...relaxing..very solemn...the receptionist is soo accomodating...we ate at the TOP...the attendants are very welcoming...foods are fine...we missed to see the balcony because it’s raining during our visit....i will surely miss RIYADH...thank you to my friends who sponsored us...von voyage to me and my hubby...

2. Tokyo Restaurant

Al uruba Street, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +966 9200 09662
Excellent
45%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 400 reviews

Tokyo Restaurant

Reviewed By Ryomi911

It’s a great restaurant and the food is good I love it The decoration of it is lovely it is relaxing not noisy and it makes you full and it’s great for lunches and dinner and you’ll enjoy it and I think that you should go there for dinner

3. Mama Noura

Abdul Aziz Bin Museod Bin Julowi Street | District Al-Rahmaniyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Takeout, Seating Lebanese, Fast Food, Mediterranean, Turkish, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +966(0)1 4708881
Excellent
42%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 1 reviews

Mama Noura

Reviewed By yusuf69 - Yeovil, United Kingdom

Continuing to be both popular and busy, this behemoth rolls on. However, while still reasonably priced, quality appears to have been reduced to meet this.

4. Al-Najdiyah Village

AboBakr AlSiddeeq Street | Al Nuzhah Area, Riyadh 11464, Saudi Arabia Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Halal Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +966 1 464 6530
Excellent
45%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 623 reviews

Al-Najdiyah Village

Reviewed By adamgB2040YJ - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

If you want a glimpse of what traditional Arabian food is like, this is the place for you. With a plethora of western and contemporary restaurants in Riyadh to chose from, one might ask themselves where they can find classic Saudi cuisine. This is the place.
Although they have a range of middle eastern appetizers and sweets on the menu, the main courses are one hundred percent Saudi.Any attempt to describe the menu would not do it justice nor would it be an easy task since aside from cabs, the classic rice pilaf with either meat or chicken, very few of these dishes are known to those that haven't had the pleasure of dining at a Saudi's home.
Not only is the food good (though it will never beat home cooking), the decor showcases the design aesthetics of the old Nejdi homes. This experience must be tried at least once, but based on the waiting lines, you will be more than happy to become a repeat customer.

5. Najd Village

At Takhassusi St, Al Olaya | Riyadh 12331, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Waitstaff Middle Eastern, Halal Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +966 11 464 6530
Excellent
49%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 258 reviews

Najd Village

This is a traditional Saudi Arabian restaurant where EVERYTHING is traditional, from the food, decor (think 1950's Riyadh) & dinning style (on the floor). It does not seem to have a website, which is why I think I haven't seen any foreigners there. This is a hidden gem I believe particularly western visitors would enjoy. Truelly authentic.

Reviewed By Joepure - Los Angeles, California

To be honest, I was not sure what to expect when my colleagues said we were going to have a traditional Saudi dinner. Like most, I do not have deep experience in Saudi culture and cuisine.
The food at Najd Village is wonderful. Flavorful. Served with great pride. Helpful service staff to explain the flavors and make suggestions. Food was sumptuous and as evidenced in the many photos - served family style in comfortable group rooms.
A must try if in Riyadh - as it's great to escape the hotels and malls!

6. Piatto

North Ring Road | Exit 5 Opp Tala Mall, Riyadh 301741, Saudi Arabia Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible Italian, Pizza, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +966 11 200 6868
Excellent
40%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 791 reviews

Piatto

Reviewed By Jorn H - London

We were invited here for a business dinner.
The service was very quick, friendly and attentive. There is a very nice salad as a complimentary starter.
The food is very good, fresh and tasty.
There is quite a large selection.
The place is very stylish - in fact a bit too stylish if one likes the simplicity and austerity of some great restaurants in Italy.
Definitely worth going if one happens to be in Riyadh.

7. Cafe Bateel

Tahlia Street | Opposite Localizer Mall , Beside Al- Reif Al-Lebnany, Riyadh 197, Saudi Arabia Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Reservations, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Free Wifi Cafe, Middle Eastern, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$118 - HK$549 +96612936355
Excellent
53%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 441 reviews

Cafe Bateel

Reviewed By Abdulraouf A

we used to get together with family or friends to eat or to get some tea , coffee or herbal drink at night in the outdoor specially during this time of the year in Al Khobar town the food also good and sweets as well.

8. Outback Steakhouse

Tahlia St | Localizer Mall Gate 1 Olaya, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible American, Steakhouse, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks, Late Night +966 11 217 0046
Excellent
52%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 406 reviews

Outback Steakhouse

At Outback Steakhouse, we're committed to providing you the best steak experience. We set our standards high and rigorously follow them. Our steaks are "wet-aged" in a controlled environment to ensure tenderness and seasoned with secret blend of 17 herbs and spices. Our chefs understand the nuances of beef and are expertly trained to prepare a perfectly grilled Steak.

Reviewed By Rob Z

Excellent service but the quality of food is not that great. The Blooming Onion is the greatest attraction, however, when it comes to steaks, the chef needs to learn the difference between Medium (our request) and extremely well done. So disappointing. Yet I may visit again still. The Blooming Onion is really good. The Peach Melon Mojito is really awesome.

9. Lusin

Olaya St | 2nd floor intersection with Tahlya St, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Armenian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal Brunch, Lunch, Dinner HK$353 - HK$510 +966 9200 02690
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 639 reviews

Lusin

Prepare yourself to savour an evocative cuisine to celebrate the centuries old tradition of a proud people. Lusin serves its guests enticing Armenian specialities renowned for its distinctive aromas and flavourful preparations. Take a gastronomic journey and be tempted by a collection of exquisite dishes that feature pomegranate tanginess, along with an aromatically rich aftertaste such as Manti, Kabab and traditional appetizers aplenty.

Reviewed By Maram A

We went as group of friends and we set out side in the balcony. Was great and a little bit gold. They give us blankets and there was heaters. We enjoyed our delicious dinner. I recommend it.

10. Al Orjouan

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh | Mekkah Road, Al Hada Area, Riyadh 11493, Saudi Arabia Reservations, Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Halal, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$361 - HK$675 +966 11 802 8333
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Al Orjouan

Savor a delectable assortment of culinary delights at Al Orjouan, widely regarded as one of the finest buffet restaurants in Riyadh. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily in The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh dining room's relaxed and refined atmosphere, while a traditional Friday brunch service begins by greeting guests with Arabic coffee and dates before serving a lavish spread of Oriental and International favorites.

Reviewed By Khalid K

It’s quite difficult to begin this review as there very few restaurants/hotels that the Ritz-Carlton can be compared to.
The food was absolutely incredible! Whether in terms of flavor, variety, presentation, or organization. At Al-Orjouan you can enjoy cuisines from all over the world, including Italian, Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern foods with many other options being available. All of the food is very well organized by both originating country and intended course (a substantial consideration when taking into account the selection that is offered).
The service staff members were absolutely lovely and incredibly welcoming! You will always feel like you are dining amongst family and that the service staff is truly joyous and pleased to be serving you. During my visit I was served by a splendid gentleman called Abhishek who was always pleasant and prompt in dealing with or responding to any requests.
Finally the venue (does one really need to mention the venue when talking about the Ritz-Carlton?) is absolutely mind blowing! A real grand palace an absolutely gorgeous romanesque design. To get an idea of what the Al-Orjouan restaurant looks like you can find many photos through a simple Google search (while the photos are nice, this is one place that looks much better when experienced in reality!).
I believe that Al-Orjouan is worth every penny, and you will in no way whatsoever regret giving this place a visit. A must-see indeed!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.