Riyadh on the Rise: Reasons why the city is growing as a culinary hub, from the people in the know

Three leading hospitality professionals give insights into why renowned restaurants are picking Saudi as their first GCC outpost, the future of the Kingdom’s dining scene, and more

Hayley Alexander

20 March 24

In recent years, a growing number of chefs and restaurant owners have come to Riyadh, drawn by the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.

With a robust and expanding economy, Saudi’s capital is an ideal place for hospitality businesses. Its growing population and cosmopolitan lifestyle have fuelled demand for diverse dining experiences.

Restaurant owners like the fact that people in Riyadh are open to trying cuisines from around the world. We spoke to three of them about the pull of the capital.

Mutah Beale

Co-owner, Smokey Beards Q

Mutah Beale, formerly known as rapper Napoleon from Tupac’s Outlawz, is now a motivational speaker and co-owner of Smokey Beards Q in Riyadh. This Texas-style smokehouse has gained attention, with celebs like Kanye West tucking into hearty food at the diner. Popular for its signature pulled brisket sandwich, it attracts crowds with its no-frills smokehouse eats.

Tell us about your restaurant and why the people of Riyadh love it so much.

At Smokey Beards Q, a Dallas restaurant, we don’t cut corners. Riyadh loves us for quality juicy meats and good service. We take pride in what comes out of the kitchen, ensuring consistency. Diners trust us for what they’ll get – a commitment to excellence in every bite.

Why did you choose Riyadh as the first location for Smokey Beards Q in the GCC?

Opting for Riyadh as the first GCC location was driven by its position as one of the fastest growing economies – a thriving hub with vision, innovation, and city commitment. Being part of this dynamic landscape is gratifying. Witnessing local Saudi brands flourish in their city adds a unique touch, reflecting pride and confidence, a rare sight in a landscape dominated by chains and international brands.

What are your thoughts on the growing number of restaurants in the city, and the dining scene in Riyadh right now?

I’m captivated by Riyadh’s dining scene; it’s a melting pot, with authentic global flavours. The limitless choices, from Mexican to Portuguese, Chinese to diverse Arabic cuisines, make it a culinary haven. The variety ensures everyone finds something they love, creating a rich and vibrant food culture in the city. And it’s only going to get better!

You have some friends visiting the capital, where would you recommend they grab dinner?

My recommendation depends on their tastes. I enjoy exploring various cuisines. If they’re travelling from Europe or the UK, I often suggest Smokey Beards first, ha! I want to introduce them to authentic smoked meat, a delightful experience many haven’t had before.

How do you envision Riyadh's dining scene five years from now?

I envision Riyadh emerging as a global dining hub. The thriving youth scene is reshaping the landscape, infusing local and international concepts with a distinct Saudi touch. Witnessing this fusion is incredibly refreshing – a testament to Riyadh’s ascent as a leading city in the world for dining.

@smokeybeardsq
Prince Muhammad Ibn Saad Ibn Abdulaziz Rd, Hittin, Riyadh 13512

Natasha Sideris

CEO and founder, tashas Group

Natasha Sideris had a head start in hospitality, gleaning insights from her restaurateur father. At the helm of Tashas Group, a global enterprise, she delves into expansion strategies and the launch of African Lounge in Riyadh, explaining the choice of the city as the inaugural GCC location.

Tell us about your restaurant and why the people of Riyadh love it so much.

African Lounge introduces a novel concept, a sophisticated space inspired by safari camp elegance. Our innovative menu offers small savoury and sweet sharing plates, complemented by exquisite mocktails. The positive response to our refined and elegant concepts, characterised by friendly and hospitable service, speaks to the uniqueness of our offerings. We invest in every detail, from the fresh, made-to-order food to the curated ambience, contributing to a brilliant guest experience.

Why did you choose Riyadh as the first location for African Lounge in the GCC?

Our choice to venture into Saudi was driven by two factors. Firstly, the exceptional location at Bujairi Terrace for Flamingo Room and African Lounge. Secondly, the wonderful opportunities in the country, coupled with a large population open to new concepts.

We feel that Riyadh is the most exciting growth market in the GCC at the moment. It is fast becoming an incredibly exciting hub for restaurateurs and the industry with many homegrown concepts and international brands, and we are so proud to be a part of it.

What are your thoughts on the growing number of restaurants in the city, and the dining scene in Riyadh right now?

It’s genuinely thrilling to witness the rise of F&B concepts in Riyadh, both international and local. Time will reveal the steadfast ones amid healthy competition. The test of time will see which of them maintain their quality and standards, particularly for the concepts that are coming in from other markets. The brand owners will need to make sure that they provide the right level of support to their local partners to replicate their success in the region. Being based in Dubai grants us flexibility to ensure our brands are well represented. Tashas’ entry in 2024 aligns perfectly with the appetite for upmarket casual dining.

You have some friends visiting the capital, where would you recommend they grab dinner?

For a fantastic dinner spot in the capital, I’d strongly suggest San Carlo Cicchetti. Its intimate setting, delightful ambience, excellent cuisine, and reliable service make it stand out.

How do you envision Riyadh's dining scene five years from now?

I see Riyadh’s dining scene flourishing in five years; I imagine there will be many internationally renowned brands that will recognise opportunity in the Kingdom, and those that consistently deliver quality will stand the test of time. I also think there will be more excellent homegrown brands. The city is poised to become a vibrant hub for restaurants and hotels, attracting a growing international audience.

@african_lounge @flamingoroomksa @bujairiterrace
7295 King Faisal Rd, 3205, Al Bujairi, Ad Diriyah, Riyadh 13711

Nikolas Mataragkas

Headchef, A.O.K Kitchen, Riyadh

A.O.K Kitchen, renowned for its style and elegance, originated in Marylebone, London. With a commitment to health-conscious dining, it refrains from refined sugar and carefully considers dairy and gluten use. The second branch in Riyadh marks a pioneering move, being the first of its kind in the GCC region.

Tell us about your restaurant and why the people of Riyadh love it so much.

Our restaurant offers a delightful experience with curated Mediterranean dishes crafted from locally sourced produce. Riyadh’s residents, our cherished regulars, appreciate the simplicity and excellence of our meals, particularly the use of homegrown Saudi vegetables and eggs.

The produce in Saudi is exceptional – fresh and delicious. It brings back memories of my grandmother’s backyard, picking vegetables from the ground for dinner. We strive to maintain this level of freshness to ensure the authentic and delightful taste.

Why did you choose Riyadh as the first location for A.O.K Kitchen in the GCC?

Well, opting for Riyadh aligns with our commitment to Vision 2030, reflecting our belief in the city’s promising growth. We sought the challenge of establishing ourselves in a dynamic GCC locale, preferring the opportunity to contribute to and thrive within Riyadh’s evolving landscape.

What are your thoughts on the growing number of restaurants in the city, and the dining scene in Riyadh right now?

As a chef, I value keeping our menu fresh with new ideas and understanding what works without overcomplicating things. The growing number of restaurants in Riyadh is dynamic, but some, like fashion, open and close quickly due to a focus on concepts rather than consistent good food. Stability is key.

You have some friends visiting the capital, where would you recommend they grab dinner?

When friends and family visit, my recommendation is to dine Saudi, for a cultural experience. The variety in local dishes is impressive. It’s also important to understand the culture and flavours from the region. I’d also suggest Turkish at Rüya and exceptional Italian cuisine at Il Baretto. Il Baretto, in particular, has been the setting for some of my most memorable meals – it’s truly an outstanding restaurant.

How do you envision Riyadh's dining scene five years from now?

Riyadh’s dining scene is poised for significant growth over the coming years. With confidence, I predict it will emerge as a global culinary hub, definitely one of the top three – rivalling top cities like London. Increased international travel to the Kingdom will attract diners from the GCC and beyond. It’s going to be a great thing to witness, we’re excited.

@aokkitchensaudi
KAFD, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519