5 must-visit homegrown restaurants in Saudi Arabia

There truly is no denying that Saudi Arabia’s culinary scene has exploded in the last few years.

Internationally-renowned restaurant brands have moved into many of the Kingdom’s luxury malls, with many more waiting in the wings as new lifestyle destinations near completion.

But, alongside the celebrity chef-led culinary imports are a legion of home-grown restaurants and dining concepts that are each making their indelible mark on Saudi’s thriving dining scene.

Here are five must-visit, home-grown dining destinations that everyone should try at least once:

Al Nakheel

Al Nakheel is something of an institution in the Kingdom – a place that captures the Arabic culture in all its glory. Spring for the traditional red and white embroidered couches and order a selection of grilled meats and mezze for a most authentic Saudi culinary experience.

Riyadh Boulevard, Riyadh, & Al Kurnaysh Br Road, Jeddah and Al Ula @alnakheel_ksa

Myazu

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Recently awarded number 18 on the annual list of the MENA 50 Best Restaurants 2023 – and named Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia – elegant Myazu promises contemporary Japanese cuisine subtly adapted to the local palate.

Led by chef Ian Pengelley, menu options sway between Japanese fan favourites such as marinated yellow tail sashimi and scallop gyoza to exquisite maki rolls that are best described as edible art.

As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh & Al Basateen Mall, Jeddah @myazusaudi

Marble ماربل

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The succinct menu at marble is meat-tastic. Chef-owner Abdulrahman Alsowailem has a connoisseur-level knowledge of meat craftsmanship, which is shown to great effect across his four dishes: smoked brisket, eight-hour smoked ribs, the 180g Marble burger, and his 350g ribeye steak. His cult following keeps a beady eye on Marble’s Instagram page, which sporadically announces limited-time seasonal dishes that sell out within hours.

Makkah Al Mukarramah Branch Road, Riyadh, & King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra @marblecuisine

Kuuru

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At Kuuru, Japanese and Peruvian flavours weave to form Nikkei cuisine. The venue in Jeddah pours focus on theatrics in both décor and menu, with dazzling art installations and colourful dishes that combine local fresh produce with Peruvian ingredients.

Al Khalidiyyah, Jeddah, @kuuruksa

Porterhouse

Opened in 2016, Portherhouse is a stylish and modern steakhouse that nails the classics; each premium cut (Australian Angus, New Zealand grass-fed or Korean wagyu) is dry aged in-house for 21 days, then grilled over wood and charcoal. Not sure what to order? Plump for the comprehensive tasting menu and let chef and restaurateur Khaled Al Hussaini be your guide.

As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh, @porterhouse_ksa