Restaurant Review: Sadelle's, Riyadh

Walking into Sadelle's for the first time, my immediate impression was simple: everything in the place is beautiful.

However, by the time I settled in, up until I concluded my visit, I came to realise that this award-winning eatery – with its roots tracing back to the bustling streets of New York City – offers much more than just aesthetic charm.

The brainchild of restaurateurs Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick, and named after Zalaznick’s great grandmother, Sadelle’s has established its presence in a number of global cities, including New York, Las Vegas, Miami, Boca Raton, Dallas, and Paris.

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Its Saudi venue, located within the charming Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel, shares the same commitment to providing fine-dining experiences with a creative twist.

Despite the inviting outdoor area, I opted for a cosy corner indoors, surrounded by Sadelle’s signature shade of blue, unique art pieces, and blush pink chairs. The first thing I noticed as I perused the menu was its extensive list of Arabic-style dishes exclusive to the Riyadh location, featuring regional favourites like shakshuka, hummus, and grilled halloumi. The menu also catered to lighter appetites, offering options like the healthy egg sandwich with egg whites, arugula, and green chili, and the ever- popular eggs Benedict.

Breakfast is clearly a highlight at Sadelle’s, and my eyes were soon drawn to its selection of pastries. The pastry basket includes a sticky bun, chocolate croissant, blueberry muffin, and a chocolate babka topped with a chocolate glaze.

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And, bagel enthusiasts can rejoice as this Sadelle’s specialty (which even garnered them an accolade in the US) comes in many variations in Riyadh, including za’atar, everything spice, cheese, and sesame.

With so much to choose from, I finally settled on blueberry pancakes – an excellent choice, even if I say so myself. They came perfectly stacked, served warm with a fluffy interior and slightly crisp edges, all lightly dusted with powdered sugar. To complement my meal, I ordered a refreshing matcha latte, from a diverse beverage menu that features teas, coffees, fresh juices, milkshakes, and mocktails.

Morning is not the only time of the day that Sadelle’s shines.

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With its lunch and dinner menu choices (available after 11am), it is an all-day dining experience. From hearty soups to fresh salads and pizzas, there are just so many options. The eatery also has a beautiful bakery display with items such as German chocolate cake, lemon-coconut chiffon, and strawberry tall cake. You can even take some home in charming packaging, the perfect gift for someone who missed out on the real thing.

With attentive service, well-curated menus that offer something for everyone, and attention to detail added to the mix, Sadelle’s is definitely onto a winning formula.

@sadellesriyadh