The ritual of making coffee and sharing it with someone is far more than just a mere beverage in Saudi Arabia – it’s a way to socialise, a means of connection. Café culture in Riyadh is a vibrant medley of old traditions and new trends. Coffee itself is embedded in the Saudi lifestyle, a symbol of hospitality and national pride. These days, the centuries-old custom of drinking coffee and gathering to do so with others is evolving in many exciting ways across the kingdom.

Traditional Saudi coffee, referred to as “qahwa” or “gahwa”, is made from lightly roasted Arabica beans and infused with spices like cardamom, saffron, or cloves for a potent, fragrant taste that is highly distinctive. It’s typically accompanied by dates or sweets when served.

These days, you can find Saudi-roasted coffee served in a plethora of ways. There’s an increasing number of designer cafés and specialty coffee shops popping up that are keeping the city well caffeinated. Whether you’re grabbing a meticulously brewed espresso on your way to work, spending a long afternoon at one of Riyadh’s beautiful outdoor cafes, or enjoying a late-night catch-up with friends at a 24-hour coffee shop, there’s a spot for every mood and time of day.

With unique, intriguing and highly Instagrammable venues, the capital’s coffee scene is thriving like never before and whatever your order, there’s bound to be somewhere you love. This is our pick of the best coffee shops and cafes in Riyadh.

1. ½ Million Café

Half Million cafes have a chilled vibe and delicious sweet treats

1-2 M Coffee

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Half Million is a specialty coffee chain known for its relaxed vibe. It's one of the most popular coffee spots in Riyadh, with additional branches in Jeddah, Sharqiyah, and even London. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate their diverse offerings, including V60, iced drip, cold brew, and the usual signature coffees, alongside iced lattes in fun flavors like cereal and pistachio.

Their baked goods are equally delightful, featuring savoury treats like cheese and zaatar croissants and decadent sweets like pistachio eclairs. The standout dessert, however, is the Coffee Crunch – an indulgent mix of ice cream, espresso, chocolate drizzle, and lotus biscuit crumbs.

Various locations in Riyadh; @halfmillion_sa

2. EL&N

EL&N is every Barbie fan's dream

This pretty-in-pink cafe is Instagram and TikTok catnip. There are three locations across the city and a fourth in Jeddah. You’ll probably come for the interiors and stay for the menu – EL&N’s design is decked out with all pink everything, complete with blooming flower walls, but the food is great too.

Don’t sleep on dishes like the loaded croissant or the French toast, which comes with a whole range of toppings. EL&N have several cafes at the airport but their outpost at The Zone has a gorgeous private terrace area that’s ideal for a private gathering. They’re open for all-day dining, but brunch is by far the most popular option.

The Zone, Riyadh 12362; EL&N

3. L’Eto

L'Eto is another great addition from the London coffee scene

L'eto Cafe

Another London export (in addition to EL&N Cafe), L’Eto Caffe is now in seven countries, including the Kingdom. Neoclassical interiors with beautiful decor make it feel like a special occasion at this cafe and restaurant. The food menu here is full of healthy, nutritious options but be sure to leave room for dessert. It’s all about balance, and the cakes and tarts here are well worth it. Creamy, fruity, light, rich…you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Multiple brances, Riyadh; @letocaffe.official

4. Elixir Bunn

Elixir Bunn is committed to great style as well as great coffee

Elixir Bunn 1

Elixir Bunn 2

Stylish Italian terrazzo floors and counters, and a large matte black spiral staircase make Elixir Bunn one of the most aesthetically pleasing coffee shops in Riyadh. Designed by award-winning architecture practice Azaz Architects, the space aims to "create a modern-day spiritual experience for coffee drinkers in Riyadh." They’ve also got an impressive vinyl collection.

7157 Salem Bin Maaqil Al Nakheel Dist 4133, Riyadh 12392; @elixirbunn

5. Fabrica de Cafè

Fabrica are know for their excellent matcha-infused drinks

Fabrica Coffee

Fabrica de Cafè may sound Spanish and look Mediterranean, but it’s Saudi born and brewed. The interiors are bright, contemporary and chic, with natural materials, warm wood and earthy textures. It’s all about the drinks here – their matcha is just as good as the coffee, and if you have a sweet tooth, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the deliciously fudgy cookies and creamy tiramisu.

Hittin, Riyadh 13518; @fabrica_sa

6. French Toast & Co

Part tea lounge with a brunch focus, part coffee shop, French Toast & Co is a versatile spot. The menu offers much more than the name suggests, featuring a large selection of "all-day dishes". You'll find all the classics, including eggs Benedict, granola and, of course, French toast. The ambiance is smart, refined, and sophisticated, with a Mediterranean feel characterised by olive trees, wicker chairs, a calming green palette and plenty of outdoor space.

An Narjis, Riyadh 13327; @frenchtoast.sa

7. Sociale Cafe

Sociale is a great option for hanging out late in the evening

Sociale Cafe Avo toast

Open until late, Sociale Cafe is far more than just a spot to grab a bite or cup of coffee. It’s a fun, relaxed and eclectic place to hang out with friends and also an events space. Located in downtown Riyadh, the health-conscious menu features nutritious and shareable dishes like avocado toast, spinach dip, whole roasted cauliflower and seasonal salads. As it’s in a central location, it can get busy on weekends, but weekdays are much quieter.

As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223; @sociale.cafe

8. So Matcha

So Matcha Riyadh 2

So Matcha even have their own kits you can take home

So Matcha 3

The brainchild of Saudi beauty entrepreneur Yara Al Namlah, So Matcha has quickly become one of Riyadh’s trendiest cafes. It’s charming, cute and modern, with a fun pink and green interior that’s highly photogenic. The contemporary, cosy spot offers every flavour and variation of matcha possible. There's the classic ‘Matcha Fuel’, a creamy Matcha Latte, a rose-flavoured option called ‘So Rosy’ and plenty of others.

If it’s dessert you’re after, try the matcha soft serve ice cream, and if you’re visiting with non-matcha fans, they luckily also serve coffee! If you are a matcha drinker and want to make your own at home, So Matcha sells kits with the powder and a bamboo whisk, as well as books and magazines all about the many health benefits of this ancient superfood.

Al Nada, Riyadh 13317; @somatcha.me