Travelling just 20km from the Kingdom's capital of Riyadh, visitors to historic Diriyah will feel as though they’ve been transported to another world.
The birthplace of the first Saudi state, Diriyah has undergone a magnificent restoration in recent years – there are ancient mud-brick structures and palaces to explore, along with traditional souks and historic exhibitions. Diriyah’s At-Turaif District was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
One of the more modern parts of the development, Bujairi Terrace overlooks the At-Turaif District, and is a fantastically picturesque place to eat out. The range of restaurants and cuisines here is dizzying, with endless options for family meals, intimate fine dining, casual coffee dates and grab-and-go gelato. There are numerous places to tuck into authentic Saudi cuisine as well as some of the world’s most renowned restaurant brands.
Don’t forget to book a Diriyah Access Pass (you can do this with your restaurant reservation too) before you go, to get access to the terrace.
1. Altopiano
A wholesome and authentic Italian dining experience made with Saudi ingredients, Altopiano is as warm and inviting as you’d expect from a restaurant that describes itself as 'Sicilian in heart, Saudi in soul.'
This fine-dining spot serves traditional and authentic Italian dishes and handmade pastas, incorporating locally sourced Saudi ingredients to create a unique fusion of flavours. From the Risotto Bosco's rich depth to the succulent Branzino sea bass and the indulgent Bistecca, each dish showcases a perfect balance of Italian tradition and Saudi influence.
2. Angelina
A fashionable French patisserie famed for its indulgent hot chocolate, supremely elegant Angelina is the ultimate place for a taste of Parisian sweetness. The original French destination cafe on Rue de Rivoli is renowned for its signature hot chocolate served with thick whipped cream – and the full, indulgent experience is recreated right here in Riyadh.
Order delicate pastries to go alongside the hot choc or if you can manage it, a serving of the legendary Mont Blanc dessert. The magnificent interior is decorated in the classic Belle Époque style, creating a sophisticated, opulent atmosphere in which to savour every moment.
3. Assouline
Culture-lovers will be in raptures over Bujairi Terrace’s latest offering – a book store, boutique, restaurant, piano bar and lounge spread over two storeys. Lifestyle publishers Assouline have installed a space where customers can browse special editions of rare books, grab a handcrafted mocktail, listen to some live music or book a table for a feast of Mediterranean cuisine.
A cigar bar is planned for the near future, along with a private event space. The spacious terrace overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage site of At Turaif is the ideal spot for relaxing, sipping coffee and thumbing through your literary purchases from the boutique – start with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia series.
4. Brunch & Cake
As the name suggests, this outlet specialises in both an all-day brunch menu and cake, but is also well-loved for its fabulously artistic plating and creative interiors. With a diverse menu featuring brunch combos like avocado toast swirls and pink eggs Benedict, colourful smoothie bowls and fluffy pancakes adorned with fresh fruits, it’s a go-to destination for a catch-up with friends – especially those who love to post their most memorable eats on the ‘gram.
5. Cafe de L'Esplanade
The Bujairi Terrace location is the first branch of Cafe de L'Esplanade outside of France – a luxurious, old-school Parisian cafe with a fresh take on European cuisine. It’s all about understated French elegance here, with traditional Brasserie dishes including steaks, scallops and mushroom omelettes served on immaculate white linens.
6. Cova
The Milanese certainly know how to enjoy coffee and dessert with flair, and the people behind Cova are masters of the art. Founded in Italy in 1817, Cova is known for its perfectly crafted pastries, Italian-style coffee and light menu of Italian dishes.
This Riyadh branch is staffed by highly-trained, tuxedo-clad waiters who go out of their way to create the same sense of Italian hospitality as the original destination.
7. Flamingo Room
Flamingo Room offers a casual, chic dining experience that manages to stay classy without taking itself too seriously. The whole dining room is swathed in feel-good pink, offset with lush greenery and plenty of flamingoes incorporated into the decor.
Tuck into a contemporary menu that’s inspired by ‘African glamour’ – everything from caviar to ceviche, crisp salads and creamy pasta is on offer, along with a lovely list of mains designed for sharing. A perfect place for iftar with your most loved ones.
8. Joe & the Juice
The Scandinavian export that made drinking juice impossibly cool, Joe and the Juice brings refreshing smoothies, an array of coffee options and a selection of light bites to Riyadh. Expect their signature loud music, sleek interiors and beautiful customers enjoying the Tiktok-famous Tunacado sandwich.
9. Long Chim
Michelin-starred Long Chim has become a stalwart of Bujairi Terrace, and offers a Bangkok street food experience with a modern twist. Inspired by the Thai capital’s markets and food stalls, Long Chim – meaning “come and taste” in Thai – transports us there by way of flavoursome curries, noodles, skewers and fragrant rice.
Meet Long Chim's Chef Songwong and discover what makes her tick.
10. Maiz
Maiz's creative, intriguing menu is a truly great place to start if you’re new to the KSA and want to be introduced to traditional Saudi Arabian flavours. The team elevates classic Saudi dishes with contemporary twists, for example masabeeb is served with caviar from locally farmed sturgeon and Loomi whipped cream. The setting is romantic, with natural materials and local handicrafts creating an old-world Arabia atmosphere – the perfect match for the authentic flavours on your plate.
Read our full review of Maiz here
11. Nakhati
Sensational gelato, iced coffee, waffles and croiffles (croissants baked in a waffle maker) are the order of the day at Nakhati, the perfect place to stop for a sweet treat. Expect Saudi-inspired tastes including Arabic Coffee, Zabadi and Mahalabia, as well as all the classic gelato flavours.
Nakhati is not just an excellent place for a pick-me-up however, it’s also an ambitious project to empower female entrepreneurs in the region, making it easy for women from diverse backgrounds to open a franchise of the gelato brand. All the more reason to stop in for one of their signature hot gelato buns after the sun sets!
12. Sarabeths
Hailing from NYC, Sarabeth’s is celebrated for its American breakfast and brunch menu that features signature dishes like their famous fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit preserves. An iconic eatery that emanates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, attracting locals and tourists alike to savour its delicious comfort food.
13. Somewhere
There are plenty of sharing options at this high-end Arabic restaurant – not least the four different types of hummus on offer. Elevated, playful dishes fuse traditional Saudi flavours with modern style, with delectable results.
Meanwhile, the tastefully designed interior with bold green tiling and uplifting mosaics also manage to combine old and new with flair. Those with a sweet tooth can grab a seat at the Somewhere Dessert bar and tuck into a Rose Ice Cream Sandwich or a Mehlabiya Dates Pudding.
14. Sum+Things
Inspired by international cuisines, Sum+Things brings flavour combinations from around the world to Diriyah's Bujairi Terrace. Dubai-based celebrity chef Izu Ani presents a casual dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating options.
15. Takya
A meal at Takya is a masterclass in Saudi fine-dining. The picturesque indoor and outdoor seating areas set the stage for a feast of Saudi delicacies including kabsah, jareesh, saleeg and kabuli rice, accompanied by a range of delightful desserts. The drinks menu is equally impressive, with an array of creatively named mocktails on offer, including the Najed Breeze and the Eternal Flame.
Read our full review of Takya here
16. Tatel
Backed by sports megastars Christiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal, Tatel serves up flavourful, traditional Spanish dishes with a luxe twist such as truffled Spanish omelette, freshly chopped ceviche, traditional Spanish paella, cod Pil-Pil and the rich, sticky and sweet bread pudding, torrija, for dessert. Keep your eyes peeled for celebs, as the restaurant’s other branches worldwide are known for attracting the glitterati.
Discover more about Tatel's Mediterranean dining experience
17. Villa Mamas
With Roaya Saleh at the helm, Villa Mamas is a much-loved restaurant aiming to take traditional and authentic Middle Eastern flavours and dishes into the present and beyond. Saleh’s cooking style pivots on using top-quality local produce and ingredients and ensures the Kingdom is represented in each dish; for example, the za’atar and olive oil is sourced from Al Jouf whilst the fresh produce and vegetables used are from Al Qassim.
