Riyadh, are you ready? And, more importantly...are you hungry?
A new year has begun and though you'll always love the capital's top restaurants, you may be in search of new culinary experiences.
From quick and tasty American-style burgers and fine-dining Italian eats to chic Parisian plates and new coffee shops, here are a few new spots you that deserve a spot on your 'must try' list in Riyadh.
If you're craving a satisfying fine-dining experience, or on the hunt for a new Friday morning coffee spot, these 24 dining destinations are sure to satisfy your cravings (and we've also got the scoop on what's to come in 2025!).
1. Al Falamanki
What to expect: Dive into an authentic Lebanese dining experience in Riyadh's Al Malga area
Designed to take you on a sensory journey back to your most beloved family meals, Al Falamanki serves up wholesome and traditional Lebanese dishes and bites. Indulge yourself with all your favourite dishes in a family-friendly environment. Since opening its doors on December 20, 2024, Al Falamanki has been a favourite amongst the Lebanese community (and locals) in the capital city.
@alfalamankiriyadh
Ain Square, Imam Saud Bin Faisal Road, Al Malga
2. DG Caffe
What to expect: A fashion-forward, luxury cafe experience steeped in the rich history of the Dolce and Gabbana fashion house
Designed as a central, sociable hub within the designer boutique, DG Caffè sports a striking ceiling adorned with a golden mosaic that recalls the expansive desert sky and traditional Saudi hospitality. With its strategic location and exceptional offerings, Dolce & Gabbana’s new establishment and cafe in Diriyah is set to become a landmark destination for both luxury shopping aficionados and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, Riyadh 13711
@bujairiterrace
3. Isabel Mayfair
What to expect: Art-Deco glamour meets ritzy dining options in the heart of Riyadh
Newly opened in January 2025 and already serving up a symphony of flavours, the creative and carefully curated menu showcases the delights of Latin cuisine with Saudi flair and a pinch of local flavour. The Kingdom's very first Isabel Mayfair outpost is destined to become a favourite on the Riyadh social scene.
King Muhammad V, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223
@isabelriyadh
4. Kayzo by Myazu
What to expect: The New Year begins with a fresh start and a new location for an old favourite – indulge in vibrant and cool Japanese dining
Although not a brand-new opening, Kayzo has now officially relocated from the Diplomatic Quarter to As Sulimaniyah. Stay in with the cool crowd and make sure to visit the new location, along with trying some newly introduced menu items that you're bound to love.
As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234,
@kayzosaudi
5. Maison Assouline
What to expect: An intimate dining and cafe experience, enjoy a touch of French flair in an indulgent library setting
Embracing both the intimate and the eclectic, the luxury French publisher Assouline has opened its first-ever dining experience within its flagship boutique and cafe at Diriyah's Bujairi Terrace.
Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, Riyadh 13711
@maisonassouline
6. Zuma
What to expect: A stylish and modern Japanese restaurant with a lively atmosphere and excellent robata and sushi options
After hosting a pop-up location in the capital city in 2021, Zuma has now officially rooted itself in Riyadh's KAFD area with a permanent location. Since opening on December 16th, 2024, guests have been indulging in Zuma's signature dishes, such as the Tsubu-miso Gake Hinadori No Obun Yaki – a baby chicken marinated in barley miso and roasted on cedar wood – and the Wagyu Gunkan No Fuyu Torifu – a decadent wagyu beef tartare and black truffle dish.
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh 13519
@zumariyadhofficial
7. Allo Beirut
What to expect: Quick & tasty Levantine meals
A much loved street food brand, Allo Beirut is a popular spot across the GCC for quick, wholesome and authentic Levantine eats. From zaatar and cheese manouche, falafel, freshly baked lahm b ajin, broasted chicken, shawarma, Fatteh – the menu is seemingly endless, and oh so delicious.
Al Olaya, Riyadh
8. Aykr
What to expect: A buzzy bistro vibe with a fresh take on fusion dining
Serving up a selection of delicious dishes with inspiration from around the world. From Europe to South America and an infusion of Asian flavours, diners can expect a wide variety of tasty meals such as slightly spiced chicken tacos, shredded beef sandos, Mexican loaded fries and fresh burrata salad.
Abi Bakr As Siddiq Rd, An Narjis, Riyadh 13327
9. Cacho the Cheese
What to expect: A cheese-lovers delight
As the name might suggest, this newly opened restaurant pivots on a love of cheese. From fresh, made-to-order stone baked calzones and pizzas to risotto balls with a molten centre of mozzarella cheese, indulgent Parmesan and black truffle fries, black Angus bolognese topped with a cheesy béchamel sauce and burrata salad – an endless choice of cheesy delights await you. Even the dessert is made with cheese! The special cacho tiramisu is made with layers of fresh, sweetened mascarpone cheese, biscuits drenched in freshly brewed coffee and shavings of dark chocolate.
Wadi As Sarh, Riyadh 13313
10. Café Kitsuné
What to expect: A stylish and cozy atmosphere combined with chic French-Japanese flair, this will be your new go-to matcha and coffee spot
Since it opened in October 2024, Café Kitsuné has become a local favourite. A French-Japanese concept cafe, this hub of culture is already known for its chic and aesthetic interiors, delicious coffee and high-grade matcha. Scoop up some of the cafe's much-loved products in-store to keep the experience going beyond at home.
Café Kitsuné Riyadh, King Khalid Br Rd, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12329
11. Café Boulud
What to expect: Timeless French cuisine with a menu designed by the famous Chef Daniel Boulud
Experience a French culinary journey in a vintage-inspired setting within the glamorous Four Seasons Riyadh. Two Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud's new café offers guests a timeless dining experience.
Four Seasons Riyadh, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11321
12. Domn
What to expect: A colourful and flavourful selection of traditional Indian dishes
Capturing the essence of South Asian culture in addition to the traditional flavours of Indian dining, Domn is Riyadh's newest Desi restaurant.
Alyasmin, Riyadh 13326
13. Forno Del Buffone
What to expect: Modern and mouthwatering Italian dishes
Indulge in your favourite Italian classics or try something new. Beginning as a pop-up dining concept in NEOM and AlUla, Forno Del Buffone have now put down some solid roots with their first bricks-and-mortar restaurant in Riyadh. From the traditional to the experimental, pizzas, salads, pastas and everything in between, this is a casual Italian dining experience that shouldn't be missed.
Imam Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed Rd, An Nakheel, Riyadh 12245
14. Jon & Vinny's
What to expect: Casual Italian eats that will have you coming back for more
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Jon & Vinny's serves up classic Italian-American flavours throughout the day, from thick, stacked American-style buttermilk pancakes to classic Italian gelato, colourful salads and flavourful bruschetta. Despite all those incredible options, you're probably here for the chewy, thick crusted pizzas fresh from the stone baked oven. The Wedge Caesar Salad is a fan favourite, alongside the gooey cookies made freshly every day.
Al Dabbab, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234
15. Ki Saudi
What to expect: High-end Japanese cuisine with a no phones policy
Every dish is a work of art but you won't be able to take pictures of them. Ki Saudi is Riyadh's first 'offline' restaurant that encourages visitors to enjoy their company, conversation and dining experience without the distraction of a mobile phone. A box is provided on every table, where phones are safely contained until it is time to leave.
Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awal Road, Hittin
16. MLLE
What to expect: Artistic Lebanese dining with a twist
MLLE is fast becoming a go-to spot for Saudis in the know. Dishing up top-quality, authentic Lebanese dishes with a flair, MLLE aims to showcase their food as art and boy, do they succeed! Artistic and innovative, MLLE breathes new life into age-old tradition.
For bookings call +966 50 654 1113; Laysen Valley, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12329
17. OKLA
What to expect: No fuss, no frills – it's all about the burgers here
Quick, easy and finger licking good. With just two burger options on the menu, the OKLA burger or the Classic burger (with a choice of single, double and even triple patties), OKLA serve up what can only be described as perfection There's no need for complicated orders when smash burgers are made well. Order a side of fresh French fries and don't skip the OKLA sauce, it's incredible. This new Riyadh burger joint is from the already successful restauranteur Mutah Beale of SmokeyBeards Q.
12877 Musa Ibn Nusair St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241
18. Prime Cut
What to expect: Burgers and fries but make it high end
This new spot is already popular with locals. Serving up a range of succulent burgers and crispy, seasoned fries, Prime Cut has officially arrived in Riyadh. Roll your sleeves up, this is juicy, wholesome American-style grub. Even with a relatively simple menu of six burgers, including four different beef options and two chicken burger options, there is something for every palate at Prime Cut.
Al Nada District, Riyadh 13317
19. Public
What to expect: Wholesome laid back Italian-American eats with good vibes and vibrant interiors
Public is one of the city's newest and most talked-about restaurants. Known for its stylish and modern setting, Public serves up mouth-watering, stone-baked pizzas, saucy pasta dishes and a whole lot of good vibes. With a location already established in Khobar, this is the brand's first outpost in the capital city.
As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12223
20. Saddle House
What to expect: The ultimate destination for an indulgent brunch experience
With locations in Cannes, London and Dubai, Saddle House opened in Riyadh in March 2024. Equestrian inspired interiors are coupled with large sculptural installations and traditional Arabic designs. Serving up freshly prepared breakfast and brunch dishes such as omelettes and French toast, alongside heartier dishes like seafood linguine and burrata salad, this is a family favourite that's only growing in popularity.
Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), As-Safarat, Riyadh 12512
21. San Marzano
What to expect: Casual yet chic Italian dining
Opening its doors in June 2024, San Marzano has brought a taste of Italy to Laysen Valley. With a menu heavily focussed on pizza and pasta, this is the perfect spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a relaxed, tasty meal with family. Grab a seat at the high-top for a quick bite and watch the pizza making (and baking) up close or book a table for a more relaxed experience. This is set to continue to be a popular spot for tasty Italian eats.
Laysen Valley, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12329
22. SUSHISAMBA
What to expect: Fresh sushi and ceviche, this is where Asian and Latin American flavours collide to create a fusion of passion and delight
Serving up fusion cuisine with undeniable flair, SUSHISAMBA is probably most well-known for it's unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine. It is this take on multiple flavours and celebration of culture (through the food, entertainment and interiors) that has bagged the high-end restaurant chain a solid fanbase around the world.
Area 5, King Abduallah Financial District (KAFD), Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519
23. Thara
What to expect: A one-of-a-kind Saudi Arabian fine dining experience
Looking to try traditional Saudi Arabian dishes? Thara finds the perfect balance between modern fine dining and traditional Saudi cuisine. From Najdi-style decor to wholesome and authentic dishes inspired by the heritage and culture of the Kingdom, served with fine dining flair, Thara is bound to impress both locals and those new to traditional Saudi food.
Abi Bakr As Siddiq Branch Rd, An Narjis, Riyadh 13327
24. Tolga Restaurant
What to expect: Levelled-up authentic Levantine dining
With all the authentic flavours, sounds and smells of the best-of-the-best Middle Eastern dining, Tolga is elevating all your traditional favourites.
U Walk, King Saud University, Riyadh 11564
Riyadh restaurants due to open in 2025
AB Steak, 1364 Mall, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh 12512
Amazónico, Location TBA
Arcade Food Hall, Solitaire Mall, King Abdulaziz Road, Riyadh 13315
Bardo St James, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh 11653
Benoit by Alain Ducasse, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh 11653
Brunch and Cake, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh 11653
Chotto Matte, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh 11653
Cipriani Dolci, Diplomatic Quater, Riyadh 11614
Em Sherif Sea Cafe, Laysen Valley, King Khalid Br Rd, Riyadh 12329
Il Bambini Club, Location TBA
Juno, Laysen Valley, Riyadh 12329
Liza Restaurant, Solitaire at King Abdulaziz Rd, Riyadh 13315
Maya Bay, Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, Riyadh
Tashas Cafe, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Riyadh 11653
