World-class food can be found across the Kingdom, and Riyadh in particular is a growing culinary hub.
The capital has seen numerous international brands rush to open outposts here and, as a whole, Riyadh has begun to truly cater to global gastronomes. But it has some healthy competition from its coastal sibling, Jeddah.
Although the Michelin Awards are yet to acknowledge Saudi Arabia's best restaurants, the internationally astute food, beverage and hospitality publisher, 'The World's 50 Best' have ensured the Kingdom's efforts are acknowledged. This week, the lauded publisher held their annual conference and awards in Abu Dhabi, and announced their list of the fifty best restaurants in the Middle East and North African region (MENA).
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Last February, just three Saudi-based restaurants made the cut for the 2024 edition of the 50 Best Restaurants in the MENA region; Marble came in at 22, Lunch Room placed at 40, and Kuuru right on the cusp at 50.
This year four Riyadh restaurants and one Jeddah eatery made the cut – let's see what makes them so special and how you can try them yourself.
1. Myazu
Placing on the List: 49
Awarded number 18 on the annual list of the MENA 50 Best Restaurants in 2023, and named Best Restaurant in Saudi Arabia in the same year, the homegrown Myazu has gone from strength to strength. With locations in both Riyadh and Jeddah, it was the Riyadh location that truly impressed the judges this year.
A sophisticated, fine-dining style restaurant, Myazu offers guests a contemporary Japanese dining experience amidst a chic and stylish ambiance. The modern approach to Japanese cuisine means that the menu consists of meticulously crafted dishes, ranging from innovative sushi and sashimi creations to flavourful grilled meats and mouth-watering seafood. Although the restaurant emphasises high-quality ingredients, it is the artistic presentation that truly creates an unforgettable experience. Crafted to perfection, the culinary team ensure every dish is visually appealing in every way.
@myazusaudi
Musad Bin Jalawi, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12244
Al Basateen Mall, Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street, Jeddah 23431
2. Aseeb
Placing on the List: 39
A brand-new addition to the list, this listing should mark a proud moment for all Saudis; this is the first time that a restaurant serving traditional Naji cuisine has been listed amongst the top places to eat in the MENA region. Sliding in at an impressive placing at 39, we anticipate that Aseeb will continue to rank for many years to come.
Specialising in dishes from the Najd region of Saudi Arabia, Aseeb's menu features hearty and flavourful Saudi classics such as Jareesh, Qursan, and a variety of meat and rice dishes. The restaurant's design reflects traditional Najdi architecture and décor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere enhanced by traditional antiques and accessories. More than just a meal, Aseeb aims to immerse diners in Najdi heritage and traditions through their surroundings as well the flavours. Highly regarded by locals, Aseeb offers a genuine taste of Saudi culinary culture.
@aseeb.najd
Alyasmin, Riyadh 13325
3. Lunch Room
Placing on the List: 31
One of just 13 new entries on the list in 2024, Riyadh-based Lunch Room made an immediate impact and came straight in at 40th place. But this year the restaurant has climbed an impressive nine spots to rank at 31.
While celebrated as a top place to dine in the region, Lunch Room's culinary focus is about creating a laidback dining experience, served in a rustic and wholesome cafe setting. The restaurant's clay oven is central to its menu, producing hearty and flavourful meals. Aiming to "elevate the social dining experience," diners can enjoy a mix of traditional Arabesque cuisine, global fusion dishes and contemporary brunch staples such as avocado toast in a relaxed and warm atmosphere.
@lunchroomksa
8030 Takhassusi Branch Road, 3228،, Riyadh 12364
4. Kuuru
Placing on the List: 30
Kuuru was a new entry to the list in 2024 when it crept in at number 50 but, as per our predictions, with locations in both Jeddah and Riyadh, the modern fusion Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine has earned the reputation as one of the best in the world. Climbing an impressive twenty places on the list to reach 30, Kuuru remains the only Jeddah-based restaurant to make it onto the list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants in the MENA region.
The vibrant heart of Kuuru is its open cooking station, where chefs prepare a dazzling array of dishes. This atmosphere-setting, display kitchen creates a dynamic and entertaining atmosphere for diners. From Japanese sushi to Peruvian ceviche and perfectly cooked steaks, Kuuru's menu is full of flavour and full of surprises – each dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
@kuuruksa
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519
Al Malik Road, Al Khalidiyyah, Jeddah 23422
5. Marble
Placing on the List: 16
2025 marks the fourth year Marble has been named on the list of MENA's 50 Best Restaurants and it continues to move up the ranks. Marble placed at 30 in 2022, 23 in 2023 and 22 in 2024. And its probably no surprise that steak sensation has remained a fixture, gaining six places on the list to now sit in sixteenth place.
Chef-owner and expert butcher Abdulrahman Alsowailem brings his seasoned expertise to Marble. Creating a regionally unique farm-to-table restaurant experience, the team specialises in the art of smoking and open-flame grilling prime cuts of meat. The result is a mouthwatering, no-frills, all-flavour dining experience for meat lovers. You arrive hungry and leave with your next booking already made.
@marblecuisine
5802 Makkah Almukarramah Branch Road, Riyadh 11323
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