Grilled, tender, juicy, smoked – if there’s a restaurant in Saudi with an unmatched reputation for specialising in meat, it’s Marble. Step into either of its two branches (Riyadh and Ithra in Dhahran) and you immediately get a sense of the simple-yet-refined culinary experience

Founded by the elusive Saudi chef Abdulrahman Alsowailem, this homegrown restaurant has been on the MENA 50 Best list for two years in a row (2022 and 2023), and it’s easy to see why. Marble is not your clichéd steakhouse with dark wood and red upholstery. Renowned for smoking and open-flame grilling, it serves premium cuts of meat – from steaks to burgers – in an intimate, art deco-inspired space.

As a regular of its Riyadh branch, I always appreciate the warmth of the staff, welcoming you as soon as you walk in. To start off the meal, patrons are served slices of sourdough with caramelized onion butter – a simple but delicious way to kick things off. On my most recent visit, I began with the incredibly fresh rocca salad. For my appetizer, I opted for the Korean taco – spiced tenderloin cooked over an open flame, with cheese foam and Japanese pickled mushroom, all served over a corn tortilla, a true flavour explosion.

The main course options are endless but the two most popular are the brisket and ribs. The smoked brisket is served with lime and sea salt flakes, and the falling-off-the-bone ribs are smoked for eight hours. However, my favourite is the Marble Burger, which comes in a brioche bun with caramelised onion, cheese, and a special sauce. Layered with depths of flavour, each bite is a delicate and delicious balance.

Marble’s mashed potatoes and French fries pair perfectly with the meat entrées, and the restaurant has two sauces that complement every meal (I love the herb sauce). If you like to end things on a sweet note, there are few desserts to choose from, like the silky-smooth crème brûlée. And when the bill comes, you’ll be pleasantly surprised – prices at Marble are quite reasonable, with the average spend per person between SAR 200-250.

Although Alsowailem might be a mystery to us all, one thing I know for certain is that he’s a true chef, speaking through his food and culinary craftsmanship. Marble had humble beginnings, a small pop-up that opened a few times a week, with just four items on the menu. Today, it’s a top-notch establishment vying with A-listers like LPM, Zuma, and Hakkasan, and I can’t wait to witness the next phase of its evolution.

Turki Square, Riyadh

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