Riyadh’s top dining spots

Riyadh’s dining scene blends international cuisines with traditional Saudi flavours, ingredients and cooking methods. The result? A unique food culture that can be experienced everywhere, from high-end restaurants to hidden neighbourhood gems.

To help you navigate the diverse and tantalising options on offer, we’ve rounded up the best places to eat in Riyadh. 

1. The Globe 

The Globe offers diners not just a meal, but an experience. Located in the stunning glass sphere that sits atop Al Faisaliah Tower, it boasts one of Riyadh’s coolest postcodes. As the signature restaurant of Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, it also promises exquisite cooking and impeccable service. Enjoy globally-inspired dishes – from Norwegian salmon to camel loin Wellington – alongside panoramic views of Riyadh's skyline. An ideal choice for a special occasion. 

2. Maiz

Situated in Riyadh’s historical Diriyah suburb, Maiz celebrates Saudi heritage through its food. The restaurant’s inviting interior is matched by its warm hospitality. Portions are generous, so arrive hungry and bring company. If you're not sure what to order, let the knowledgeable staff direct you towards Maiz’s must-try dishes. Signature offerings include fragrant kabsa, beautifully spiced lamb and a variety of appetisers that showcase the diversity of Saudi cuisine. 

3. LPM Riyadh 

Delight in the flavours and ambience of the French Mediterranean at La Petite Maison (LPM) Riyadh , another top dining spot in Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah district. The menu highlights the best of Southern French and Mediterranean cooking, with dishes like buttery escargots, creamy mushroom risotto and vanilla crème brûlée. The restaurant itself exudes casual elegance, with soft cream interiors and a shaded outdoor terrace, making it ideal for leisurely lunches and lingering dinners. 

4. Mamo Michelangelo 

At Mamo Michelangelo , you can look forward to a daily array of colourful yet comforting dishes, inspired by Italian home cooking and featuring seasonal ingredients – think homemade pastas, expertly grilled meats and rustic vegetable dishes. Also housed in the Al Faisaliah hotel, this restaurant is designed to ooze charm and warmth; its leafy terrace will make you feel like you’re on an idyllic Italian getaway.

5. Il Baretto Riyadh 

If you can’t get enough of the sun-kissed flavours and effortless charms of Italy, head to Il Baretto in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) – a vibrant hub for both business and entertainment. Here, in In Baretto’s spacious, elegant dining room, you can feast on wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas and decadent desserts, each dish capturing the essence of Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

6. Tatel

In Diriyah, a stone’s throw away from the Unesco World Heritage Site of At-Turaif , is Bujairi Terrace, a trendy, palm tree-lined dining destination filled with restaurants and cafés. If one establishment stands out, it’s Tatel . This chic Spanish eatery is co-owned by a handful of famous figures, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Nadal, and is a hotspot for Riyadh’s fashionable crowd. Don’t leave without trying Tatel’s signature cheesecake – it’s a must.  

7. Roka Riyadh 

Known for its contemporary approach to Japanese robata-style cooking, Roka in Riyadh’s Midtown mall serves up premium grilled meats, as well as sushi and sashimi, prepared with precision and flair. The centrepiece of the restaurant’s spacious, nature-inspired interior is an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the chefs at work. To cap things off, Roka offers a selection of refreshing mocktails perfectly crafted to complement its dishes. 

8. Saddle House 

UAE favourite Saddle House  brings its speciality coffees and quiet luxury aesthetic to Riyadh, following successful openings in Cannes and London. Housed in the city’s Diplomatic Quarter, it’s the perfect spot for a sophisticated brunch or afternoon indulgence. In addition to Saddle House’s signature coffees, the menu features an assortment of teas, juices and smoothies, as well as classic breakfast items like French toast and eggs benedict. 

9. House of Grill 

Amid the opulence of the Fairmont Riyadh sits House of Grill , a refined steakhouse that channels the spirit of the roaring twenties, paying homage to jazz, Art Deco and old-school glamour. Led by Nicolas Isnard, a chef with several Michelin-starred restaurants under his belt, House of Grill delivers prime beef cuts grilled to perfection, as well as fresh seafood, crowd-pleasing appetisers, light yet indulgent desserts and imaginative mocktails.