Local Guide to Dining in Riyadh: From Traditional to Contemporary Eats

Once known for its quiet pace and conservative ways, Riyadh has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years with the dining scene leading the charge, one sushi roll and speciality latte at a time.

There is a growing buzz amongst millennials and Gen Z who once travelled to Cairo, London, Paris, or even next door to Bahrain for a change of pace. Now they can enjoy late-night outings with friends right in Riyadh, indulging in sushi, street food, or relaxed coffee and shopping sessions on the popular Riyadh Boulevard.

Since 2015, Saudi Arabia has been flipping the script, opening its doors and markets to foreign investors. The kingdom has loosened up on many of its stricter restrictions, and Riyadh has since blossomed into a buzzing, cosmopolitan city. This is especially obvious in its dining scene, where global flavours, fresh social cafés, and creative culinary experiences are changing the way people eat, mingle, and shop.

Etiquette and modest dress are still important in this predominantly Muslim country, but visitors will find a new level of openness and variety. There are now stylish eateries on nearly every corner, vibrant juice bars, and world-class restaurants offering everything from street food to fine dining.

When in Riyadh, make sure to base yourself at Mercure Riyadh Al Anoud, which is right in the heart of the city. Riyadh traffic can sometimes be challenging, so it helps to stay somewhere comfortable and central where you can reach most shopping centres, cultural sights, and business districts. Mercure Riyadh Al Anoud also has a lovely indoor rooftop pool, a gym, meeting facilities for those travelling for business, and an all-day dining restaurant with many local and international options to choose from.

Whether you’re in the mood for traditional flavours or international flair, dining in Riyadh offers a rich and surprising journey into the heart of a desert city on the rise. Keep reading to tantalise your taste buds and discover the best restaurants in Riyadh.

This sleek and stylish Japanese spot is famous for its sushi, wagyu sliders, and modern take on shareable dishes. It’s a local favourite, drawing crowds who crave a taste of luxury without the fuss. It’s also a great date spot, as the vibe is relaxed yet buzzing with unique charm. Myazu never fails to impress. Don’t miss the scallop rose drizzled with yuzu truffle dressing, the marinated Red Sea bream topped with mango salsa, or the melt-in-your-mouth miso cod. Honestly, pretty much all the sushi options hit the mark, but it’s all about your personal flavour and whether you crave raw pieces or cooked options. If you’re up for a real treat, the wagyu sliders are an absolute must-try. They also have refreshing and chic mocktails that pair really well with the food.

Cipriani is where you can dine like you're in Rome, right in the heart of the Arabian Desert. Located on Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Rd, Cipriani is just a 20-minute cab ride from Mercure Riyadh Al Anoud. Their pizza is unbeatable, the burrata is incredible, and the pasta is delicious – or as the Italians say deliziosa! Many of the waiters here speak Italian, so the feel is authentic, and the food matches the vibe. Cipriani is perfect for a date night as well.  

Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for a Hibachi-style dinner with friends, head to Benihana for some steak, shrimp, and heavenly fried rice. The chefs are quite theatrical and fun, so it’s dinner with a show. They also have a diverse and fresh sushi menu that won’t disappoint, as well as classic Japanese appetisers like gyoza and edamame. 

The Japanese and Italian spots we mentioned are top-notch, but since you’re in the Middle East, you probably want to try some authentic local flavours. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

There’s plenty to savour here, from traditional Saudi dishes (Hijazi or Najdi food, as some locals like to call it) to rich Egyptian and Lebanese flavours. Basically, the whole Middle East is at your fingertips – or should we say, your taste buds.

Side note for history lovers: Saudi Arabia was once known as Hijaz and Najd, but it was unified in 1932 under the ruling Al Saud family, and that's how it got its name today. 

You can’t really go wrong with shawarma or fried chicken. This casual eatery serves everything from delicious chicken and shawerma sandwiches to traditional Saudi, Egyptian, and Syrian breakfast. Try the grilled halloumi plate or the shawarma wrap for lunch – highly recommended!

Egyptian food is loved by many Saudis and expats in the kingdom, so it's no wonder Koshari Station is a local favourite. Koshari is a comfort food made with rice, lentils, chickpeas, pasta, and crispy fried onions, all topped with a homemade tomato sauce and garlic cumin vinaigrette. Koshari Station gives you the option to top it off with protein as well. Either way, it's a must-try. Just make sure you give yourself time to digest before going for a run or a swim, since this dish is very carb-heavy. You can also indulge in traditional dishes like falafel or macaroni with minced beef if Koshari isn't your thing.

This is another local favourite for fast, yet healthy food. Zaatar w Zeit – which translates to "Oregano and Oil" in Arabic – serves up a street-style take on Lebanese cuisine and they have several branches in Riyadh. Try the mouthwatering beef shawarma wrap with parsley and tahini, or go for the light but heartwarming lahm bi ajine, tabbouleh salad, or quinoa halloumi salad. They also serve a delicious all-day breakfast. As for lunch or dinner, the chicken eggplant marinara with potatoes won’t disappoint. We’re craving it just writing about it!

Najd Village, or Qarya Najdiyah in Arabic, has several branches in the city. This local gem offers an immersive setting with majlis, or floor-style seating. The setting itself feels like stepping into a classic Najdi Bedouin home, complete with beautiful woven baskets and bright handmade carpets. As for the food, it’s as authentic and flavourful as it gets. Try the colourful rice kabsa with perfectly grilled meat or chicken. They also serve a fresh tomato and onion salad that pairs beautifully with the rice. If you're into vegan food, they have several salad options and hearty vegetable stews.

If you’re in the mood for a modern take on Saudi food – a completely different vibe from Najd Village – then Suhail is the place to be. This is Saudi food re-imagined for a contemporary palate, and the setting makes for a great date spot. In winter, start with the sweet potato soup or the lamb oat soup as an appetiser. If you’re sharing with someone (or a group of friends), go for the whole lamb shoulder caramelised with Al Baha honey, served over basmati and kabsa rice. We also highly recommend the Kbab Miro Hijazi, a delicious dish made with lamb and camel meatballs, fried and served with a side of tahini sauce. For dessert, go for the messy date crumble or the layered hneini cheesecake – you’ll thank us later. 

• Whether you're indulging in a multi-course Japanese dinner or sharing a traditional kabsa in a local majlis, dining in Riyadh is an unforgettable experience.
• Keep in mind some restaurants have family and singles sections. That’s because families and women sometimes enjoy dining alone and prefer their privacy. When in doubt, check signage on arrival. The host or hostess will typically let you know and seat you appropriately.
  
• Lunch usually runs from 1-4pm and dinner starts after 8pm. It's also worth noting that the casual eateries we included in this delicious dining guide don’t require reservations, but places like Myazu or Cipriani ask that you call in ahead of time to reserve a table.
• Smart casual attire is the norm here, especially at finer restaurants.
  
• As a general rule in Saudi, you want to dress modestly and opt for loose, breathable clothing all year round. As for getting around, Uber is going to be your best option. It’s quick to book and safe.
• With all that sorted, you’re ready to dive into Riyadh’s vibrant food scene. Let your taste buds lead the way.