The 11 best restaurants and places to eat in Riyadh

Barbora Klimeková

As Marketing Executive, Barbora knows the Le Petit Chef fun dining concept inside out and is happy to answer any questions you may have.

Last Update: February 18th, 2026

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is where tradition meets innovation and diversity, and the restaurant scene is no different. There is something to satisfy every palate, from immersive dining experiences to interactive buffets and themed eateries with unique concepts. We are sharing a guide to Riyadh’s top places to eat and favorite unique dining experiences for every occasion.

Tip #1: Zafran Indian Bistro – The View Mall

Zafran Indian Bistro, located in The View Mall, is one of five locations in Riyadh offering unique contemporary Indian cuisine. At Zafran, you can look forward to a blend of sought-after classics and innovative twists on traditional, rich flavors.

The menu offers a variety of vibrant yet elegant options, such as their signature coconut-flavored seafood soup with fennel, or the Zafran Feast, which consists of chicken tikka, chicken malai tikka, chicken pilli mirch tikka, bhuni tangdi, tandoori jhinge, and rampuri seekh, served with achari hummus and zaatar naan.

Zafran is a celebration of culinary diversity, highlighting forgotten ingredients. The menu includes a variety of kebabs including seafood and vegetarian options, curries with vegetarian variants, an assortment of biryani dishes, as well as specialty beverages and fresh juices.

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Tip #2: Al Orjouan

Located at The Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, Al Orjouan Restaurant offers exceptional hospitality. From one of the most impressive breakfast buffets in the city, featuring Middle Eastern and international specialties, to lavish international dinner buffets. Its all-day dining options make this place a favorite for both hotel guests and locals.

Al Orjouan also offers a variety of themed food concepts, such as the Chef’s Brunch with stations from different parts of the world, Seafood Night, Butcher’s Night, and the Silk Road theme night.

Children under six years can dine free of charge, with a maximum of two kids per table. The dress code is either traditional local garments or smart casual to formal attire.

Tip #3: JW Steakhouse

JW Steakhouse is located on the ground floor of the JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh. With its classy and timeless design, this restaurant is a popular choice for a quiet couple’s night out or a business meeting. With elements of wood, leather, and warm dim lighting, the restaurant resembles a traditional New York-style steakhouse.

While visiting JW Steakhouse, you can look forward to a variety of prime cuts, including top Australian Wagyu and Black Angus, and USDA Prime Black Angus prepared on the Josper grill.

But that is not all that JW Steakhouse has on the menu. You can also look forward to a selection of main dishes that include grilled turbot, chicken Provençal, and the Wagyu Rossini Burger.

Desserts are also not to be overlooked; the „Signature -18°“ is a must-try. This oud-smoked vanilla ice cream for two is the perfect sweet ending to the experience. The staff also stand out with their professionalism and friendliness, making JW Steakhouse one of the best places to dine in Riyadh.

Tip #4: La Brassarie

La Brasserie is an all-day dining restaurant with an elegant atmosphere, located on the ground floor of the Al Faisaliah Hotel Riyadh. La Brasserie is another favorite for its à la carte and buffet-style dining.

The food concept is multi-cuisine, with a varied menu including pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, burgers, prime cuts, and seafood from the grill, as well as Saudi and Asian specialties.

What makes La Brasserie one of the best places to visit in Riyadh is the opportunity to interact with the chefs at different stations, allowing for the personalization of dishes to your liking.

Tip #5: Kitchen On 3

Kitchen On 3 is located at the JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh, offering a modern twist on the nostalgic flavors of Saudi Arabia. The restaurant has a minimalist, modern feel in both décor and food alike, blending traditional Middle Eastern flavors with modern simplicity.

The à la carte breakfast menu offers the classic sweet and savory dishes to start your day, such as pancakes with maple syrup, caramelized bananas, mint, and icing sugar, as well as eggs any style or a „build your own“ omelet option.

The à la carte dinner menu offers a variety of mezze dishes, such as Shrimp Kunafa, Lamb Kibbeh or Beetroot Falafel. With the ‘To Share & Talk About‘ option, you can choose three mezze and two sandwiches as a platter to share.

You can look forward to a selection of kebabs and from-the-grill specialties prepared with seafood, lamb, chicken, halloumi, or vegetables complimented by Middle Eastern sauces.

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Continue reading to find out how Le Petit Chef will turn your next evening into an extraordinary experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Tip #6: Azzurro

Azzurro, located in The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, revolves around a unique perspective on Italian cuisine, where seasonal ingredients take the spotlight. The restaurant overlooks the hotel indoor pool, making it a great spot for after-work bites and drinks with friends or any special occasion.

The menu is à la carte, offering Italian classics with Sicilian influences. Among the mouthwatering pastas, risottos, and pizzas, Azzurro has a few more impressive main dishes to offer.

Do not miss out on L’Agnello (rack of lamb in a pistachio crust with onion cream, caramelized shallots, and mashed potatoes) or La Costata di Manzo (rib-eye steak tagliata with pan-seared foie gras, rucola, and parmesan flakes).

With appropriately sized portions at Azzurro, there is always space for dessert, whether it’s tiramisu, lemon baba, or cioccolato.

Tip #7: Seven Restaurant

Seven Restaurant is an all-day dining venue, and, as the name hints, the food concept is symbolic of the seven wonders of the world, the seven continents, and the seven days of the week, offering authentic local and international dishes.

Guests seated indoors are immersed in the atmosphere of the open kitchen, while guests seated outside can enjoy the view of the Riyadh skyline.

The à la carte menu features traditional flavors with hummus, moutabal, and baba ganoush appetizers. The main course menu offers a variety of international dishes, such as the Mix Seafood Platter, chicken biryani, wild Norwegian salmon, and Saudi chicken kabsa.

Every Thursday, Seven Restaurant hosts a Seafood Night that starts with a salad bar, after which guests move toward the seafood station with a wide variety of locally sourced seafood options. Another weekly delight for meat lovers is the BBQ night, hosted every Tuesday, offering an assortment of meat and vegetable specialties from the grill.

Tip #8: COYA

A visit to an exclusive restaurant should, of course, not be missed during your visit to Riyadh. Coya is perfect for this, as the restaurant’s menu offers a modern interpretation of Peruvian cuisine and the ambiance is stunning.

Here, for example, you can start with an appetizer of fresh seafood and enjoy a main course of tender meat. Of course, they also offer vegetarian options, and for anyone who loves something sweet, there are fine desserts. Those who want to keep the night going after dinner can stay for a drink at the restaurant’s bar.

This way, your evening in Riyadh is rounded off and you can end it pleasantly. With live music and a typical Peruvian interior, you feel well taken care of and warmly invited to the restaurant.

Tip #9: JW Glass Garden

JW Marriott is home to another local and tourist favorite. The JW Glass Garden provides a unique dining experience full of healthy choices in a beautiful, nature-inspired ambiance.

The menu is carefully crafted with sustainable ingredients in mind and prepared meticulously to preserve their nutrients. If you are looking for a healthy, sophisticated dining experience, JW Glass Garden is just the place for you.

The restaurant also hosts a Friday brunch offering top picks from JW Steakhouse, Kitchen On 3, and JW Glass Garden for the ultimate feast.

Tip #10: Il Baretto

For upscale Italian cuisine right in the heart of Riyadh, you can enjoy the offerings at Il Baretto. This restaurant was founded by real Italian restaurateurs, so the true taste of Italy has arrived.

Of course, they also refine their dishes with a personal touch and a modern twist, giving the dishes a distinctive flavor that makes for an unforgettable dinner. Our tip is to order the antipasti as a starter and the handmade pasta with lobster for the main course – that is truly unbeatable.

Afterwards, you can go to the bar in the restaurant and have a cozy nightcap with your friends. If you check the website, you can reserve a table for an evening when an event is taking place, often featuring live music and special menus.

Tip #11: Urth Caffé

Sustainability and organic ingredients are what Urth Caffé offers. Enjoy fresh organic coffee and delicious breakfast and brunch options.

The menu also offers sandwiches, various main dishes, vegetarian options, and something sweet for dessert. With Arabic recipes, they will delight you.

The atmosphere invites you to linger and relax because, through the use of earthy colors and comfortable furniture, everything feels very cozy and inviting.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!