Quick answers — eating in Riyadh
- Best restaurant overall
- LPM Riyadh
- Best value
- Bateel Cafe & Restaurant (SAR 150 - 300 / USD 40 - 80 per person)
- Strongest cuisines
- Japanese, French, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Modern European
- Dishes to try
- Kabsa, Jareesh, Saleeg, Thareed
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Some may require a deposit to confirm.
Booking well in advance, especially for MICHELIN-starred establishments, is crucial. Dress codes typically lean towards smart-casual to formal. Tipping is customary, usually around 10-15%. Dinner hours often start later, from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, particularly during weekends.
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Myazu
One MICHELIN StarModern Japanese · Al Sulaimaniyah · SAR 600 - 1200 / USD 160 - 320 per person
Myazu offers an exquisite contemporary Japanese dining experience, blending traditional techniques with innovative presentation. The restaurant is celebrated for its premium sushi, sashimi, and robatayaki, prepared with remarkable precision. Its sleek, minimalist interior design complements the refined culinary journey, making it a standout.
Order: Wagyu Gyoza; Black Cod with Miso
Clap
MICHELIN SelectedContemporary Japanese · Via Riyadh · SAR 550 - 1000 / USD 150 - 270 per person
Clap delivers an energetic and upscale Japanese dining experience, known for its innovative sushi, sashimi, and creative hot dishes. The restaurant features a stylish, dynamic ambiance, often accompanied by live music, making it a popular destination for both its culinary offerings and vibrant social scene.
Order: Rock Shrimp Tempura; Truffle Gyoza
Wagyumafia Riyadh
MICHELIN SelectedJapanese Wagyu Speciality · King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) · SAR 1200 - 2500+ / USD 320 - 670+ per person
Hisato Hamada
Wagyumafia offers an exclusive, omakase-style experience centered entirely around premium Japanese Wagyu beef. Diners embark on a journey exploring various cuts and preparations, from intricate sandwiches to perfectly grilled steaks. The intimate setting and focus on exceptional quality make it a unique indulgence for beef connoisseurs.
Order: Wagyusuki; Wagyu Cutlet Sandwich
French
Best French restaurants in Riyadh
French cooking is still the backbone of fine dining almost everywhere — expect sauce work, butter, precise service and set lunch menus that cost a fraction of dinner.
LPM Riyadh
One MICHELIN StarFrench Mediterranean · Al Olaya · SAR 600 - 1000 / USD 160 - 270 per person
Raphael Duntoye
LPM offers vibrant, elegant French Mediterranean cuisine in a chic, Riviera-inspired setting. The dishes prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients, prepared with a light touch to enhance natural flavors. Its lively atmosphere and consistently exquisite offerings make it a benchmark for fine dining in Riyadh.
Order: Warm Prawns with Olive Oil; Escargots de Bourgogne
Brasserie Boulud
MICHELIN SelectedFrench American · Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah · SAR 500 - 900 / USD 135 - 240 per person
Daniel Boulud
Under the guidance of Chef Daniel Boulud, Brasserie Boulud offers a refined yet approachable take on classic French-American cuisine. The menu features sophisticated dishes prepared with meticulous attention to detail and high-quality ingredients, served in an elegant and spacious setting within a prestigious hotel.
Order: Classic French Onion Soup; Coq au Vin
Chinese
Best Chinese restaurants in Riyadh
Chinese fine dining is regional: Cantonese seafood and dim sum, the chilli and numbing pepper of Sichuan, the delicate soups of Shanghai. Larger tables see more of the menu.
Hakkasan Riyadh
One MICHELIN StarModern Cantonese · Mansour Park · SAR 500 - 900 / USD 135 - 240 per person
Hakkasan brings its signature sophisticated Cantonese cuisine and opulent ambiance to Riyadh. The restaurant captivates with expertly crafted dim sum, innovative main courses, and stunning interior design featuring intricate wooden screens. It offers a luxurious and memorable dining experience, blending tradition with modern culinary artistry.
Order: Crispy Duck Salad; Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Honey
Middle Eastern
Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh
Middle Eastern tables are built around sharing — dips, flatbread, grilled meat and salads arriving together rather than in courses.
Bateel Cafe & Restaurant
Bib GourmandModern Arabic · multiple locations including Riyadh Park · SAR 150 - 300 / USD 40 - 80 per person
Bateel Cafe & Restaurant is celebrated for its contemporary Arabic cuisine, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly its famous dates. It offers a refined casual dining experience with dishes that highlight regional flavors, alongside exquisite pastries and gourmet products, all within an elegant, comfortable setting.
Order: Date Pancakes; Chicken Machboos
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Riyadh
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
The Globe
Acclaimed local fine diningModern European · Al Olaya (Al Faisaliah Tower) · SAR 700 - 1500 / USD 190 - 400 per person
Perched within the iconic golden orb of Al Faisaliah Tower, The Globe offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Riyadh. Its menu features sophisticated modern European cuisine, focusing on seasonal ingredients and elegant presentation. The unparalleled ambiance and culinary artistry create an unforgettable dining experience at altitude.
Order: Pan-Seared Scallops; Australian Wagyu Beef Tenderloin
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Riyadh
Mama Noura
A Riyadh institution known for its delicious, budget-friendly shawarma and fresh fruit juices. Expect quick service and authentic, flavorful Lebanese street food. A classic for a casual, satisfying meal. Price: SAR 15-30.
Al Romansiah
Specializing in traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine, particularly Mandi (rice with slow-cooked meat). Enjoy large portions served in a communal setting, perfect for experiencing local flavors at an accessible price point. Price: SAR 30-70.
Kudu
A popular local fast-food chain offering a range of sandwiches, burgers, and breakfast items. It's a reliable choice for quick, consistent, and affordable meals that cater to various tastes. Price: SAR 20-50.
Crispy Cream
Renowned for its freshly made, warm glazed doughnuts, Crispy Cream is a beloved spot for a sweet treat or coffee break. The doughnuts are light, fluffy, and consistently delightful. Price: SAR 10-25.
Shawarma House
Another highly-regarded spot for authentic and flavorful shawarma wraps, often praised for its distinct garlic sauce and well-marinated meats. A perfect choice for a quick, savory, and inexpensive meal. Price: SAR 15-35.
Local dishes
What to eat in Riyadh
Kabsa
Saudi Arabia's national dish, Kabsa, is a fragrant rice dish traditionally made with chicken, lamb, or camel meat, cooked with a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, saffron, and black lime. It is often garnished with nuts and raisins. Find exceptional versions at Najd Village Restaurant, known for its authentic ambiance and traditional preparation, or other local eateries throughout the city.
Jareesh
Jareesh is a hearty, creamy dish made from cracked wheat, often cooked with meat (usually chicken or lamb), yogurt, and various spices, topped with caramelized onions and dried lime. It offers a comforting, savory flavor. Look for this traditional staple at restaurants specializing in Najdi cuisine, such as the authentic Najd Village Restaurant, where it's prepared with care.
Saleeg
Saleeg is a white rice porridge, cooked with milk or broth, giving it a creamy texture, and typically served with roasted chicken or lamb. It's a comforting and flavorful dish, often seasoned with a hint of black pepper or cardamom. Find this rich, satisfying meal at local Saudi restaurants across Riyadh, which highlight its traditional preparation.
Thareed
Thareed is a traditional stew with origins dating back to the Prophet Muhammad's time. It features a rich meat (often lamb) and vegetable stew poured over thin, unleavened bread (regag), which soaks up the flavorful broth. It's a deeply satisfying and culturally significant dish. Seek it out at traditional Saudi dining establishments.
Gursan
Gursan is a layered flatbread dish made with thin, dry bread soaked in a rich vegetable and meat broth, often featuring lamb or chicken. The bread absorbs the savory flavors, creating a soft, hearty texture similar to a stew. It's a substantial and comforting meal, typically found in authentic Saudi kitchens and restaurants specializing in local cuisine.
Mutabbaq
Mutabbaq is a savory pan-fried pastry or stuffed pancake, popular in the Arabian Peninsula. It consists of thin dough folded around a filling of minced meat (often lamb or beef), eggs, onions, and various spices. It makes for a delicious, crispy snack or light meal. Look for it at casual eateries and street food stalls.
Mandazi
While not originally Saudi, these East African-inspired donuts are popular in Jeddah and increasingly found in Riyadh, reflecting the country's diverse culinary influences. They are slightly sweet, triangular fried dough, often flavored with cardamom or coconut, perfect for dipping in tea. Find them at specialized bakeries or cafes offering a wider range of Middle Eastern and African sweets.
Laham Mandi
Laham Mandi is a traditional Yemeni dish, widely loved in Saudi Arabia. It features tender, slow-cooked lamb (laham) that is often roasted in a tandoor-like oven, served atop fragrant basmati rice infused with spices. The meat is incredibly succulent and falls off the bone. Seek out restaurants specializing in Mandi for an authentic experience.
How to book a table in Riyadh
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Some may require a deposit to confirm.
- · Many high-end restaurants offer a more affordable lunch menu (business lunch) compared to dinner, providing an excellent way to experience the cuisine. Check their websites for details.
- · Be aware of cancellation and no-show policies; often, a cancellation within 24-48 hours may incur a fee, particularly if a deposit was paid.
- · Consider booking through hotel concierge services for popular restaurants, as they sometimes have allocated tables or can assist with last-minute requests.
FAQ
Riyadh restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Riyadh?
LPM Riyadh in Al Olaya is the benchmark table — French Mediterranean, led by Raphael Duntoye, one michelin star, around SAR 600 - 1000 / USD 160 - 270 per person per person. Order the Warm Prawns with Olive Oil; Escargots de Bourgogne
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Riyadh?
Myazu in Al Sulaimaniyah is the Japanese table to book in Riyadh (SAR 600 - 1200 / USD 160 - 320 per person per person). Other strong options: Clap, Wagyumafia Riyadh.
Where is the best French restaurant in Riyadh?
LPM Riyadh in Al Olaya is the French table to book in Riyadh (SAR 600 - 1000 / USD 160 - 270 per person per person). Other strong options: Brasserie Boulud.
Where is the best Chinese restaurant in Riyadh?
Hakkasan Riyadh in Mansour Park is the Chinese table to book in Riyadh (SAR 500 - 900 / USD 135 - 240 per person per person).
Where is the best Middle Eastern restaurant in Riyadh?
Bateel Cafe & Restaurant in multiple locations including Riyadh Park is the Middle Eastern table to book in Riyadh (SAR 150 - 300 / USD 40 - 80 per person per person).
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Riyadh?
The Globe in Al Olaya (Al Faisaliah Tower) is the modern European table to book in Riyadh (SAR 700 - 1500 / USD 190 - 400 per person per person).
Where can I eat well in Riyadh without spending a fortune?
Bateel Cafe & Restaurant is the best-value table on this list at roughly SAR 150 - 300 / USD 40 - 80 per person per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Mama Noura, Al Romansiah, Kudu.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Riyadh?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Some may require a deposit to confirm. Many high-end restaurants offer a more affordable lunch menu (business lunch) compared to dinner, providing an excellent way to experience the cuisine. Check their websites for details.
What food is Riyadh famous for?
Kabsa, Jareesh, Saleeg, Thareed, Gursan — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Saudi Arabia's national dish, Kabsa, is a fragrant rice dish traditionally made with chicken, lamb, or camel meat, cooked with a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, saffron, and black lime. It is often garnished with nuts and raisins. Find exceptional versions at Najd Village Restaurant, known for its authentic ambiance and traditional preparation, or other local eateries throughout the city.
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