Best Restaurants in Riyadh: A Food Lover’s Guide
Key Highlights
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has become known for its food scene. You can find the best restaurants here offering a mix of Japanese, Mediterranean, and classic Saudi cuisine.
- If you love food, you will find places inspired by New York, Paris, London, and Abu Dhabi. There are spots for fine dining as well as more budget-friendly street food.
- The city stands out with Michelin-quality dining, luxury hotel Riyadh buffets, and places that are good for vegans.
- Since 2025, new restaurants have opened with fresh menus and many ideas that feel new and creative.
- Top restaurants in Riyadh welcome both local people and those visiting. There are choices good for families and some with amazing rooftop views.
- Riyadh’s dining options are now well-known in the Middle East. People like it for their variety, real flavors, and how they blend food from around the world.
Introduction
Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia, has seen its restaurants change a lot over the years. People who love food will find many options in this city. You can try both local and food from other countries, with some of the best choices in the Middle East. There are elegant hotel dining rooms and busy street food stalls. The city lets you taste dishes with global flavors but also enjoy true Saudi heritage in every bite.
If you want food from Tokyo, Paris, or meals like the ones from Jeddah, you will find them in Riyadh. The restaurants here make sure that everyone will find something they like. No matter what your taste is, Riyadh’s food scene offers something good.
Top-Rated Restaurants in Riyadh for Food Lovers
Riyadh has seen a big rise in world-class restaurants, and now many people in the Middle East come here just for the food. No matter if you want top Japanese dishes, stylish Mediterranean food, or strong Saudi flavors, you can find it in this city. The choice of cuisine in Riyadh keeps getting bigger and better. People who live here and food critics are saying good things about these places. The food is great, but the experience you get is just as special. Some spots are new and full of buzz, while others are old favorites. Every dinner shows the best of both world food and local heart.
Let’s take a look at the best restaurants in Riyadh this year. Each one brings you its own taste of food from around the world and the Middle East.
1. Myazu – Contemporary Japanese Excellence
Myazu is a restaurant that many people in Riyadh and Jeddah love. It brings Japanese cuisine to the table in a place that mixes bold design with calm Zen features. Tokyo-based designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu worked on the design. The atmosphere is luxurious but still makes you feel welcome. It’s great for sushi fans or anyone who wants to try something special.
The dishes are well made, like marinated yellowtail sashimi with ponzu and Wagyu sando served on soft bread. Each plate is a tribute and homage to the skill found in Japanese cooking. The robata grill gives the food a nice smoky flavor. The mushroom takikomi-gohan cooked in a clay pot is a comfort dish that many people ask for again.
If you want a place for fine dining or a special day, Myazu is a good choice. Many local critics and food lovers recommend it for its exciting menu and top-quality service. Riyadh may not have Michelin stars yet, but Myazu follows an award-winning style that makes it one of the best picks in the city.
2. LPM Riyadh – Chic French Mediterranean Dining
LPM Riyadh brings the bright and lively tastes of the French Riviera to the heart of Saudi Arabia, right in Riyadh. The place looks and feels much like its well-known sister spots in Paris and London. When you walk into its open and stylish dining room, you will see nice touches everywhere. There is crisp linen on the tables, and the food is a real show of French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Guests and locals talk a lot about how good the creamy rigatoni with mushrooms is. Another favorite is the fresh burrata salad. Both dishes show the best of what French and Mediterranean food has to offer in the city. There is colorful and modern art on the walls, and the whole place feels lively and warm. You can see right away that it is both classy and welcoming.
People in Riyadh love to visit LPM when they want a nice place for business lunches, to celebrate special moments, or just to have a relaxing meal. Many food critics also praise the restaurant for its trendy style and great flavors. This spot proves that cuisine in Riyadh can give you the feeling of being in Paris, London, or even the Mediterranean without ever leaving Saudi Arabia.
3. Al Orjouan – Lavish International Buffet Experience
Al Orjouan sits inside The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. This restaurant changes what people expect from a hotel buffet in Saudi Arabia. It is in what used to be a royal palace. Here, you get to try many different dishes from around the world. That is why both local people and travellers in Riyadh love it.
You can start your morning with mini cocottes of scrambled eggs with truffle oil. Or, you might want to have true ful medames along with dates picked for the buffet. As the day moves on, the food changes. There are tastes from many parts of the world, along with drinks that come from this region, like the special Desert Rose mocktail.
This luxury food spot is great for those who want the best quality and a lot of options. At Al Orjouan, you get international cuisine, a fancy space, and service that will impress you. Every single meal here feels like an important event in the city. Because of all this, many people say it is one of the top places to eat in Riyadh.
4. Maiz – Authentic Saudi Cuisine in a Modern Setting
Maiz is a top spot in Riyadh if you want real Saudi Arabia food. You can find it in the lovely Bujairi Terrace, where there are nice views of the old Diriyah area. The restaurant gives you the best tastes from all over Saudi Arabia. It uses old recipes but makes them look new on the plate.
You can get dishes like tasty lamb khabsa, soft chicken saleeg, and desserts such as massabeeb topped with mascarpone and honey from Saudi farms. The way Maiz looks inside is special too. The place has a mix of new and old styles. You will see sadu pillows, gahwa cups, and other things that make it feel warm and welcoming.
Maiz is now one of the most liked places in Riyadh for anyone who wants to try true Middle East and Saudi food. People in the city and food writers both say that it really cares about showing the real food of Saudi Arabia. If you want to know what this country’s cooking is like in today’s time, this is a great place for you to go. The spot truly showcases Saudi cuisine in a fresh way.
5. Yauatcha – Elegant Cantonese Specialities
Yauatcha offers fresh Cantonese cuisine in Riyadh. The place has an open-air rooftop and stylish design, much like its well-known locations in Dubai and London. On the menu, you will find dim sum, seafood, and many dishes that are good for those who want vegetarian options. The airy eating space has cherry blossom details, adding to the calm and pretty feeling.
You should try the bright steamed platter. This dish lets you get a taste of crystal shrimp har gau, sea bass dim sum, and seafood dumplings. Every piece is carefully made and has a lot of flavour. The restaurant also does a new spin on yum cha, with food that is baked, steamed, or grilled. This gives a different look at classic Cantonese food.
Yauatcha is a great pick for special days or for anyone who wants fine dining with a little twist. People from Riyadh and those who visit have good things to say about its fancy setting, menu full of choice, and its focus to be true to Cantonese ways. It stands out as one of the top places for cuisine in the city, alongside big names like London and Dubai.
6. Villa Mamas – Home-Style Middle Eastern Flavours
Villa Mamas was started by Bahraini chef Roaya Saleh. The place brings the warm feel of Middle Eastern home cooking to Riyadh. This comes after it opened well-loved branches in both London and Abu Dhabi. With its simple, cozy décor and fresh ingredients for each season, it’s a great spot for family meals you won’t forget.
On the menu, you will get new versions of well-known local dishes. There are tandoori shish skewers with yogurt and lamb pieces on smooth mashed potatoes. Hot dum biryani and classic salads like tabbouleh and fresh pomegranate salad show the team’s love for real taste and new ideas.
Many people in Riyadh, along with food critics, say Villa Mamas is a place you must try. People keep coming back for the friendly feel and rich, true flavors. If you want food that tastes like home or if you want to try something new, eating at Villa Mamas feels just as good as a dinner made in your own kitchen. It is great for anyone, no matter if you’ve lived in Riyadh for years or just got here.
7. Il Baretto – Italian Classics in an Upscale Atmosphere
Il Baretto brings classic Italian dining to Riyadh and takes inspiration from its famous London place. You will find it in Al Olaya. The restaurant has art-deco looks and a lively bar. It is a good spot for both a casual meal and special nights out.
The menu is full of Italian dishes. You can try things like beef carpaccio with black truffle, homemade pappardelle served with lamb ragu, and wood-fired pizzas that have a crisp, blistered crust. On some nights, you get live jazz that brings extra charm. This is a nice place to relax with non-alcoholic cocktails, just like in London.
If you want fine dining in a stylish place, Il Baretto is often seen as one of the best in Riyadh. It mixes together a fancy space and good, hearty Italian food. Many food lovers from saudi arabia and many from other places speak highly of it. If you are in Riyadh and want a real taste of Italy, this one is for you.
8. Urth Caffé – Organic and Vegan-Friendly Options
Urth Caffé is a favorite from LA that has quickly become one of the most popular spots in Riyadh for good organic, vegan, and healthy food. The place has a relaxed look. You will see a lot of green plants, and the café puts care into being green and kind to the planet. This makes many people want to come back again and again.
Breakfast and brunch here stand out, and you will find choices like:
- Avocado toast that is made with the best fresh, organic food
- Shakshuka, which brings a Middle Eastern taste that is also vegan-friendly
- Granola and smoothie bowls, great for a clean and nice way to start your day
Urth Caffé has a menu that makes sure everyone can get something they want, with vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian meals all day. People who live in Riyadh love that the café uses a lot of organic food and gives you a place where you can take it easy. If you want food that is plant-based or just want to eat something healthy, this is a place you should check out in Riyadh. This café brings a bit of LA’s style to the city and is all about good cuisine .
9. The Globe – Iconic Rooftop Dining with Spectacular Views
The Globe, perched atop Kingdom Centre, stands as Riyadh’s most iconic rooftop dining venue. Its panoramic city views and dramatic glass dome make it a favourite for special occasions and romantic evenings.
Here’s a look at what sets The Globe apart:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Kingdom Centre, Rooftop |
| Highlights | Unparalleled city views, dramatic glass dome, fine European menu |
| Menu | Refined dishes, expertly crafted desserts, mocktails |
| Ambiance | Elegant, perfect for celebrations and sunset dining |
Patrons often marvel at the breathtaking scenery while enjoying European-inspired cuisine and non-alcoholic cocktails. The Globe is consistently recommended for those seeking a memorable dining experience with a view, blending fine food and spectacular surroundings into one unforgettable night.
10. Barbar – Affordable Lebanese Street Food Favourites
Barbar brings the lively feel of Beirut’s street food right to Riyadh. You get to enjoy real Lebanese favourites here, any time of day, in a laid-back place that feels like a canteen. This is the place to go if you need a fast and easy meal but do not want to lose out on taste or quality.
Popular menu choices include:
- Man’ousheh topped with akkawai cheese, baked hot and fresh
- Beiruti hummus, spiced and topped with smooth tahini
- Big shawarma sandwiches filled with pickles, fries, and garlic sauce
You get large portions and the prices work for everyone. Barbar is great for families and is loved by many local people. If you are looking for a snack late at night or want to eat a simple meal with your kids, Barbar’s street food brings you a true feel of Lebanon in the middle of Saudi Arabia, right in Riyadh.
Conclusion
Riyadh is a lively city with food that is as mixed as its people. You can try modern Japanese meals at Myazu or enjoy real Saudi dishes at Maiz. There is something for every taste. Each place you visit has its own feel and showcases the rich cooking traditions found in the city. Many also add flavors from around the world. No matter if you want a simple meal or high-end dining, this list gives you some of the best spots to try in Riyadh. Bring your friends or family with you and go taste all the great cuisine the city has to offer. After your meals, share what you liked best!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fine dining restaurants in Riyadh for a special occasion?
Riyadh has some great places for fine dining. You can try Myazu if you want Japanese food. LPM Riyadh serves French Mediterranean dishes. Il Baretto is the spot for Italian cuisine. Al Orjouan at The Ritz-Carlton is a good hotel Riyadh choice for a special meal. The Globe at Kingdom Centre also gives an elegant experience. These spots are perfect if you want to celebrate in style. Many people even say they are as nice as places you find in Paris.
Are there any must-visit new restaurants in Riyadh recommended by locals?
Yes, there are some new places in Jeddah that people are really talking about. Chotto Matte brings Nikkei cuisine, Benoit offers food from a French bistro, and Juno has an Italian-inspired menu. These places are getting noticed by both locals and critics. New cafés like Ralph’s Coffee and Table;To are also popular. They have special drinks and food, plus a modern style people like. All these spots show the fresh trends in cuisine you can now see around Jeddah.
Which restaurants in Riyadh are best for families with kids?
Barbar is a good place for families. You can get tasty and affordable Lebanese street food here. You can also relax while you eat. At Al Orjouan, you will find a big hotel buffet. The food is good for both kids and grown-ups. Urth Caffé has many organic choices that are great for families too. If you want something different, you can try Il Baretto in Al Olaya. It is one of the international spots. Il Baretto is a nice place if you or your family want seafood or classic Italian food.
