Discover the best of Riyadh’s food scene, from traditional Saudi flavors to international cuisine. Explore where to dine in this vibrant cooking capital.
In lots of cultures, it is thought about an honor to serve a guest. In Saudi Arabia, this appears in its food. The nation uses so much, from traditional spice-loaded dishes to worldwide cuisine. It has made its name as a gourmand’s sanctuary.
Standard Saudi Kunafa dessert. Picture by AkayArda through iStock by Getty Images What remains in This Article: Toggle What are the Typical Saudi Foods?
In a standard setup, rice is served on a plate with meat and belongs of the communal platter. These dishes include Basmati rice and spices, which arised from the historical trades with the East.
Conventional meals include chicken, lamb, seafood, or camel prepared with fragrant spices such as cardamom, saffron, and black pepper. Some popular dishes are:
- Kabsa: rice prepared with vegetables and meat
- Mandi: chicken or lamb roasted over fire
- Shawarma: spiced meat rolled in pita bread
Popular sweets include luqaimat (deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey), kunafa, and baklava.
Baklava is a preferred Saudi sweet. Photo courtesy Unsplash Saudis choose a light breakfast, generally dates, qahwa (a lightly roasted coffee ground with cardamom), bread, and cheese. Lunch is typically thought about the primary meal of the day. It can include Kabsa, Jareesh (cracked wheat and lamb porridge), mugalgal lamb (fried lamb), meat stews, and kubz (bread).
Some popular local meals are Saleeg (white rice prepared in chicken broth and a touch of milk until it becomes soft and creamy), thareed (mouthwatering bread pudding), and Kleicha, a cookie filled with dates.
What’s the Food Like in Riyadh?
Riyadh is the biggest city and capital of Saudi Arabia and has a hot desert climate. It has long and hot summer seasons, brief moderate winter seasons, and gets rain in March and April. The primary airport is the King Khalid International Airport.
Riyadh horizon in the evening. Photo by MOHAMED HUSSAIN YOUNIS through iStock by Getty Images The most reliable ways of transportation is a cars and truck, and you can pass taxi or lease your own car. Riyadh has no street addresses, so you need to go by the close-by landmarks. Most roads are marked in Arabic and English, however a couple of are marked just in Arabic.
If you are planning a journey to Saudi Arabia, travel by Flyadeal. It is an inexpensive airline company and a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s flag provider. It serves 18 domestic locations and 17 global destinations throughout nine countries.
Riyadh has an exciting culinary scene with numerous restaurants providing various foods. It has something to provide every palate, from genuine Saudi food to worldwide cuisine like Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and French.
Exploring Different Cuisines and Restaurants in Riyadh
Riyadh’s food scene showcases its abundant culture and modern-day impacts. Dining establishments use standard Saudi dishes in addition to worldwide food. Follow this guide for an unforgettable food journey in Riyadh.
What is Breakfast Like in Riyadh?
If you want to enjoy abundant Saudi cuisine, you can start your day with a heavy breakfast at the Al Orjouan. This dining establishment is located in the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, which is known for its substantial buffet. You will discover Middle Eastern breakfast items like freshly baked bread and Shakshuka.
Shakshuka is a popular Middle Eastern breakfast product. Picture courtesy Unsplash If you choose international cuisine for breakfast, you can visit Urth Coffee shop. It is understood for its healthy breakfast options and organic coffee. It is an ideal place for a contemporary breakfast.
If you want to start your day with a fast and satisfying breakfast, try Mama Noura restaurant. It is a favorite local dining establishment for street food like falafel and shawarma.
If you desire a luxury breakfast dining experience, you can go to The Globe. It is located in the well-known Al Faisaliah Tower. From here, you can get breathtaking views of Riyadh. You can indulge in a buffet, which is a mix of regional and global products.
Breakfast at The Globe inside Al Faisaliah Tower, provides terrific views of Riyadh. Photo by Hris via iStock by Getty Images If you wish to try out Riyadh’s surprise gems, head for breakfast at The Table. It is well-known for its relaxing setting and tasty breakfast, consisting of acai bowls and avocado toast.
Where Should I Eat Lunch in Riyadh?
If you want authentic Saudi food and hospitality, check out the Najd Village. Its architecture and decoration, along with the ancient Najdi heritage remnants, supply an ideal ambience for standard meals. Here, you can indulge in meals like Kabsa and Jareesh. A few of the other restaurants providing conventional Saudi meals are Aseeb, Haseeb, and Suhail.
< img src ="https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/iStock-2224296890-1000x668.jpg"alt= "Ushaiger, Riyadh Province, Saudi Arabia-March 6, 2022. Visitor walk through the historic streets of Ushaiger Heritage Town, showcasing the unique Najdi mudbrick architecture in main Saudi Arabia."width="1000"height="668"/ > A panorama of Ushaiger Heritage Town in Saudi Arabia, an unspoiled example of traditional Najdi architecture. You can sample that at Najd Village Restaurant in Riyadh. Image by Lina Badeka via iStock by
Getty Images For genuine Japanese cuisine, visit the Nozomi dining establishment. It provides a variety of Japanese fusion dishes, such as sushi and sashimi. Meals like yellowtail sashimi and black cod miso are a must-try. Another popular Japanese restaurant is Tokyo Dining establishment.
Go To the Al Set Al Sham for an unique lunch experience. It uses a wide range of meals inspired by Levantine cuisine, such as packed vine leaves, grilled kebabs, and a mezze platter.
Go to the French-Mediterranean dining establishment LPM to attempt signature meals like crème brûlée and black truffle risotto.
International cuisine abounds in Riyadh, like the French flavors at LPM. Image by
Karisssa by means of iStock by Getty Images If you prefer Indian flavours, head to the Zafran Indian Bistro dining establishment. It uses a variety of Indian meals, from curries to biryanis, prepared using authentic spices.
What Flavors Can I Discover for Supper in Riyadh?
In the evening, you can enjoy genuine Italian cuisine at the II Baretto. Timeless Italian meals made with fresh active ingredients, such as wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta, are offered. Other recognized Italian restaurants are La Rustica, Cipriani, Mamo Michelango, and San Carlo Cicchetti.
For night coffee, check out any of the various cafes in Riyadh. The Roasting Home or Draft Coffee shop use a comfortable atmosphere and aromatic coffee.
Supper is available at La Brasserie, situated in the Al Faisaliah. It offers a substantial menu and stylish settings.
If you want Parisian food, head to the Les De Mongue Coffee Shop. You can visit the L’Entrecote Coffee Shop de París for special salads, scrumptious steaks, and fries. If you want Mediterranean or American meals, head to the AOK Restaurant. You can find world-class dining choices at the coffee shop ELLE, Madeo, Chi Spacca, Gymkhana, Ferdi, Les Deux Magots, and more. You will definitely never ever go hungry during your check out to Riyadh!
There are numerous places for supper in Riyadh, ranging from conventional Saudi food to every you can possibly imagine international food. Photo by HyperlapsePro through iStock by Getty Images When You Visit Riyadh
From the very first sip of Arabic coffee in the morning to a supper that remains long into the night, Riyadh provides a banquet for every single minute of the day. Its blend of tradition and modernity is assessed every plate– whether you’re sampling centuries-old recipes or enjoying flavors from around the globe. Wherever your journeys take you, food has a way of telling a destination’s story.
Prepared to find more culinary journeys around the world? Explore Wander With Wonder for our favorite dining establishments, food experiences, and wow moments throughout every corner of the globe.
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