10 Best Restaurants in Riyadh

Prepare yourself for an incredible culinary adventure through the heart of Saudi Arabia’s vibrant capital.

Prepare yourself for an incredible culinary adventure in Riyadh. You will find everything from busy streets packed with modern cafes to stunningly beautiful, traditional restaurants that celebrate the history and culture of the Kingdom. Imagine yourself enjoying an exceptional cup of coffee in a charming courtyard of Najd, eating exquisite seafood seasoned with saffron with breathtaking views across the city, and indulging in rich desserts while listening to the rhythmic sounds of a bustling modern dining establishment. Read on to find the top restaurants in Riyadh.

This Michelin-rated restaurant offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city and uses classical cooking techniques. One of the first courses served as part of the "tasting menu" is ricotta tahini with peas, fresh mint, and small bits of asparagus on top. Then you may be served delicate pieces of Yellowfin Tuna garnished with shiso and apple. Taste the exceptional saffron-roasted salmon served with ikura (fish roe), finished with a very rich, classic-style beurre blanc sauce. Another famous entrée is roasted lamb loin served with creamy rosemary risotto and goat cheese. Dive into the seafood risotto filled with prawn, scallops, and mussels, or pick the perfectly cooked wagyu ribeye steak.

Address: King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11491, Saudi Arabia

Dining in Najd Village transports you to a living Najdi museum, complete with mud-brick walls, low seating, and the unmistakable aroma from cooking with an oud. Hashi Kabsa, a dish of basmati rice layered with an aromatic blend of spices, is served with succulent camel meat. Another incredible dish is Badya, which is a large platter containing jareesh, goursan bread, rice, and roasted camel/lamb, garnished with various nuts or egg. Matazeez consists of handmade dough pieces that have been cooked along with various vegetables and pieces of lamb.

Address: Al Takhassusi Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12331, Saudi Arabia

Kitchen On 3 is where Grilled Aussie Lamb Rack is paired with rosemary garlic glaze, and Black Sea Bream is served with vegetables. Seafood Nights bring through the Lobster Bisque, tempura shrimp, and sushi. The Breakfast Buffet presents a large variety of fresh-baked items with made-to-order omelets, making it one of the best restaurants in Riyadh.

Address: District, King Fahad Road, Sahafah, Riyadh 13315, Saudi Arabia

Zafran Indian Kitchen is heavily influenced by flavors from North-West Frontier India. It provides well-known items such as Raan Zafran (an expertly spiced roasted leg of lamb), Rampuri Biryani, and Butter Chicken, with its balance between smoky grilled meat cooked in a tandoor and the rich and creamy tomato sauce. Try the Delhi Tawa Murgh Chatpata, made with pan-roasted chicken that is covered in a spicy coating. People who enjoy seafood love Tandoori Jheenga Prawn marinated with spices.

Address: The View Mall, first floor.

Azure Restaurant boasts an innovative menu featuring a mix of dishes rooted in traditional Southern Spain. Their octopus (Pulpo a la Gallega) is prepared using rustic Galician style and served with confit potatoes and smoked paprika. Their prawn dish (Gambas al Ajillo) is cooked in olive oil and red chili. If you're searching for robust comfort food, look no further than the restaurant's slow-braised beef cheeks dish (Carrilleras de Ternera con Patata Dulce), served with roasted sweet potatoes.

Address: Near KAFD, Olaya St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia

At the Turki Square outpost, you will find Zafran Indian Bistro, serving North-West Indian flavors with a contemporary twist by using traditional family recipes and spices. The Butter Chicken is very popular and has a delicious creamy tomato-butter sauce. The Lamb Rogan Josh is slow-cooked and well-seasoned with various spices. For those who love seafood, the Mahi Samarkand is a delightful choice, an oven-roasted seabream marinated with zaatar and sumac spices. In addition to the seafood dishes, biryanis are another must-try dish that is served with raita (yogurt sauce). A great way to top off your meal is with Dal Zafran (creamy lentils).

Address: Turki Square, Riyadh

Horizon Restaurant in Voco Riyadh offers an exciting buffet-style meal with live cooking stations from Lebanese meze to Italian comfort food. Some of the international dishes you can enjoy include spaghetti bolognese, chicken biryani, Belgian waffles, and you can even indulge in casual-style burgers & fries. In addition, their dessert selection includes traditional Arabian sweets featured as part of their dessert offerings, such as creamy Muhalabiya (rice pudding) and flaky Umm Ali pastries. On Tuesday evenings, you can sample Saudi heritage cuisine from the Kingdom's diverse regions as created by Chef Ward Tamim, including some of the Kingdom's classic dishes like kabsa (chicken or lamb with rice) or bukhari rice (a spiced Lebanese-style rice).

Address: Voco Hotel, King Fahd Rd, An Namudhajiyah, Riyadh 12731, Saudi Arabia

Lusin Restaurant presents the flavors of Armenia, combining tangy pomegranate, smoky charcoal, and silky smooth yogurt to create plates that leave a lasting impression. The Manti dumplings are served as open, delicate dumplings topped with garlicky yogurt and rich tomato butter, while the Cherry Kebab balances savory ground meat with a sweet and tart cherry glaze. The house specialty, Lusin Kebab, features perfectly grilled skewers of juicy, aromatic meat served with fresh-out-of-the-oven bread. Spicy Sujuk sausage slices provide a rich, paprika-infused taste and make for a great appetizer.

Address: Centria Mall, Al Olaya

Wildfire Brazilian Steakhouse serves an all-out churrascaria with gaucho carvers circulating the space, serving skewered meats rodizio-style. Try the Brazilian Picanha, juicy and well-seasoned; the Premium Ribeye; and the 24-hour Braised Short Ribs. Between rounds of meat service, the table is filled with warm Fresh-Baked Cheese Bread, Fried Cassava, and several scoops of their Guava Barbecue Sauce. Conclude your experience with caramelized Grilled Pineapple, coated with cinnamon sugar and grilled at your table to cleanse your palate.

Address: RDC Hotel & Convention, Crowne Plaza, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

La Brasserie provides an excellent buffet service that features both international dishes and Saudi-inspired dishes. Grilled Salmon is tender and flavorful, while Fresh Lamb Chops are beautifully grilled. Sushi aficionados flock to Creative Sushi Rolls and Fresh Sashimi. The local touch is provided by the Saudi-style Camel Kabsa, which features slow-cooked camel meat that has been simmered in tomato, onion, ginger, and traditional spices. Finish your meal with the Baklava, made up of layers of thinly sliced pastry, filled with nutty centers, and soaked in sweet syrup.]

Address: King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, Saudi Arabia

Book your stay at Karim Hotel Riyadh — a comfortable and conveniently located hotel perfect for exploring Riyadh’s dining, shopping, and attractions with ease.