Restaurants in Riyadh
Riyadh has no shortages of restaurants to choose from, and food prices tend to be reasonable more often than not. The city plays host to a large selection of Middle Eastern fare, but has seen recent growth in the international cuisine scene as well.
It is important to understand that as an Islamic nation, Saudi Arabia has different dining establishments for different demographics.
A “Singles only” venue is only for men, regardless of their marital status.
“Family sections” in restaurants are for married men and women and for groups of women. If a restaurant does not have a family section it is understood that it solely caters to men.
Family sections are supposed to be partitioned so women are protected. In traditional restaurants, each dining table is completely walled/curtained/partitioned from the others. Occasionally, there is a buzzer so you can contact your server. In restaurants that cater to more of an expat clientele, the partitions are looser and/or there are not partitions at all. Obviously, if you are completely partitioned from all other diners, a woman can take off her scarf and/or abaya. In other restaurants, women should use discretion and go with what seems appropriate for the establishment and follow the cues of the other diners.
Tahlia Street is well known for fine dining and cheap eateries alike – even the nondescript American chain restaurants appear on either side of the avenue.
For expats that fancy a five star experience, many of the hotels in Riyadh have excellent options and also have done away with segregation between men and women, as well as the family section. In some cases it is even allowed for women to remove the abaya while eating.
Lastly, there are no pork or alcohol products served. All "cocktails" are in fact juice mixes; "Saudi Champagne" is like sangria with fizzy water or Seven-Up/Sprite, but without wine. Any dish that has a name that resembles a pork product is typically made from beef.
If you'd rather forego eating out to stay in and indulge in some of the familiar fare that reminds you of home, there are plenty of grocery stores and vegetable markets to help you tick off the ingredients on your list.
The Globe
On top of Al Faisaliah Tower and within a gilded geodesic orb, The Globe restaurant is the perfect destination for a romantic evening or a special occasion. The fare leans toward the expensive side, but guests are paying for full panoramic views of the city, unrivalled service and immaculate presentation. Savour a full European meal or unwind with the comfort of a cigar in the neighbouring lounge. Open for lunch, dinner and high tea on weekends.
www.alfaisaliahhotel.com/dine5.cfm
Tel: (0)1 273 2000
Tokyo Restaurant
This Japanese restaurant combines tradition, unique decor and exceptional presentation to wow guests and occupy a solid spot as the best of its kind in Riyadh. The wide selection of sushi and the imported Norwegian salmon will only disappoint if not available – unfortunately the only downside.
Tel: (0)1 460 5672
Villa Restaurant
This expat favourite features Thai and Filipino cuisine in a non-pretentious environment (read: plastic plates and cups with very affordable prices for the high quality of food). Well-spiced dishes can be ordered mild upon request. Noodle, curry, beef, chicken, fish, and other seafood dishes are featured. Has a family section. Across from King Khalid Mosque and National Guard hospital.
Tel: (0)1 482 2749
The Noodle House
Located on the 2nd floor of the upscale Centria Mall, this Thai, Pan-Asian inspired restaurant offers much more than just noodle dishes. Be prepared to spend about 30SAR on appetisers and up to 60SAR on main courses. The family section is stylish and open in design. In addition to being very accommodating to diners with special dietary restrictions, they serve lovely Asian inspired juice “cocktails”.
www.thenoodlehouse.com
Tel: (0)1 293 9969
Mama Noura Juice Center
A “singles only” establishment that is a staple due to its affordable prices, quick service, and fresh food. Hands down the best falafel in Riyadh, with their schwarma, fatayers, and mezzes also being great choices. A meal isn’t complete without a fresh juice. Choices include the standard orange, apple, and carrot to the exotic mango, tamarind, pomegranate, and guava. You can also request a “cocktail”, where they will blend juices upon request - try the strawberry and lemon!
www.mamanoura.com.sa (Arabic only website)
Locations: Al Sulaimania (01) 462 8144/2195, Al Muhamadia (01) 470 8881/8882, Al Rowda (01) 278 7444/7555, and Al Suwaidi (01) 266 26621/6623.
Al Saraya
A favourite Turkish spot for locals and expats alike. It has expanded over the years, with an extensive, traditional family section that partitions diners with curtains and/or booths. Their famous sesame bread comes complementary when mezzes are ordered. Affordably priced, this restaurant is not to be missed. Try to get a booth on the 2nd floor that overlooks the unique “animal garden”. On Talateen Street.
Tel: (01) 464 9336
It is important to understand that as an Islamic nation, Saudi Arabia has different dining establishments for different demographics.
A “Singles only” venue is only for men, regardless of their marital status.
“Family sections” in restaurants are for married men and women and for groups of women. If a restaurant does not have a family section it is understood that it solely caters to men.
Family sections are supposed to be partitioned so women are protected. In traditional restaurants, each dining table is completely walled/curtained/partitioned from the others. Occasionally, there is a buzzer so you can contact your server. In restaurants that cater to more of an expat clientele, the partitions are looser and/or there are not partitions at all. Obviously, if you are completely partitioned from all other diners, a woman can take off her scarf and/or abaya. In other restaurants, women should use discretion and go with what seems appropriate for the establishment and follow the cues of the other diners.
Tahlia Street is well known for fine dining and cheap eateries alike – even the nondescript American chain restaurants appear on either side of the avenue.
For expats that fancy a five star experience, many of the hotels in Riyadh have excellent options and also have done away with segregation between men and women, as well as the family section. In some cases it is even allowed for women to remove the abaya while eating.
Lastly, there are no pork or alcohol products served. All "cocktails" are in fact juice mixes; "Saudi Champagne" is like sangria with fizzy water or Seven-Up/Sprite, but without wine. Any dish that has a name that resembles a pork product is typically made from beef.
If you'd rather forego eating out to stay in and indulge in some of the familiar fare that reminds you of home, there are plenty of grocery stores and vegetable markets to help you tick off the ingredients on your list.
Recommended Restaurants in Riyadh
The Globe
On top of Al Faisaliah Tower and within a gilded geodesic orb, The Globe restaurant is the perfect destination for a romantic evening or a special occasion. The fare leans toward the expensive side, but guests are paying for full panoramic views of the city, unrivalled service and immaculate presentation. Savour a full European meal or unwind with the comfort of a cigar in the neighbouring lounge. Open for lunch, dinner and high tea on weekends.
www.alfaisaliahhotel.com/dine5.cfm
Tel: (0)1 273 2000
Tokyo Restaurant
This Japanese restaurant combines tradition, unique decor and exceptional presentation to wow guests and occupy a solid spot as the best of its kind in Riyadh. The wide selection of sushi and the imported Norwegian salmon will only disappoint if not available – unfortunately the only downside.
Tel: (0)1 460 5672
Villa Restaurant
This expat favourite features Thai and Filipino cuisine in a non-pretentious environment (read: plastic plates and cups with very affordable prices for the high quality of food). Well-spiced dishes can be ordered mild upon request. Noodle, curry, beef, chicken, fish, and other seafood dishes are featured. Has a family section. Across from King Khalid Mosque and National Guard hospital.
Tel: (0)1 482 2749
The Noodle House
Located on the 2nd floor of the upscale Centria Mall, this Thai, Pan-Asian inspired restaurant offers much more than just noodle dishes. Be prepared to spend about 30SAR on appetisers and up to 60SAR on main courses. The family section is stylish and open in design. In addition to being very accommodating to diners with special dietary restrictions, they serve lovely Asian inspired juice “cocktails”.
www.thenoodlehouse.com
Tel: (0)1 293 9969
Mama Noura Juice Center
A “singles only” establishment that is a staple due to its affordable prices, quick service, and fresh food. Hands down the best falafel in Riyadh, with their schwarma, fatayers, and mezzes also being great choices. A meal isn’t complete without a fresh juice. Choices include the standard orange, apple, and carrot to the exotic mango, tamarind, pomegranate, and guava. You can also request a “cocktail”, where they will blend juices upon request - try the strawberry and lemon!
www.mamanoura.com.sa (Arabic only website)
Locations: Al Sulaimania (01) 462 8144/2195, Al Muhamadia (01) 470 8881/8882, Al Rowda (01) 278 7444/7555, and Al Suwaidi (01) 266 26621/6623.
Al Saraya
A favourite Turkish spot for locals and expats alike. It has expanded over the years, with an extensive, traditional family section that partitions diners with curtains and/or booths. Their famous sesame bread comes complementary when mezzes are ordered. Affordably priced, this restaurant is not to be missed. Try to get a booth on the 2nd floor that overlooks the unique “animal garden”. On Talateen Street.
Tel: (01) 464 9336
