This will naturally be an evolving post in progress and I also hope will receive many contributions through comments of readers adding their own favorites. To begin with there is certainly no shortage of places to eat in Riyadh. All cuisines can be found and there are eateries for all budgets!
The five star hotels in Riyadh will all have excellent restaurants. Among my favorites include “The Globe” located at Al-Fasiliyah Hotel. I actually wrote an earlier post about one of my dining experiences at The Globe so I will not repeat myself other than to endorse it as a great restaurant. Al Fasiliyah hotel has several other restaurants that are worth going to as well. While I cannot recall the exact name there is a Brazilian restaurant located within the hotel which is a must-visit for hearty meat eaters. Here one will be served both traditional and non-traditional cuts of meat until they cannot take another bite. Additionally the restaurant 11-A is a good place too. 11-A, just as its name implies, is located on the 11th floor of the Al Fasiliyah building. It features a buffet which serves international and traditional food. It also has a birds eye view overlooking Riyadh. It should be noted that these restaurants are western-oriented meaning that there is no segregation nor separate family section.
Not that far away from Al Fasiliyah is Al Memlika or Kingdom Building. Like Al Fasiliyah, Al Memlika also features an excellent restaurant on its topmost floor with a birds eye view in Spazios. Spazios specializes in Italian cuisine but has other international selections on its menu too. Spazios is also western-oriented with no segregation.
Since I am still describing places at the popular hotels and around Olaya Street, I’d also like to recommend the restaurants at Al Khozama hotel. Al Khozama when the weather cooperates will hold an outdoor barbeque that is very appealing. Then across from the hotel and in the building where the Khozama apartments are located are more selections. For those familiar this is the building which on the ground floor has an SBC and Starbucks. On the first floor immediately across from the elevator is a lovely Italian restaurant. I must apologize that the name escapes me but it is the only Italian restaurant. It is known for its excellent seafood salad bar. This restaurant does have separate singles (men) section and a separate family section. However once inside the family section it is like entering into a small western-oriented restaurant with no segregation. Screens may be placed around a table if one desires the added privacy.
Other popular places to eat in Riyadh include: Applebee’s, TGI Fridays, Chilis, Tony Roma’s. These are well-known American establishments located along Olaya Street, Tahlia Street or in the case of TGI Fridays, on Takhusseessee. Due to their popularity be prepared to wait. These restaurants do have separate singles (men) and family sections. The family sections can either be open or have screens arranged for privacy.
Tahlia street offers a wide selection of excellent restaurants and is known to be “the street” when trying to decide where to dine out in Riyadh. Pizza Amore is popular as is La Campagne, which are both Italian restaurants. At the end of Tahlia street is a “Taj Mahal style” building hosting an excellent Indian restaurant. For the Italian restaurants, segregation is practiced with separate men (singles) and family sections. The Indian restaurant also of course has separate areas for men or families too but what I also liked about the Indian restaurant is that when dining there as a family, one can dine in an area that is like your own semi-private room. I say semi-private because you are the only diners in the area but the “room” itself has screens which one can see through clearly but others cannot see in. It is difficult to describe other than it is unique and you do not feel “boxed in” in the least.
For those who enjoy Mexican cuisine, my favorite is Tex-Mex located one block away from Tahlia Street. Tex-Mex offers authentic Tex-Mex cuisine in an enjoyable atmosphere. Yes, singles and families are separated but again, the family section is comprised of individual private rooms. These rooms have diners seated at a spacious table and some rooms also have windows. The rooms are nicely decorated and music is piped in too. And it goes without saying the food is superb.
If you are in the mood for fast food such as a burger, forget the Burger Kings, McDonald’s and Hardees. Go to the nearest Penguins. The burgers at Penguins are made fresh while you wait and well worth waiting for too. I’ve actually never eaten in at a Penguins so I cannot comment on what they are like inside. We usually make our order to go and enjoy at home.
There are many many excellent Lebanese restaurants in Riyadh. Among my favorites is Al Boselrei located on King Abdullah road. I like it not only for the tasty cuisine and wide variety of fresh fruit drinks but also for a comfortable and cozy family dining section. I guess it is becoming pretty obvious by now that I avoid dining at restaurants where I am stuck in some cubicle and shielded by curtains. I find the ambience equally important towards enjoying a meal.
Other hotels which deserve a mention for their fine restaurants include the Marriott, Intercontinental and Sheraton. These places offer special brunches and excellent dinners in a western-oriented environment.
When I eat at a restaurant where my spouse and I are in our own private eating area I will readily remove the abaya while we enjoy our meal. Many of the restaurants in the five-star hotels will also allow a woman to remove her abaya when eating if asked.
At most Saudi restaurants the tip is included in the check. However if one is pleased with the service received, it is typical to leave an additional 10 – 12 per cent which is specifically for the waiter.
Of course there are many many more fine restaurants in Riyadh but hopefully this is a start to whet your appetite!
Filed under: Entertainment, Food, Saudi Arabia, Saudi culture, Saudi customs, travel
We have the Ta Mahah type Indian restaurant here in the EP. The private rooms you desrcibe are similar to those in japanese restaurants -sah?
Now I may have to make dua for a Tex Mex to open in the EP!
“Pizza Amore is popular as is La Campagne, which are both Italian restaurants. At the end of Tahlia street is a “Taj Mahal style” building hosting an excellent Indian restaurant. For the Italian restaurants, segregation is practiced with separate men (singles) and family sections.”
American Bedu – I have found that newly opened DUO (which is a Lebanese franchise located on the northers circular road, between king abdulaziz and abubakr) offer better Italian food than Amore, with much more reasonable prices. the family section is also very wonderful with high sealing and Italian country style decoration. They will also open up a cigar bar there. too bad the singles/men section is located in a closed off low sealing area.
i especially loved the salmon pizza with rocket leaves. i also liked the french onion soup, as well as the spinach ravioli. I also heard that the carbonate pasta is not bad at all.
any good sushi places around that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg ( i didn’t like shogun, its not that great of sushi ) I also would like a place where they make good Udon… I miss Udon
Umm Adam – Tex Mex in my view is very authentic and would be well worth the trip!
Abdullah Hamed – I know where DUO is but have not been there yet and appreciate your review. Speaking of cigar bars, there is a level at Al Fasiliyah above the Globe restaurant which is indeed a cigar bar for those who enjoy this venue and it is not segregated.
What is Udon???? I would also like to know of a good sushi place and both Japenese and Thai restaurants.
I am hoping that this post will in turn generate more reviews via comments and not only for Riyadh.
udon is a thick noodle that is added to a soup base with carrots chives and fish cakes. its a japanese dish.
and about mexican places. i really dislike them all in riyadh, maybe because i was spoiled with really good mexican food in the states. and i dont know about you, but i wouldnt consider Tex Mex very authentic.
TGI Friday in Riyadh must be changed to TGI Wednesday..lol.
Voice from a foreigner : I prefer traditional cuisines when I am staying in a region. As int’l restaurant like Tony Roma’s, Tex-Mex, Applebee, etc are easily found around the world.
Like I prefer Abou Shakra than Aroma Cafe in Jeddah.
Of course resident’s voice might be different.
Crispy, I’m with you. I like the local cuisine when ordering but when i eat out I like a little taste of home and prefer the International Restaurants. i’ll admit I always feel cheated afterwards, like it wasn’t worth it.
i like Lebanese cuisine a lot. I would like to recommend the stuffed lamb, and the sour sausages at burj al-hamam.
UA-Are you going to admit that to The Hub!? My husband laughed at (or about?) you two going on your mission for donuts-I believe he even used the A-word (Americans). That was you, eh?
Burj Al Hamam is also excellent and thanks for mentioning it Abdullah Hamed!
Ironically the one I do miss which is not here from the States is “Crackle Barrel.” I know…not what one would expect to hear about I’m sure…
Abdullah Hamed, I’ll have to find it but I have a recipe where I make my own thick noodles, especially as a base for different soups. It’s pretty easy to make and very tasty.
you’re such a blog whore
Brooke, I was pregnant when Krispy Kreme opened, i just did not mention it on my blog…it was the craving! Not to mention dh’s idea of eating out is 3 riyal sharwamas. Now that inflation has hit, he doesn’t even order that any more. Sometimes I just want to get out (surprise suprise). I went to Tony Roma’s recently and spent waay too much faloos and a lot of the food went to waste (that big nasty Onion Ring Loaf!).
how could this post be complete without mentioning the ‘Chilies’? Texas Fries.. o lalalaa.. & being a Desi, I can help you in some Desi places to eat in Riyadh
i just really dislike “TGI Chillibees” all those same style places really annoy me. i guess its political and a symbol of consumerism. always mediocre and the food quantity is just gigantic, i always feel guilty eating there, because i always feel like i am eating some poor childs food and i am jsut being a glutton
I’m not a big fan of Chilies but I do like the Applebees even if it is a chain.
Okay Darvish…tell us more! I’d like everyone to share about there favorite places to eat in Saudi too!
Do we really have Ruby Tuesdays here in Riyadh? I know that it opened recently in Jeddah but I can’t remember seeing here in Riyadh.. kindly enlighten me
On eother thing to look for is the opening of Johnny Rockets in Tahlia Street which would open in 2-3 months from now.. It has the best fast-food burgers..
Could you elaborate on when and how much one is expected to tip in Saudi Arabia? How about hairdressers and cab drivers?
Insh’Allah when I get to Saudia I can hardly wait for the food! There’s no way I’m even thinking about eating American fastfood. However, my husband, who has had American fastfood here in America, in Africa, and in Saudia has said its better in Africa and Saudia. He says its because its Halal? Perhaps you can comment Carol? I believe I’ve said before that I haven’t had a Middle Eastern dish that I haven’t liked!!! ; )
Abday – thanks for the catch…I meant Chilis vice Applebees and corrected the post to reflect this!
Irish – tipping in KSA can be confusing! Most of the sit down restaurants will include the service charge and then it is up to you if you feel the service was superior to tip additionally. If so, people may do so by 10 to 20 per cent depending on service and ones experience. Hairdressers are usually tipped 10 – 15 per cent. I’ve never tipped a cab or limo driver though. Has anyone else?
Tina – I’ve never been a big fast food fan so I can’t comment on where it is better or if it seems better in Saudi. I will say though that the food in KSA is indeed delicious!
“At the end of Tahlia street is a “Taj Mahal style” building hosting an excellent Indian restaurant.”
This is, in my opinion, the best Indian restaurant in Riyadh. The best thing about it is that you do not feel soooooooooo stuffed when you eat their males. I guess they use relatively less, nevertheless good, spices. And ohh.. the restaurant’s called Copper Chandni. Google it to check their website and see its branches else where in the kingdom.
Regarding Mexican cuisine, I am a big fan of Mexican food, and so I want to tell you all that InterContinental Hotel’s restaurant is currently hosting one of the best Mexican chef cooks. He’ll be there till November 28. I won’t miss it. I’ll try to go there on Monday!
“Among my favorites is Al Boselrei located on King Abdullah road.” Did you mean Al-Bohsali?? Al-Bohsali does have a good Lebanese food.
One other good restaurant I like is cento per cento. It’s an Italian restaurant with good food. I like their steaks. Google says cento per cento is some brand of wines! Wine in the kingdom?? NO WAY! So I guess google was talking about another cento per cento!
Mentioning steaks, I can’t forget what is going to open very soon in Tahlia street… Outback Steakhouse, one of my favorite places to eat when I was in the states.
There are so many other good places, and there are some bad ones too.
Carol,
I totally agree with you, fastfood makes my stomach turn!!! Actually most American restaurants do. Fastfood or even upscale restaurants. Probably because I worked at a few, many moons ago, and I know whats really going on!!! ; )
I love Nafoura for sea food, otherwise Chilis is a pretty big favourite.
In Jeddah I liked Cafe Roma.
And Carol – I’ve gotta say, I love Cracker Barrel too – though all I’ve ever eaten there is the fish & the desserts.
I forgot all about Casper & Gambinis – Jeddah.
That 15% service charge does NOT go to your wait staff. I went through this whole thing in chillis. For chain places like Chillis, TGI ect your paying 15% service to have their chain name. Nice huh?
Other resteraunts decided to do the same, but again it doesn’t go to the wait staff it goes to the resteraunt costs. So if you want to tip and it isn’t customary for Saudis to tip btw than 10-15% is good. I usually tip because we go to the same places all the time (bedouins I know) and that means I can bang on a door be noticed and be let in during prayer time. I will never wait to be seated and I usually get the same waiters who know what I like (I’m picky about food sitting at the window)
Tipping salon workers isn’t customary either, unless they are used to westerners. We tend to tip, saudis for the most part do not. yea I’ll tip a taxi driver if they are good and don’t try to rip me off. Not much but a few riyals. Mr Man has the habit of giving some extra riyals to the gas station attendants as well which makes sense I wouldn’t stand in a hundred + degree weather to fill someones tank.
I guess on the issue of tipping in Saudi one should mention tipping certain workers if you live on a compound. A friend of mine is figuring out that tipping the gardner brings her a great looking yard
And eid time is the most customary time to give extra money to your household staff as well as regular service providers (barbers, gardners, laundry guy, ect)
I guess the post title is ‘Favorite Places to Eat in Riyadh’ – not in Jeddah – no point-outs intended
Nader – I love your freudian slip…I know you were actually referring to eating meals rather than males! (still LOL)
And thank you for the name corrections! That is also great to hear that an Outback is coming. I also enjoyed them in the States and loved their “Blooming Onion” appetizer. Steak houses seem to be in demand in KSA. I wonder if we will ever get a Morton’s Steakhouse here?
Riyadh Mom – yes, Nafoura and Abu Hamza are very good for sea food.
Nzingha – thanks for all the useful info in regards to tipping. And when I do tip at a restaurant or at a salon, I make sure to give it directly to the individual.
GRRRRRRRR@Carol
:):)
I saw it after I posted it and thought I shouldnt correct it, hoping that no one would pay attention to it!
But……. LOL!
And, for the record, I wouldnt call it a “freudian slip”!
could not resist!!
No one mentioned Chinese food here
, so I thought to share one of the good Chinese dining places in Riyadh 
Mirage on Al-Takhasosi st is a good one. I don’t like Steak House , they don’t in my opinion make good filet mignon, and all their steak, for me, is tasteless 
. Is Jeddah getting Outback too? I don’t think we have good steaks in KSA . Outback should be the one that might rise the stand of steak here 
.
Carol, Nanaanaaanaa
I was in Morton’s Steak last week, besides their superb steak I had their mouthwatering soufflé; it was yum yum 
Would you like some soufflé? 
Choco,lemon or strawberry soufflé? Plz let me know ASAP so I’ll fax it to you 
One of my favo is Cheese Cake Factory. We have in KSA unfortunately only the cheese cake part and not the restaurant
Biseaha wi al 3afya to all
Khalid – I like Chinese food very much but my husband does not so I’ve not been able to explore Chinese restaurants in Riyadh. Thanks for the recommendation.
Oh yes, the Morton’s special souffle are incredible!
If you like Cheese Cake Factory, check out Stage Deli in New York City…and they will deliver anywhere in the USA and Canada…and trust me…it is worth it!!
they only deliver to the US.I like cheese cake yummy yummy, one of the best cheese cake I tried was in Jeddah , in a place called “Ganash ” in “Al-Rawda” district. You should always try their dates cake
You made me hungry …
oops, always =also
[...] The other day I mentioned that I intend to write about my favorite Desi places to eat in Riyadh in American Bedu’s Post, so here you go. There are many desi restaurants almost everywhere in Riyadh – but I would [...]
There you go – http://saudia.wordpress.com/2008/11/23/riyadh-desi-restaurants-semi-desi-restaurants/
I’ve mentioned a few – which are always there on my daily choice while thinking about dinner.
Thank you both Khalid and Darvesh!!
Darvesh,
I only just realized you are in KSA! I’ve added your blog to my blogroll. What part of Pakistan are you from? That’s a country near and dear to me.
Hi Bedu,
your posting took me back to Riyadh. I could smell the food in the restaurants, the bbq at Al Khozama… I am missing Riyadh so much. Can you believe it?
Speaking of Thai, there is a small Thai Philippino Restaurant on the Road where the Eye Hospital is, (I forget the name of the Street) It is called Villa. Most customers are Thai & Philippinos. It’s no five star Restaurant. Melamine plates and it looks a bit down.. BUT the food is amazing, delicious, to die for…
Haven’t found something similiar to that here in the EP.
Thanks for the tip Turkishmom and also glad your post brought back some enjoyable memories!
I do not know the street name off the top of my head either but I do indeed know where the Eye Hospital is.
I’ll ask hubby.. I am sure he will remembe the name of the Road and can give a roughly idea where to find.
Because only the Roada where the Eye Hospital is, doesn’t really help
Great – thanks.
That would be Arouba Street – the name of the restaurant is The Villa.
If you’re going down the street towards the King Khalid Specialist Eye Hospital, the restaurant would be on the right, before the bridge. It’s right next to Chompoo Super store (or something like that!)
And yes – the food there is amazing. We eat there at least a couple of times a month.
Okay Riyadh Mom, when you come back from your Hajj holiday we must plan an outing there!
You’re on
Good food in Riyadh? I’m afraid I would rule out most of the places you mention immediately – Tony Roma’s produce tasteless schlock, TGIs produce industrial quantities of tasteless muck, Steak-house dish up the worst steak you will have the misfortune to come across. I don’t think I’ve ever had a decent meal anywhere on Tahlia.
Stick to the Turkish & Lebanese places – for half the price of those over-hyped, over-priced, over-rated holes, you will get a decent chicken or lamb Shawarma or Kebab with tasty side dishes of humous etc and decent bread. Assaraya, off Olaya is just one of many such fine establishments. If you want something yet cheaper and even quicker, Mama Nouras is good too (located all over town). Burj-al-Hamam is more up-market Lebanese, very good if a little more pricey.
The Globe in Faisaliah is OK, over-expensive but tasty enough, the setting is nice of course. The Kingdom tower restaurants did not impress me but were passable, the four seasons is stupidly expensive. The sushi in the Radisson-SAS on Abdul Aziz is pretty good but again very expensive. The Marriot serves up the usual slop as does the Sheraton.
The Riyadh Chinese Restaurant in Suleimania serves up tasty Chinese food (to Chinese people – always a good sign).
Generally speaking, food in Riyadh is not great, don’t expect much, stay away from the westernised places they are usually rubbish, try out the smaller local places and you’ll usually do OK (or at least you won’t pay much for the privilege).
JJ.
JJ – welcome and thanks for providing your point of view and recommendations. I’m sorry to hear that your experiences along Tahlia street have been less than favorable.
That shouldn’t be difficult for you to guess
I am from the food & fun loving city ‘Lahore’.
That does not come as a surprise!
Any special attachements with Lahore or Pk?
Cooper chandni has very tasty Indian food.
Carol, could you please tell me where I could get a nice gift for some friend who just moved to a new house? I was in Zarahome yesterday but nothing stood out for me? Any suggestions of places I could fine a nice gift?
Davesh – yes indeed. I lived in Pakistan two different times (both in Islamabad) first time was 1998 – 2001 and second time was 2005 – 2006. And of course Lahore was the only place to go when celebrating Basant!
Springrose – if you wish to get something a little bit different, try Traditionals. Traditionals are located in various spots throughout Riyadh but my favorite is the one located north on Takhusseessee after one has crossed King Abdullah Road.
then you might have gone to The Cuckoo’s Den – just beside the Grand Mosque & near Red Light Area?
Darvesh – no….I do not believe I did.
Many many thanks dear Carol. You’re so sweet!
I forgot to mention that our friends are Half Saudis. So I’m afraid it won’t be the best option. What do you think?
Of course Debenhams or Marks & Spencers have nice gift sections too. What kind of gift do you have in mind?
Reuters has picked up this post:
http://www.reuters.com/article/blogBurst/investing?bbPostId=B6kcqoGH9Pf8Bzn7nRZ5sNNoB8lBUWaRbhjlCzAJ8mAseM6WC
[...] Saudi Arabia, it abounds with restaurants and bakeries as well. Since I did an earlier post http://americanbedu.com/2008/11/22/favorite-places-to-eat-in-riyadh-saudi-arabia/ on places to eat in Riyadh, in fairness I needed to write this post sharing information about [...]
It may not be quite the same as Gourmet Magazine, but Reuters chose to pick up this post:
http://www.reuters.com/article/blogBurst/investing?bbPostId=B6kcqoGH9Pf8Bzn7nRZ5sNNoB8lBUWaRbhjlCzAJ8mAseM6WC
I did not see a mention for my favorite restaurant in all of Riyadh; Quattro!. Whenever my wife and I want a guaranteed great meal, this is the spot we hit. I have never been disappointed there and I have been there at least a half a dozen times.
I have tried almost all of the restaurants (chains and fancy places) and I do believe that with food, you get what you pay for and shouldn’t really expect more. I take my kids to the Steakhouse / Chillis / TGIF places. The food is hot, fairly quick and not a lot of money. I have not tried the Taj Mahal, but now you gave it a great review and so has my boss, so it’s now up on my list to take the old ball and chain.
I do have to say that I am very excited about Outback coming to town. I always felt is was a few notches up from “TGIF Chillibees”, and the cheesy fries are just the most awesome bowl of artery hardening cholesterol you will ever find on this plant. Its a place I can only go to twice a year.
The only thing I have not enjoyed here in Riyadh, is the Pizza. The chains are just too oily. I always feel queasy after eating at Pizza Hut. My biggest problem is the texture, the dough is either to dry or hard or chewy. What we need is “RAY’s” or Pizzeria Uno done correctly. I do have to say that the Sbarro’s in Granada Center is the closest to good pizza, but even that pales to any airport in the US.
Now I’m hungry! I wonder if Outback is open yet? I think I’ll head out there tonight with the kids, just in case.
Welcome to my blog Hassan. Yes; do take your wife and children with you to Taj Mahal – it is a great experience!
I don’t know if the Outback is open yet either but it will indeed be a welcome addition. I’ll look forward to the “Bloomin’ Onion’ appetizer!
In regards to pizza, I like Papa Johns. And yes, Sbarro is pretty good too.
bon appetite!
I hope this isn’t way too late to be in this but:
On Tahliya street theres a casual dining restaurant called Living Colors which is very chic and has some great burgers,paninis and salads. They have some pizza too but I’ve never tried it.
Always choose the living colors burger.
Also, a great Lebanese restaurant on Tahliya is “Al-Saj Al Lubnani” which has some great shawaremas.
Also, I am deeply sad that you didn’t include Al-Baik on your list. Even though it’s not in Riyadh
Thank you Mohamed for the recommendations.
Actually I love the song that has been written about Al-Baik!!
Thanks for this post and all the comments and reviews. I’ve been here in Riyadh for almost eight years now, and you bet I thought I already know all the good places to go and eat out with my family. I’ve tried most of the restaurants mentioned here and i could not agree more with what you guys said. If I may just add, I also tried the Korean Palace in King Fahad Road. It serves very good Asian cuisine- Japanese, Chinese and of course, Korean- The food tastes really wonderful and the Korean taste is, well, almost, authentic. Also, I tried great food with great ambiance in Mirage Restaurant in Takkassussi/Oruba Road- opposite Steakhouse, and a block away from TGIF (my all time favorite TGIF!!!).
More power to your site and more blogs to come, American bedu!
Happy eating, everyone!
Thank you Medylene and Welcome!
I also noticed a Rockets Diner is under construction and almost complete!
Some of you mentioned the Villa restaurant. I agree its the best thai restaurant you can find in Riyadh. of coz, nothing beats thai food in south east asia. THis comes close.
The best Chinese food is in Riyadh chinese. I love chinese food and have scouted for good restaurants only to end up at Riyadh chinese.
Besides Copper Chandni (taj mahal looking building), in Thaliya st, you also have Indian summer. The family section is an open concept with no partitions on the 2nd level and food is pretty authentic.
I am however looking for places to go for good ice cream desserts. Any recommendations?
@Sheela – welcome and thanks for adding some more suggestions which all sound delicious!
I still like Baskins and Robbins for ice cream desserts! They are simple and satisfying.
The place for ribs in Riyadh is definitely Tony Romas, very delicious.
Mama Noura serves shawerma and fresh fruit juice, also a not-to-miss restaruant…
cento per cento
the best Italian restaurant i have ever tried.
this is the best restaurant on the city.
cento per cento
Thanks Scorpion for the recommendation. Where is its location?