lifestyle
Best Cafes & Coffee Shops in Riyadh — A Guide for Expats and Visitors
Riyadh has developed one of the most vibrant cafe cultures in the Middle East over the past few years. From specialty third-wave coffee roasters to traditional Saudi qahwa houses, the city has an extraordinary variety of coffee experiences. Whether you are looking for a workspace cafe, a date spot, or just a great cup of coffee, this guide covers the best cafes in Riyadh.
Highlights
- ★Riyadh's cafe scene has exploded since 2019 — the city now has hundreds of specialty coffee shops, many locally owned with world-class baristas.
- ★Saudi coffee (qahwa) is a traditional cardamom-infused green coffee served with dates — a cultural experience worth trying at a traditional qahwa house.
- ★Most Riyadh cafes are open until midnight or later — coffee culture here is firmly an evening activity as well as a morning one.
- ★Many cafes in Riyadh offer remote working-friendly environments — fast wifi, power sockets, and a quiet atmosphere are common.
- ★Al Olaya, Hittin, and the Diplomatic Quarter are the main cafe hubs in Riyadh.
- ★Specialty coffee beans from Saudi Arabia's own Jazan region are increasingly featured — Saudi micro-lot coffee is genuinely excellent.
Who Is This For?
Expats, residents, and visitors in Riyadh looking for great cafes — for coffee, remote working, casual meetings, or simply exploring the city's cafe scene.
Directory
One of Riyadh's most beloved specialty coffee chains — Saudi-owned, serious about coffee quality. Multiple locations. Known for excellent espresso and a welcoming atmosphere. Good for remote work.
📍 View on Google MapsMinimalist specialty coffee shop with a strong focus on single-origin beans and precise brewing. A favourite among Riyadh's coffee connoisseurs. Excellent pour-overs and espresso.
📍 View on Google MapsBeautifully designed specialty coffee shop. Great ambiance for meetings or quiet work. Known for creative seasonal drinks alongside excellent espresso.
📍 View on Google MapsTraditional Saudi qahwa experience. Serves Arabic coffee (qahwa) and dates in a traditional setting. A genuine cultural experience. Also serves modern coffee alongside traditional drinks.
📍 View on Google MapsJapanese specialty coffee brand with a Riyadh location. Famous for their See The World through Coffee philosophy. Excellent latte and single-origin options. Minimalist design.
📍 View on Google MapsFor those who want a familiar international brand — Starbucks has extensive coverage in Riyadh including Reserve locations with higher-end specialty drinks. Reliable wifi and seating.
📍 View on Google MapsUS-origin chain with a strong Saudi presence. Comfortable seating, good food menu alongside coffee. Popular with families and for casual meetings.
📍 View on Google MapsPractical Tips
- 💡The Riyadh cafe scene is at its best in the evening — cafes fill up from 8pm onwards and many run until 1–2am.
- 💡For remote working, arrive before 6pm on weekdays to get a good seat — evenings become social rather than work-focused.
- 💡Try qahwa (Arabic coffee with cardamom) and fresh dates at least once — it is the traditional Saudi welcome drink and a genuine cultural experience.
- 💡Specialty coffee in Riyadh is genuinely world-class — many Saudi baristas compete at international competitions. Do not overlook local independent cafes.
- 💡Most Riyadh cafes have strong wifi — ask for the password at the counter. Bring your own USB-C charger as not all cafes have ample power sockets.
- 💡Cafe prices: specialty coffee SAR 18–35 per cup. Traditional qahwa SAR 8–15. Cold brew and seasonal drinks SAR 22–45.
- 💡During Ramadan, cafes only open after Iftar (sunset) but stay open very late — the atmosphere is especially lively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is coffee culture popular in Saudi Arabia?
Extremely. Saudi Arabia is one of the largest coffee markets in the Middle East. The country has a deep historical connection to coffee — Yemen and the Asir region were among the earliest coffee-producing areas globally. Today, Riyadh and Jeddah have some of the most vibrant specialty coffee scenes in the region.
What is Saudi qahwa?
Qahwa is traditional Arabic coffee made from lightly roasted green coffee beans brewed with cardamom and sometimes saffron or cloves. It is pale yellow-green in colour, served in small cups without handles (finjan), and accompanied by dates. It has a unique flavour very different from espresso-based coffee. It is a symbol of hospitality in Saudi culture.
Can I work remotely from a cafe in Riyadh?
Yes — many Riyadh cafes are work-friendly, especially during morning and early afternoon hours. Brew 92, Sirocco, and most specialty coffee shops have wifi and seating suitable for laptops. Arrive before the evening social crowd for the best environment.
What are the best cafe neighbourhoods in Riyadh?
Al Olaya and Hittin are the main cafe hubs with the highest concentration of specialty coffee shops. The Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) has quieter, more upscale cafe options. Diriyah's Bujairi Terrace also has excellent cafes in a beautiful heritage setting.