lifestyle
Best Restaurants in Riyadh — Top Picks for Every Occasion
Riyadh's restaurant scene has exploded over the past few years — from high-end rooftop dining in the diplomatic quarter to hole-in-the-wall shawarma spots that locals swear by. The city now has world-class options across every cuisine, price point, and occasion. This guide covers the best restaurants in Riyadh for expats, residents, and visitors.
Highlights
- ★Riyadh's dining scene has transformed dramatically since 2017 — entertainment venues, rooftop bars (non-alcoholic), and international restaurant chains have all arrived.
- ★Saudi and Levantine cuisine (Lebanese, Jordanian) remain the most popular and offer the best value — meze, grills, and fresh bread.
- ★The Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), Al Olaya, and Diriyah are the main dining hubs for mid-range to high-end restaurants.
- ★Family sections are standard in most restaurants — there is no need to ask, but solo diners and all-male groups sit in the singles/bachelors section.
- ★Tipping is not mandatory but 10–15% is appreciated — service charges are sometimes added automatically.
- ★Reservations are essential for popular spots on weekends (Thursday and Friday evenings) — use the restaurant's app, Instagram DM, or call ahead.
Who Is This For?
Expats, residents, and visitors in Riyadh looking for restaurant recommendations across different cuisines, budgets, and occasions.
Directory
Iconic Saudi traditional restaurant. Authentic Najdi cuisine — lamb dishes, jareesh, saleeg rice, dates, and qahwa. A must-visit for experiencing traditional Saudi food. Located in Al Safarat area.
📍 View on Google MapsArmenian-Lebanese fine dining. Consistently rated among Riyadh's best restaurants. Excellent mezze, grills, and Armenian specialties. Located in the Diplomatic Quarter. Book well in advance.
📍 View on Google MapsLong-established Italian restaurant, very popular with the expat community. Good pasta, pizza, and Italian classics in a comfortable setting. Al Olaya area.
📍 View on Google MapsModern Saudi cuisine with a contemporary twist. Beautiful setting in Diriyah. Showcases traditional Saudi ingredients in modern presentations. One of Riyadh's most visually impressive restaurants.
📍 View on Google MapsInternational buffet and à la carte restaurant at the InterContinental. Long popular with business travellers and families. Good for a wide variety of cuisines in one visit.
📍 View on Google MapsThe legendary Japanese-Peruvian fusion brand. Located at Four Seasons Riyadh. High-end and pricey but an excellent special-occasion restaurant.
📍 View on Google MapsPopular Italian casual dining chain in Riyadh. Good for families and groups. Solid pizza and pasta at mid-range prices. Multiple locations across Riyadh.
📍 View on Google MapsThe most famous shawarma spot in Riyadh. Long queues at peak times — worth the wait. A local institution. Cheap, fast, and delicious.
📍 View on Google MapsPractical Tips
- 💡For authentic Saudi food, go to Najd Village or Bait Al Mandi — these offer experiences you will not find outside the Kingdom.
- 💡Riyadh's best dining neighbourhoods: Diplomatic Quarter for upscale, Al Olaya for variety, Diriyah for experience dining, and Tahlia Street for casual.
- 💡Most high-end Riyadh restaurants are open until midnight or later — dinner before 9pm is considered early.
- 💡During Ramadan, restaurants only open after Iftar (sunset) and are busiest in the late evening. The atmosphere is festive and unique.
- 💡Google Maps and Zomato both have good coverage of Riyadh restaurants — check recent reviews as quality can shift.
- 💡Many popular restaurants in Riyadh are in malls — Kingdom Centre, Riyadh Park, and Panorama Mall all have strong dining floors.
- 💡For a budget meal, look for Pakistani, Indian, or Egyptian restaurants in Al Bat'ha and older parts of Riyadh — excellent food at very low prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there alcohol-free alternatives in Riyadh restaurants?
All restaurants in Saudi Arabia are alcohol-free. Instead, mocktails, fresh juices, Saudi coffee (qahwa), mint lemonade, and a wide range of soft drinks are served. The non-alcoholic drinks culture in Saudi Arabia is actually very developed — many high-end bars and restaurants serve creative mocktails.
Is there a dress code for restaurants in Riyadh?
Smart casual is appropriate for most mid-range and upscale restaurants. Fine dining venues may expect more formal attire. There is no requirement to dress conservatively in restaurants, but modest dress is respectful — especially in more traditional venues.
Do I need to book in advance?
For popular restaurants on Thursday and Friday evenings (the Saudi weekend), booking at least a few days in advance is strongly recommended. Many top restaurants in Riyadh are fully booked days ahead on weekends. Instagram DMs and phone calls are the main booking methods — some have apps.
What is the average cost of a meal in Riyadh?
Budget (shawarma, Indian, Pakistani): SAR 10–30 per person. Mid-range (casual restaurants, Lebanese): SAR 60–150 per person. Fine dining: SAR 200–500+ per person. Prices include food and drinks but not tips.