Riyadh has transformed into one of the Middle East’s most exciting dining cities. The Saudi capital now hosts branches of London Michelin-starred restaurants alongside Najdi grandmothers serving kabsa on floor cushions — and in February 2026, the inaugural Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia recognised 26 Riyadh restaurants in its first-ever selection. Whether you’re planning a broader trip across Saudi Arabia or spending a few days in the capital, this guide covers every price point, cuisine, and neighbourhood worth eating in.
Best Time to Visit: October–March (cooler weather, outdoor terrace dining)
Getting There: King Khalid International Airport (RUH), 35 km north of city centre
Visa Required: Yes — tourist e-visa available online
Budget: SAR 30–800+ per person ($8–$215+) depending on venue
Must-Try: Kabsa at Najd Village, omakase at Zuma KAFD, brunch at Bujairi Terrace
Avoid: Arriving without a reservation at fine dining venues on Thursday evenings
Fine Dining — Riyadh’s Top Tables
The city’s fine dining scene has exploded since 2023, driven by international imports and ambitious Saudi-born concepts. Expect to spend SAR 400–800+ per person at these venues, and always book ahead — Thursday and Friday evenings fill up fast. If you’re staying nearby, our guide to the best hotels in Riyadh covers properties within walking distance of the top dining districts.
Zuma — KAFD
Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese | Price: SAR 500–800+ pp
Winner of FACT Dining Awards Restaurant of the Year 2025, Zuma brought its signature izakaya-style robata grill and sushi counter to the King Abdullah Financial District. The miso-marinated black cod is the signature, but the weekend brunch — with free-flowing juices and sharing plates — has become a Riyadh institution. Book at least a week ahead for Friday dinner.
Gymkhana — Via Riyadh
Cuisine: Indian fine dining | Price: SAR 400–700 pp
The London Michelin-starred original needs no introduction. Riyadh’s outpost at Via Riyadh delivers the same Chettinad Duck Dosa, Wild Muntjac Biryani, and Kid Goat Methi Keema that earned the Mayfair original its star. The cocktail-free bar programme (Saudi Arabia serves no alcohol) is surprisingly creative — ask for the cardamom and saffron mocktail.
Julien — Four Seasons Hotel
Cuisine: French tasting menu | Price: SAR 800+ pp
Just ten seats around a single chef’s table, presided over by Thierry Motsch. The multi-course tasting menu changes weekly. This is the hardest reservation in Riyadh — book the moment your travel dates are confirmed.
Benoit — KAFD
Cuisine: French bistro | Price: SAR 350–600 pp
Alain Ducasse’s Parisian bistro concept opened in KAFD in 2025 and was immediately included in the inaugural Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia. Classic terrines, duck confit, and tarte Tatin in a space that feels airlifted from the 2nd arrondissement. One of only two KAFD restaurants in the Michelin Guide (the other is Il Baretto).
Scott’s — Via Riyadh
Cuisine: British seafood | Price: SAR 500–800 pp
The legendary Mayfair seafood restaurant brought its oyster bar, Dover sole, and caviar service to Riyadh’s Via lifestyle destination. The shellfish plateau for two is the centrepiece order.
Nomas — Marriott Diplomatic Quarter
Cuisine: Saudi fusion fine dining | Price: SAR 350–550 pp
One of the most interesting concepts in the city — Najdi-inspired decor frames dishes like camel hashi steak glazed with Saudi coffee and Red Sea sayadiyah. This is fine dining that could only exist in Riyadh.
Other Notable Fine Dining
- Mamo — French-Mediterranean (Antibes import), famous for truffle pizza and veal Milanese
- Azzurro (Ritz-Carlton) — Sardinian-led Italian; the balsamic pappardelle with lamb jus is the signature
- Pampas (Assila Hotel, 17th floor) — Latin American steakhouse with panoramic city views
- Chotto Matte (KAFD) — High-energy Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) with robata grill and graffiti-art interiors
- 26 restaurants in Riyadh received “Selected” status
- Bib Gourmand (exceptional value): Tameesa, KAYZO, Mirzam
- Michelin Guide Selected: Em Sherif Cafe, Fi Glbak, Benoit, Il Baretto, and others
- Saudi Arabia Travel Guide 2026 — The complete guide to visiting the Kingdom
- Best Hotels in Riyadh — Top picks for every budget, from airport hotels to five-star luxury
- Riyadh Airport Hotels — Where to stay near King Khalid International Airport
- Serviced Apartments in Riyadh — Long-stay and self-catering options in the capital
- Budget Travel in Saudi Arabia — How to explore the Kingdom without breaking the bank
- First Time in Saudi Arabia — Everything you need to know before your first visit
- Saudi Arabia Visa Guide — Every visa type explained
- Saudi Arabia Business Travel Guide — Etiquette, logistics, and dining for business travellers
Traditional Saudi and Arabic Restaurants
No visit to Riyadh is complete without eating the food the city was built on. These restaurants range from floor-cushion heritage houses to modern reinterpretations of Najdi cuisine — several now carry Michelin recognition.
Najd Village
Cuisine: Najdi traditional | Price: SAR 100–200 pp
The oldest and most beloved Najdi restaurant in Riyadh. You sit on Arabic carpets in a reconstructed mud-brick courtyard, and the kabsa, lamb margoog (stew with thin bread), and Arabic coffee arrive in enormous communal platters. No pretension, no fusion — just the food that Saudi families have eaten for generations. Come hungry.
Takya
Cuisine: Modern Saudi | Price: SAR 200–400 pp
Heritage dishes reimagined with technique and plating that wouldn’t look out of place in a European capital. The Shrimp Mufafaliq with grilled vegetables earned Takya a spot among the FACT Awards’ top restaurants. This is where to bring someone who thinks Saudi food is “just kabsa.”
Fi Glbak
Cuisine: Saudi regional fusion | Price: SAR 150–250 pp
Chef Hisham Baeshen’s debut restaurant blends flavours from five Saudi regions under a suspended tree trunk hung with kunafa pastry. Michelin Guide Selected in the 2026 inaugural edition. Affordable by Michelin standards and genuinely rooted in Saudi home cooking.
Tameesa
Cuisine: Saudi traditional | Price: Under SAR 150 pp
Winner of a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026, Tameesa delivers excellent traditional cuisine at prices that would embarrass most Michelin-recognised restaurants anywhere in the world. The best value in the Saudi Michelin Guide.
Aseeb
Cuisine: Saudi traditional | Price: SAR 100–200 pp | Location: Al Yasmin
Najdi-style interiors with woven-basket walls and floor seating for families and groups. The menu covers Saudi classics — kabsa, jareesh, mathloothah — in generous family portions.
Where to Eat by Neighbourhood
Riyadh’s dining scene clusters around six distinct districts, each with its own character. If you’re deciding where to stay in Riyadh, choosing a hotel near one of these districts means world-class dining within walking distance.
KAFD — King Abdullah Financial District
Riyadh’s premier modern dining strip. The pedestrian deck connecting the glass towers is lined with restaurants and cafes — Zuma, Benoit, Il Baretto, Chotto Matte, Rowley’s Steak & Frites, Apple Butter Cafe, and tashas all sit within a ten-minute walk of each other. Two KAFD restaurants made the Michelin Guide (Benoit and Il Baretto). This is the closest Riyadh gets to a walkable restaurant district.
Bujairi Terrace — Diriyah
Seventeen world-class restaurants overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, the original seat of the Saudi state. The terrace is 15 minutes from downtown and hosts Angelina Paris, Liza (Beirut’s legendary Lebanese), and Sarabeth’s. If you’re visiting Diriyah’s historic quarter, plan to eat here.
Tip: Bujairi Terrace hours are Saturday–Tuesday 9am–midnight, Wednesday–Friday 9am–1am. Valet parking costs SAR 195; self-park is SAR 30 for 3 hours.
Via Riyadh
A luxury lifestyle destination hosting Gymkhana, Scott’s, and other Michelin-calibre international imports. This is where Riyadh’s most serious diners book tables.
Tahlia Street
Riyadh’s most famous food street, running through the commercial heart of the city. A dense mix of international and local restaurants, known for late-night dining culture. Walk the strip after 10pm on a Thursday to experience Riyadh’s food scene at its most energetic.
Boulevard Riyadh City
The mega-entertainment district — part of the annual Riyadh Season — combines food truck parks, casual dining, and international chains with entertainment venues. Popular with families and younger crowds, especially during the cooler months from October to March.
Al Malaz
The city’s budget-friendly street food heartland. Late-night shawarma joints, traditional eateries, and international casual dining at a fraction of the cost of KAFD or Via Riyadh.
Best Casual and Street Food
Riyadh’s street food is fast, cheap, and genuinely good. For budget travellers in Saudi Arabia, these spots prove you can eat extremely well for under SAR 50 ($13).
Mama Noura
Price: SAR 10–30 pp | Branches: Citywide
A Riyadh institution with multiple locations across the city. Hummus (SAR 17), falafel (SAR 15), and cheese pastries (SAR 10) are the staples. Open late, always busy, and the most reliable cheap meal in the city.
Mareez
Price: SAR 20–40 pp
Cult-following shawarma — the Mashrooh Shawarma and Shawarma Saj Mogamar have devoted fans who’ll argue with anyone that this is the best shawarma in the Gulf.
Sign Burger
Price: SAR 24 for burger, fries, and drink
A full burger meal for SAR 24 ($6.40). Beef or chicken, with fries and a drink included. No frills, no pretence, consistently good.
Dank
Price: SAR 35–55 pp
Brisket sandwich (SAR 42) and Crispy Chicken (SAR 35) are the two orders. Simple menu, executed well.
More Budget Options Under SAR 50
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price (SAR) | Standout Dish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piatto | Italian | Under 50 | Full meal with salad, soup, drink, and gelato |
| Shiro | Asian/Sushi | 28–49 | Sushi rolls and fried shrimp rolls |
| Al Hayat | Pakistani-Indian | 35–45 | Butter Chicken SAR 36, naan SAR 1.30 |
| The H Box | Multi-cuisine | Under 50 | Chicken Masakhan, shawarma |
| Mohalla | Indian street food | 30–60 | Vegetarian and non-veg Indian snacks |
Best by Cuisine
Japanese
Riyadh has one of the strongest Japanese dining scenes in the Gulf. Beyond Zuma, look for KAYZO (Michelin Bib Gourmand, open kitchen sharing plates), Kuuru (homegrown Saudi Nikkei fusion), Hocho (the only Kobe beef in the region, Japanese-Silk Road fusion), and the newly opened Haru on Al Takhassousi Street (omakase-style bar seating, opened 2026).
French
The French contingent is deep: Julien (Four Seasons tasting menu), Benoit (Ducasse, Michelin Guide), Cafe Boulud (Four Seasons, outstanding brunch), and Angelina Paris at Bujairi Terrace for legendary hot chocolate and patisserie.
Italian
Azzurro at the Ritz-Carlton leads the fine dining end, while Il Baretto in KAFD earned a Michelin Guide Selection. For budget Italian, Piatto delivers a full meal with salad, soup, drink, and gelato for under SAR 50.
Indian
Gymkhana dominates the high end, but Farzi Cafe (rooftop terrace, contemporary reimagining of classics) and RUHI Indian Cuisine (traditional tandoori and curries) are strong alternatives. For budget Indian, Al Hayat offers butter chicken for SAR 36.
Lebanese and Middle Eastern
Em Sherif Cafe (Michelin Guide Selected) is the best Lebanese fine dining — family-owned, generous, with outstanding riz bi halib. Liza at Bujairi Terrace is the Beirut import with full mezze spreads. Harat does excellent Lebanese-Turkish-Saudi breakfast (shakshuka, foul medames) at budget prices (SAR 80–150).
Brunch and Cafes
Riyadh’s brunch culture has exploded. The weekend runs Thursday–Friday in Saudi Arabia, and Friday brunch is a social ritual.
| Venue | Style | Price (SAR) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cafe Boulud | French fine brunch | 300–500 | Four Seasons |
| Zuma | Japanese brunch | 400–600 | KAFD |
| Sarabeth’s | American brunch | 100–200 | Bujairi Terrace |
| Angelina Paris | French patisserie | 80–150 | Bujairi Terrace |
| Chapter | Modern cafe | 60–120 | Various |
| Buttermilk | Southern US comfort | 60–120 | Al Mohammadiyyah |
| Apple Butter Cafe | London-style cafe | 80–150 | KAFD |
| tashas | South African cafe | 100–200 | KAFD |
Tip: Buttermilk in Al Mohammadiyyah was founded by three Saudi women and has a cosy living-room atmosphere. It’s the best non-corporate brunch in the city.
New Openings — 2025 and 2026
Riyadh’s restaurant pipeline shows no sign of slowing. Here are the most notable recent arrivals:
Opened 2025: Benoit (Ducasse, KAFD), Chotto Matte (Nikkei, KAFD), Abou el Sid (legendary Cairo Egyptian), Casa Myrra (Greek-Spanish Mediterranean), Liza (Beirut Lebanese, Bujairi Terrace), Rowley’s Steak & Frites (London import, KAFD, steaks SAR 145–175).
Opened or opening 2026: Haru (Japanese omakase, Al Takhassousi), Kantami (Japanese from Al Khobar, Nawaf Square), Alaya (Chef Izu Ani, Mediterranean-Middle Eastern), Cipriani Dolci (Italian), Apple Butter Cafe (first branch outside London, KAFD).
The Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia
The inaugural Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia was released in February 2026, covering 52 restaurants across Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla. Star ratings will debut in the 2027 edition — the 2026 guide established the baseline “Selected” tier and Bib Gourmand awards.
Key Riyadh Michelin recognitions:
Practical Information for Dining in Riyadh
What Things Cost
| Category | Price (SAR) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food / shawarma | 10–35 | $3–9 |
| Budget sit-down meal | 50–100 | $13–27 |
| Mid-range restaurant | 150–300 | $40–80 |
| Fine dining | 400–800+ | $107–215+ |
| Ultra-fine tasting menu | 800–1,500+ | $215–400+ |
Tipping
Many Riyadh restaurants add a 10–15% service charge automatically — check your bill before adding more. If no service charge is included, 10–12% is standard; 15% for exceptional service. At casual counter-service spots, SAR 2–5 in the tip jar is fine.
Dress Code and Etiquette
Smart casual is the norm. Modest clothing is expected — cover legs, arms, and shoulders. Riyadh is more conservative than Jeddah; women should opt for loose-fitting attire, and a head covering is advisable though not legally required for tourists. Fine dining venues may specify standards — ask when booking.
No alcohol is served anywhere in Saudi Arabia. Creative mocktails, specialty teas, Arabic coffee, and fresh juices are widely available, and the non-alcoholic drink programmes at top restaurants are genuinely impressive.
Ramadan Dining
During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is prohibited. Most restaurants close during the day and reopen after iftar (sunset). Many hotels and restaurants offer special iftar buffets (SAR 105–620 per person). The post-iftar dining scene is vibrant, with restaurants open late. Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) options are increasingly popular at upscale venues.
Reservations
Book ahead for fine dining, especially on Thursday and Friday evenings (the Saudi weekend). OpenTable and direct restaurant websites are the main booking platforms. Walk-ins are generally fine for casual and street food spots.
Getting Around
Riyadh’s dining districts are spread across a large city — distances between KAFD, Bujairi Terrace, and Via Riyadh can be 20–30 minutes by car. Uber and Careem are the standard transport; taxis are available but ride-hailing is more reliable. The Riyadh Metro (opened 2024) connects some dining districts but doesn’t yet cover all areas. If you’re arriving from abroad, check our Saudi Arabia visa guide and Riyadh airport hotels guide for arrival logistics.
All food in Saudi Arabia is halal. Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available at most mid-range and fine dining restaurants. Some restaurants may still have family sections (separate seating for families and women), though this practice is becoming less common.