Check out the big brands, from Amazónico to tashas café.
Saudi Arabia is fast becoming a dining destination – there are celebrity chefs, from Jason Atherton to Wolfgang Puck, and international brands, from La Petite Maison to Zuma. So, whether the words Gaia or Mott 32 get your mouth watering, there’ll soon be more extraordinary restaurants in the kingdom. Here are the most exciting new restaurants opening in Riyadh.
AB Steak by Chef Akira Back
Having already opened Akira Back Riyadh and Namu in the Saudi capital, Akira Back’s burgeoning restaurant empire shows no signs of slowing. Located inside the 1364 complex in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, AB Steak will offer a modern American Steakhouse experience infused with a Korean flair. The concept has already proven popular in Beverley Hills, and diners in Riyadh can expect the finest cuts of beef, expertly dry-aged in AB Steak’s in-house ageing room.
GO: Visit https://unifiedhospitality.com for more information.
Alaya
Chef Izu Ani’s Alaya is set to open in Saudi Arabia in 2025. The original concept can be found in Dubai, and the menu celebrates Mediterranean cuisine and features Middle Eastern influences. The menu is an ode to fresh herbs and spices, as you’ll find the likes of cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, nutmeg, cardamom and the lemony flavours of sumac. Plus, plenty of prime meat and seafood dishes. The restaurant draws inspiration from Chef Izu’s travels, and it aims to pay tribute to the richness of the region.
GO: Visit https://fundamentalhospitality.com for more information.
Amazónico Riyadh
If the idea of a rainforest-themed restaurant has got you thinking about Rainforest Café, think again. Amazónico Riyadh is a luxury Latin American restaurant specialising in seafood, grilled meats and sushi. The restaurant originally opened in Madrid, Spain, in 2010 by the husband-and-wife team, Sandro Silva and Marta Seco. It has since found a home across affluent addresses, including the DIFC, Dubai, and Mayfair, London – the latter being the most expensive location on the Monopoly Board. Plus, a pop-up proved popular in Riyadh Oasis in 2021. So, we can see why they want to roll the dice and open a permanent location in Riyadh.
GO: Visit www.amazonicorestaurant.com for more information.
Arcade Food Hall
Saudi Arabia’s food scene is about to start sizzling. Arcade Food Hall is making its way from London to Riyadh. The Kingdom’s MJS Holding is behind the new concept on the rooftop of Solitaire Mall, which brings together a range of restaurants from around the world. If the London branch is anything to go by, guests can watch the chefs at work in open kitchens and check out the food before making their choices. The options include American-style burgers, Japanese sushi, Indonesian street food, Middle Eastern shawarma and Spanish tapas.
GO: Visit https://mjsholding.com for more information.
BeauCoCo
Making its debut outside of France, BeauCoCo Riyadh is guaranteed to draw diners. If its Paris and Lyon outposts are anything to go by, foodies in the capital are in for a visual and gastronomical treat. The entrance, adorned with colourful green panels, is bound to make you want to snap a picture or two for the gram. Stepping inside, you’ll be greeted by a carpeted interior with a vibe that feels like old-school Paris, with a modern twist. BeauCoCo Riyadh branch is expected to carry the same culinary magic that made it a hit in France. The menu will likely cover breakfast, lunch, dinner, and of course, brunch. Expect the likes of Coco Bowl Salad, Langoustine Ravioli, and Roasted Cod. For a sweet treat, indulging in Miss Coco is absolutely necessary.
GO: Follow @cocorestaurant_ on Instagram for more information.
Cipriani Dolci
Cipriani Dolci will be opening in Saudi Arabia in 2025. The Venetian-inspired restaurant draws inspiration from the interiors of a luxury yacht, and the decor mirrors the chic ambience of the original Harry’s Bar in Venice. And let’s not forget the Dolci – the desserts that have garnered a cult following. From the decadent Torta Di Cioccolato to the Vanilla Meringue Cake, each bite is a sweet treat. The all-day casual dining brings together desserts and pastries.
GO: Visit https://fundamentalhospitality.com for more information.
Em Sherif Sea Café
Located in Leysan Valley, Em Sherif Café presents authentic Lebanese delicacies in a new light. All ingredients are carefully selected with a personal touch, from fresh produce to succulent meats, to surprise and delight guests with innovative dishes. The menu features an extensive selection of seafood as well as cold and hot mezze, with signatures including the famous fresh Lebanese Tabbouleh in three equally delectable variations, a classic creamy hummus topped with roasted pine nuts. Em Sherif Sea Café is already present in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Doha.
GO: Follow @emsherifcafeksa on Instagram for more information.
GAIA
Our love for Chef Izu Ani’s Gaia knows no bounds, so we were excited to hear that the FACT Award winner was opening in the capital. With generosity and authenticity at its core, Gaia serves humble cuisine where every dish is made with love and fueled with flavours. The star of the show is undoubtedly Gaia’s signature Ice Market. Featuring an array of fresh fish and seafood, which is delivered daily, diners can not only select their fish and seafood but also have it cooked exactly to their preference. Taking the Kingdom by storm, Gaia will also be making its Riyadh debut very soon.
GO: Visit https://gaia-restaurants.com for more information.
Gina
The Kingdom’s MJS Holdings is behind the opening of Gina in Riyadh, and here’s what to expect. Gina first launched in Nice, France, and is open for lunch and dinner. Chef Geraldine Rapp takes pride in the authentic flavours and high-quality ingredients, many of which are sourced from across the border in Italy. The menu specialises in Mediterranean cuisine and spans starters, pizza, pasta, risotto, fish, meat and sides. The starters include a Burrata, Fritto Misto and Parmigiana. The pastas include an Alle Vongole spaghetti with clams, Ravioli with ricotta cheese, tomato sauce and spinach, and Tartufo rigatoni with truffle and parmesan. The fish range from Filet de Loup to Sole Belle Meuniere. The meats range from Orecchia Di Elefante to Scaloppina.
GO: Visit https://mjsholding.com for more information.
Il Bambini Club
The Kingdom’s MJS Holdings is behind the opening of Il Bambini Club in Riyadh, and here’s what to expect. Bambini can already be found in Megève and Paris in France. Both venues are packed with personality and have a quirky décor. The spaces are filled with colourful chairs, fringed lamps and patterned prints. A youthful spirit is apparent in the design as well as the name – Bambini translates from the French word for young child. Il Bambini Club specialises in Italian food. The original menu spans pizzas to pastas. The signature dishes range from Crispy Risotto Croquettes to Mozzarella Fritters. The pastas include Gnocchi Gratines All Sorrentina, Linguine Au Citron and Risotto Aux Gambas. The pizzas include Bambinita, Tartufo Pizza and Verdure Pizza. The desserts include Gelato Al Pistachio, Tarte Citron Meringue and Tiramisu.
GO: Visit https://mjsholding.com for more information.
La Maison Ani
La Maison Ani will be opening in Saudi Arabia in 2025. The restaurant from acclaimed Chef Izu Ani serves relaxed French-Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner in an effortlessly elegant setting. Highlights include the escargot, burrata, grilled langoustine and warm chocolate mousse (you can thank us later). La Maison Ani is also home to an exquisite boulangerie and patisserie, both inspired by the daily rituals of French culture. Plus, the menu includes the much-loved Izu burger.
GO: Visit https://fundamentalhospitality.com for more information.
La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie
La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie is aiming big, as it plans to open four new restaurants in Dubai, London, New York, and Riyadh. If you want a sneak peek of what to expect, the 500-seat Riyadh venue will soon open in KAFD. Here, you can enjoy French cuisine and Parisian chic on a menu that includes crêpes and healthy salads, as well as French onion soup, Rossini, French toast, pastries, and viennoiseries.
GO: Visit www.laserre.com for reservations and more information.
Liza
MJS Holdings is behind the opening of Liza in Riyadh, and here’s what to expect. Liza can be found on Rue de la Banque, Paris. The décor feels like a Vincent Van Gogh painting come to life and includes a flower mural on the wall, star-shaped chandeliers, rattan chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows. Plus, it is a hip hangout and welcomes artists and DJs in the evenings. The restaurant specialises in Lebanese food, and offers a long list of mezes dishes. The meze includes Artichokes, Falafel, Fattouche, Fries, Hummus with Tahini, and Tabbouleh. The desserts include Baklawa with Liban, Ice Cream and Sorbet, and Maamoul Crumble with Dates.
GO: Visit https://mjsholding.com for more information.
MayaBay Riyadh
MayaBay is going global. The Monaco-born restaurant is expanding, having opened its second branch in Dubai; it is now set to open its third in Riyadh. While little news has been revealed about MayaBay Riyadh, the website indicates that the new restaurant will open on Prince Turki Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road. The venue will cover a spacious 600 square meters, including a terrace. We are hoping that the Riyadh restaurant includes some of MayaBay’s signature dishes such as the Maya crispy duck, pad thai, MayaBay sashimi and black cod with miso and honey. Plus, the more indulgent dishes include caviar, dim sum, wok-fried lobster and wagyu beef sashimi.
GO: Visit www.mayabayrestaurant.com/riyadh for more information.
Mott 32
Mott 32 Riyadh will celebrate the culture and food of modern Hong Kong, marrying traditional Chinese cookery and modern culinary innovation. Incidentally, the venue is named after the address of Manhattan’s first Chinese convenience store, which opened in 1891. Known for blending authentic Chinese flavours with innovative techniques, the restaurant takes inspiration from Cantonese, Sichuan, and Beijing influences. Standout dishes include the 42-day Apple wood-roasted Peking Duck, signature dim sum, and Wagyu beef. While details of the exact location are still under wraps, the restaurant is expected to draw massive crowds owing to its worldwide reputation.
GO: Visit https://mott32.com for more information.
Nammos
You’ll be feeling the good vibes at Nammos. No matter what time of year it is, Nammos is bringing the Mykonos magic by the hammock load. The restaurant was created in 2003 and first opened on the beach of Psarou, Mykonos. The menu places an emphasis on high-quality ingredients, as it fuses the spirit of the Mediterranean with Asian influences. Nammos has been serving its signature seafood and sushi platters in Dubai and Courchevel. In 2021, Nammos opened a pop-up in Riyadh Oasis as part of Riyadh Season and is now set to open a permanent restaurant.
GO: Visit www.nammos.com for reservations and more information.
Pahli Hill
London’s Pahli Hill will be coming to the King Abdullah Financial District. If the restaurant’s London menu is anything to go by, then you’re in for a treat. The menus are a nod to regional classics and are superb for sharing. Visitors can choose from an à la carte, chef’s counter, early dinner set menu and Saturday lunch menu. Pahli Hill’s a la carte menu spans small plates, big plates, tandoor and grill and sides. The small plates range from Crispy Khakhra to Mangalore Bun and Scottish Crab Sukkha. The big plates range from Paneer Butter Masala to Wild Sea Bass Steamed in Banana Leaf.
GO: Visit www.pahlihillbandrabhai.com for more information.
Perruche de Pariso
Perruche first opened in Paris, France, and is located in Printemps de l’Homme. The venue boasts a beautiful terrace and Insta-worthy views of the Eiffel Tower. In French, perruche refers to brightly coloured birds, from budgies to parrots. The name is represented in the playful logo, which includes three birds. Plus, the tagline is “French farniente”, which refers to the art of being idle. The menu spans starters, fish, meat, pates, sides and desserts. The fish includes Octopus with pumpkin, Scallops with mushrooms, and Steamed Cod with ratatouille. The meats include Beef fillet with French fries, Lamb Shoulder to share for two, and Roasted Chicken with baby potatoes. Plus, desserts range from a Crème Brulee to a Pear and Caramel Tart. Perruche de Pariso will be opened in Saudi Arabia by MJS Holdings, and the location is confirmed for Solitaire Mall.
GO: Visit https://mjsholding.com for more information.
Sexy Fish Riyadh
Sexy Fish is an Asian restaurant and bar offering high-end glamour, surrealist décor and opulent culinary majesty. With opulent interiors, stunning artwork, and a menu inspired by the seas of Asia, Sexy Fish offers all-day and late-night dining and entertainment experiences. The new outpost in Via RIyadh will retain the signature dishes of the original Sexy Fish in London’s Berkeley Square, such as duck salad, smoked tuna belly, crispy eringi mushroom, and black cod with king crab.
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for reservations and more information.
Spring Place
Spring Place is a workspace and members-only club located in New York and Beverly Hills. Founded by Francesco Costa, Alessandro Cajrati Crivelli, and Imad Izemrane in 2016, Spring Place combines luxury, exclusivity, and collaboration with selective membership programs aimed at people interested in networking, communicating, and collaborating with other pivotal members in adjacent industries.
GO: Visit www.springplace.com for more information.
The Wolseley
The Wolseley is one of London’s most iconic restaurants. Located on Piccadilly, it is famous for its excellent service, grand dining room and brilliant breakfast. Dilip Rajakarier, the new owner of The Wolseley, is behind the expansion plans. He plans to take the restaurant to Hong Kong, New York, Shanghai, Singapore and Saudi Arabia. If the original menu at The Wolseley is anything to go by, we are in for a treat. The European restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. The cold breakfast menu includes cereals, fruit and viennoiserie. The hot breakfast menu includes a Bagel with Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese, French Toast and Mashed Avocado with Confit Tomato. Plus, the English is a classic and comes with fried, poached or scrambled eggs, baked beans, tomato, black pudding and mushrooms.
GO: Visit www.thewolseley.com for more information.
