Check out the big brands, from Amazónico to GAIA.
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 this year.
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 2026. The original concept is in Dubai, and the menu celebrates Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern influences. The menu is an ode to fresh herbs and spices, featuring 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 in Dubai, and Mayfair in 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
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 dishes like 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.
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 fuelled by flavours. The star of the show is undoubtedly Gaia’s signature Ice Market. Featuring an array of fresh fish and seafood delivered daily, diners can not only select their fish and seafood but also have them 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 evident in both the design and 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 2026. 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, planning 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 venue in KAFD will open soon. 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 more information.
Linnet
East London bakery Lily Vanilli will make its Saudi debut as Linnet at The Oberoi Sukoon Villas in Wadi Safar, Diriyah. Opening in late 2026, the bakery will also operate as the resort’s poolside restaurant and lobby lounge. Its all-day menu will feature artisanal pastries, cakes and baked goods, alongside savoury dishes, Indian teas and Arabic coffee. Linnet is backed by British pastry chef Lily Jones, who founded Lily Vanilli in Hackney and is known for combining nostalgic flavours with creative presentation. Her London bakery has built a loyal following for its seasonal pastries, brownies and intricately decorated cakes.
Contact: @linnetatoberoi
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 hope 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 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 draws on Cantonese, Sichuan, and Beijing influences. Standout dishes include the 42-day Apple wood-roasted Peking Duck, signature dim sum, and Wagyu beef. While the exact location remains 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 emphasises high-quality ingredients, fusing 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 more information.
OBI Urban Sushi
OBI Urban Sushi is preparing to open at Radisson Collection Residences in Riyadh, bringing its Beirut-born Japanese dining concept to the Saudi capital. Known for its contemporary interiors and relaxed atmosphere, the restaurant combines traditional Japanese influences with a modern urban approach. The extensive menu will feature sushi, sashimi, bao buns, poke bowls, noodles, rice dishes, salads and desserts. Diners can choose from temaki, gunkan, hosomaki, futomaki, uramaki and dragon rolls, alongside more inventive quinoa, black rice and rice-free options. Popular dishes at existing locations include Salmon Tartare, Fresh Crab Tartare and Crab Sushi Pops.
Contact: @obiurbansushi.riyadh
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 menu, a chef’s counter, an early dinner set menu, and a 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 Crème Brûlée to 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.
Rawand
Riyadh is home to dining concepts from around the world and is now set to welcome the Lebanese restaurant Rawand. Located on Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi Street, it aims to offer traditional Lebanese cuisine. The FACT team spotted hoardings in the heart of the capital, and were excited to see that it would be opening soon. The original food menu in Tripoli spans breakfast, lunch and dinner. Starters range from Beef Skewers to Shrimp Dumplings. Salads include the signature Rawand with avocado, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, lettuce and more. Other salad offerings include Baby Dynamite, Blue Cheese and a Poke Bowl.
GO: Visit www.rawandcuisine.com for more information.
The Mayfair Chippy
The United Kingdom is famous for its fish and chips, and now the comfort cuisine is coming to Saudi Arabia. The Mayfair Chippy can already be found in Knightsbridge and Mayfair, and it is now opening in Riyadh. If you’d like to know what The Mayfair Chippy in Riyadh will be like, take a mouthwatering look at its London counterpart. The restaurant is open for all-day dining and showcases classic British dishes. The menu spans snacks, small plates, classics, sandwiches, seafood and extras. Sandwiches include the Fish Finger Butty – for the uninitiated, this features fish fingers in brioche with pickles and tartar sauce. Classics include TMC Shepherd’s Pie with HP gravy, and Fried Haddock or Hake with mushy peas, chips and chip shop curry sauce or HP gravy.
GO: Visit www.mayfairchippy.com for more information.
Yatra
London-based chef Rohit Ghai will make his Saudi debut with Yatra at The Oberoi Sukoon Villas in Wadi Safar, Diriyah. Expected to open in late 2026, the restaurant will take diners on a journey through India’s diverse culinary traditions. Inspired by ancient spice routes, Yatra will reinterpret regional recipes through contemporary techniques, bold flavours and refined presentation. Ghai is one of London’s leading modern Indian chefs. After working across several Michelin-starred restaurants, he opened Kutir in Chelsea in 2018 and later expanded his portfolio with Manthan and Vatavaran. Combining Ghai’s acclaimed approach to Indian cuisine with the luxurious setting of The Oberoi Sukoon Villas, Yatra is set to become one of Riyadh’s most anticipated restaurant openings.
Contact: www.oberoihotels.com