FACT Review: Flamingo Room by tashas takes flight in Riyadh

The venue comprises three distinct spaces including the star gaze garden overlooking historic Diriyah.

Bujairi Terrace in historical Diriyah has firmly established itself as a dining destination to be reckoned with in Riyadh. This upmarket enclave of restaurants overlooking the At-Taif UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a mesmerising place to dine on the outskirts of the Saudi Capital. With 20 premium eateries encompassing world-class global brands from Hakkasan to Long Chim and local Saudi-owned concepts like Maiz and Takya, the latest addition to the restaurant repertoire is Flamingo Room by tashas.

Originating in Dubai, Flamingo Room has been effortlessly transported into a three-storey space that exudes charm and sophistication on the banks of the Wadi Hanifah riverbed. Despite the distinctive Najdi mud-brick architecture of Flamingo Room’s façade, the interiors move away from tradition to offer something elegant and exclusive. Encompassing Flamingo Room by tashas, retail concept store Collective Africa, and the alluring African Lounge (which will debut later this year), the immersive dining experience sees three unique concepts come together under one roof.

Flamingo Room personifies African glamour, offering a distinctive dining experience from lunch to dinner. We begin at Collective Africa, a luxury retail store where guests can browse a curated range of designer clothing, homeware, jewellery, perfumes and textiles gathered from across the continent. It’s an unexpected arrival experience and a pleasant pre-dinner jaunt.

Now, if there was ever a venue designed for Instagram, it’s Flamingo Room in Riyadh. The dining room, with its pastel pink colour palette, banana leaf-backed bar, golden-scaled walls and lamps that sprout webbed feet, is a stunning space that is as Insta-worthy as it is impressive. We sink into a comfortable zebra-patterned chair and let the culinary adventure unfold. 

Regular diners at Flamingo Room in Dubai will be familiar with the menu, which boasts an appealing collection of international dishes and a leaning toward South African flavours. The Riyadh offering is nearly identical to its Dubai counterpart, save for two additions: the Steak Diane (SAR 145) and Prawns au Gratin (SAR 140). While everyone will have their favourite dishes, which range from Burrata (SAR 125) and Prawn Arinci (SAR 85) to Tuna Tartare (SAR 132) and White Fish Ceviche (SAR 138), we begin with the Prawn au Gratin. Swimming in a sea of cream and Parmesan cheese, the delicate shellfish is not overpowered by the sauce. Slathered across a baked baguette, the dish is comforting, homely and altogether delicious. The plump Scallops (SAR 224) served atop a cauliflower truffle purée and topped with toasted panko crumbs pale in comparison.

Main courses span salads, pasta, proteins and sharing plates, offering appealing choices such as Peri-Peri Baby Chicken (SAR 170) and Cornflake Chicken Schnitzel (SAR 160). We’re unable to resist the Lobster Pasta available in half (SAR 330) and full (590) portions. Presented inside the crustacean shell with roasted cherry tomatoes, crème fraîche, garlic and chilli, the coated tendrils of fresh tagliatelle scream divine decadence that is only enhanced by the sheer amount of lobster.

However, the Calamari Mozambique (SAR 240) remains a FACT favourite. Maintaining consistency across borders, this signature is as visually appealing as it is appetising. Pieces of calamari are coated with Peri-Peri sauce and a spritz of lemon before being laden with shoestring fries. When mixed together, the platter becomes a textural marvel bursting with powerful flavours. 

Save room for dessert because the South African-inspired Amira combines malva pudding with macerated apricot and spiced créme anglaise for a fashionable finale. Looking for something delightfully decadent? The Flamingo Room Baked Alaska with dark chocolate ganache, choco-sponge, vanilla semi-freddo and meringue is a sure-fire showstopper. 

Service is some of the strongest in Riyadh, which is impressive considering the venue has only been open a few weeks, but under the guidance of seasoned restaurateur Natasha Sideris, we expect nothing less. 

While Dubai may have the turtle lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem with its Burj Al Arab Views, Flamingo Room Riyadh is backed by the At-Taif UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring luxurious locales no matter where you dine. 

For a taste of African glamour, Flamingo Room hits the spot.

GO: Visit www.flamingoroombytashas.com for reservations and more information.