FACT Review: French Toast & Co brings the food and finesse of Paris to Riyadh

We discover this chic spot before anyone else – and you should too. 

We pride ourselves on showcasing new restaurants at FACT. When we discover a venue before anybody else, we get a dopamine hit. “We haven’t done any PR and have been in a soft launch. How did you find us?” asked one of the staff at Riyadh’s new restaurant, French Toast & Co. 

French Toast & Co started off in Paris, France. The brand’s debut in the Kingdom is located in the trendy Al Nada district, and its neighbours range from Draft Café to Glaze Craze. While we can see the sign, we do a lap around the building and then find the hidden door – it’s all intentional.

The restaurant is stylish and spacious, spanning two floors. On our visit, it had a ladies’ who lunch vibe. The ground floor is family-friendly, and the first floor is an adults-only space. The upstairs terrace is not yet open, but promises to be a hip hangout. 

French Toast & Co boasts a clean, chic design. We’re talking about a French-inspired menu, music and, well, overall mood. Look out for the creams which are offset by soft shades of green across the cushions, sofas, tiles and plants – an indoor tree, anyone? 

Great for solo and group dining, the venue includes single tables, round tables and banquettes. We’d recommended sitting in the conservatory-style space, which includes an atrium, floor-to-ceiling windows and a whole lot of light. 

French Toast & Co’s all-day breakfast menu lets you start (or finish) the day off in style. The menu includes starters, salads, soups and sides. Plus, burgers, rolls and mains, and, of course, French toast. 

We start with the Carrot and Ginger soup, and we watch as the soup is poured on top of a bed of carrots. Not only have they elevated comfort food, but given it an Insta-moment. Plus, it includes a dollop of mascarpone, which gives it a creamy finish. 

Don’t let the Mediterranean Salad pass you by, as it’s an unexpected hit. The dish includes apricot, bulger, chickpeas, dates and a lemon dressing. Big enough to be a main, it proves that you can create a sweet yet healthy meal. 

It’s all about the attention to detail. The Lobster Rolls and All Seasons Vegetables are served on French toast (obviously), but the latter is given a twist with the pesto bread. Even the French Fries, which are skinny, have an added zest of lime. 

All of the savoury dishes have a we’ve-just-been-foraging feel. They are generously garnished, and the carrots have the tops left on. We even spotted a lime and tomato tree on the terrace.

As for the sweet dishes, they have the finesse of French patisserie. The Middle Eastern Flair Selection is return-worthy good. The dessert includes three mini French toasts, each with a different topping – banana, dates and pistachio. Accompany it with one of the mocktails, ranging from Bellinis to Pina Colada, and you’re guaranteed to have a sweet time. 

Merci, French Toast & Co. 

GO: Visit https://frenchtoastandco.com for more information.