The ultimate guide to Laysen Valley: Cafes, cuisines and concept stores

Work your way through the must-visit destination.

Saudi Arabia is home to dazzling dining destinations. Located near the Diplomatic Quarter, Laysen Valley has been created in line with Saudi Vision 2030. The site boasts local as well as international concepts, which put the Kingdom on the map. The design is inspired by Najd spirit and Salmani architecture – aka design principles outlined by King Salman, no less. Whether you’re drawn to the smell of freshly baked bread, cool cafés or fine dining restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Here’s the ultimate guide to Laysen Valley.

Asador De Aranda 

It’s time to say hola to Asador De Aeanda. The Spanish restaurant can already be found in cities from Doha to Dubai, and it is now coming to Laysen Valley. The restaurant is famous for its Spanish dishes, which include Patatas Bravasand Caldoso, El Cuarto de Asado roasted lamb, and Las Chuletillas grilled lamb chops. Marvellous for meat eaters, the dishes are slow-cooked in a clay oven.

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

Bateel 

Bateel is synonymous with gourmet dates. Did you know that the consumer is the first person to touch the brand’s dates by hand? The Riyadh-born company can be found across the region, and its Laysen Valley shop has been created in its signature style. Sample dates, create gift boxes and learn about the history of this iconic brand.  

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

B+F

Coming from Kuwait and landing in Riyadh, B+F describes itself as a boutique burger joint. Specialising in open-fire cooking, the menu includes burgers, hot dogs, salads and sliders. The signature burgers range from The Crispy Chicken to Philly Steak Sandwich, and there are classic burgers. The hot dogs include The New Yorker with pickle, onion and mustard, and Dynamite with chilli con carne, cheddar and jalapeno. 

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

Bagatelle Riyadh

The FACT Award winner has been wowing diners around the world for more than a decade. In 2012, French entrepreneurs Aymeric Clemente and Remi Laba created the concept, which is inspired by the South of France. Bagatelle Riyadh opened in May 2023, and it is adorned with black and white photos of Brigette Bardot and Paul Belmondo. The French Mediterranean menu includes Bagatelle’s greatest culinary hits, but also flavours to suit the market. Don’t leave without trying the Jivara Chocolate Pizzetta, which is effectively a chocolate pizza.

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

Biotic 

When you need to refuel, then head to Biotic. The brand specialises in healthy food, drinks, and supplements. The shop stocks items ranging from Alpro milk alternatives to Popchips (popped not fried crisps). Plus, the nutritious snacks will keep you feeling good rather than guilty.

GO: Follow @biotic_sa on Instagram for more information. 

BT Burger 

Open wide. BT Burger is coming to Laysen Valley. Hailing from Atlanta, it prides itself on its freshly grounded beef. The burgers range from a Cheese Burger to a Philly Burger. The sandwiches include a Black Bean, Crispy Chicken and Grilled Chicken. Plus, there are chicken wings, fries and more.

GO: Visit www.btburgeratl.com for more information. 

Café Kitsuné 

It’s time to say Konnichiwa to Café Kitsuné in Saudi Arabia. The Japanese brand has gone from Tokyo to Riyadh, and is now opening in Laysen Valley. Café Kitsuné prides itself on creating intimate cafés. The décor is all about minimalist beauty and boasts a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The drinks are famous for being full-bodied and flavoursome. It’s all about the smooth and syrupy textures, and the notes ranging from chocolate to grilled hazelnuts. The specialities include an Americano, Cappuccino, Cortado, Espresso, Dirty Chai, Flat White and Mochaccino. The menu also includes a selection of juices, teas, pastries and ice cream. 

GO: Follow @cafekitsune on Instagram for more information.

COYARD Coffee Roasters 

If you know your Aeropress from your drip coffee, then you’ll want to check out COYARD Coffee Roasters. Launched in 2018, the brand prides itself on its premium coffees, from Ethiopian to Ugandan blends, served in royal blue cups. The Laysen Valley branch is currently closed for maintenance and will reopen soon.

GO: Follow @coyardco on Instagram for more information.

Em Sherif Sea Café 

Scheduled to open in January 2024, Em Sherif Sea Café is bringing Levantine hospitality to Laysen Valley. The brand started in Beirut in 2011, and it can be found in cities from Abu Dhabi to Manama. The menu will be an ode to seafood, from the catch of the day to counters with fish on display. Plus, diners can dig into Lebanese classics including hot and cold mezze. 

GO: Visit https://emsherifcafe.sa for more information.

Entrecote Café de Paris 

Entrecote Café de Paris started in Geneva and can be found in AlUla’s Old Town and Riyadh’s Al Faisaliah Tower. The Laysen Valley venue boasts its signature Parisian style, and its Cafe de Paris secret sauce developed by Chef Boubier in 1930. Plus, it has a dazzling décor with fringed chandeliers, aristocratic-inspired paintings and white tablecloths. 

GO: Follow @entrecote.sa on Instagram for more information.  

Halepi 

Greek restaurant Halepi is loved by locals and celebrities, from Richard Branson to Robert Pattinson. What started out as a family-run restaurant has gone global. The Riyadh restaurant is a slick spot with earthy tones, soft lighting, beige walls and wooden features. The menu spans soups, salads, hot and cold meze and grilled meats. The chef specials range from the Beef Stroganoff to the Pepper Steak.

GO: Follow @halepi.sa on Instagram for more information.

Ladurée 

Ladurée is adding some chic to Laysen Valley. The café first opened in Paris in 1862, and can now be found across the world from Doha to Dubai. Famous for its macaroons, which come in bright colours, the flavours include Chocolate, Lemon, Pistachio and Raspberry. Plus, there are decadent desserts. 

 GO: Visit www.laduree.com for more information.

Lazy Cat

The cat is out of the bag – there’s a new café in Riyadh. Kuwait’s Lazy Cat has made its debut in the Kingdom and is a superb spot to soak up the cooler weather. Lazy Cat’s menu is filled with comfort food. The breakfast dishes range from egg to oven-cooked dishes. The dinner dishes span specials, oven-cooked dishes and desserts. The pizza-inspired dishes include Nutella Smore’s, Salami, and Truffle and Mushroom. The specials range from a Pastrami Sandwich to The Lazy Burger. So, if you like breakfast, brunch and beverages, you’ll be the cat that got the cortado.

GO: Visit www.eatlazycat.com for more information. 

Le Grenier à Pain

Making its way from France to Saudi Arabia, Le Grenier à Pain specialises in artisanal bread. Take your pick from baguettes, pies, sourdough, tarts and more. The handmade breads are a thing of beauty. So, grab a croissant or three – we’re not judging.

GO: Follow @legrenierapain.me on Instagram for more information.

Mellow Nail Artistry

If you’re partial to a pamper, then check out Mellow Nail Artistry. The nail salon offers manicures and pedicures, and has an extensive range of colours in shellac. Whether you’re after Barbie pink nails or Saudi National Day green, the technicians also specialise in on-trend designs and nail art. Plus, services include fake nails, gel extensions, and strength and repair. 

GO: Follow @mellownails.sa on Instagram for more information.

MLLE 

If the sound of flatbreads, fatteh and freeeh get your mouth watering, then you’ll want to check out the newly opened MLLE. Dine amidst the contemporary interiors or beneath the dramatic indoor tree and tuck into signatures such as hummus wagyu, ribs kebbah and the um Ali mille-feuille already proving popular. The restaurant prides itself on creating twisted Lebanese cuisine while paying homage to traditional cooking techniques, taking simple ingredients and turning them into complex dishes.

GO: Follow @mlle_eatery on Instagram for more information.

Pattern Concept Store 

Riyadh is home to exciting concept stores. Pattern Concept Store feels like a Pinterest board come to life. The shop brings together a niche collection of art, fashion and lifestyle products, and more than 50 homegrown brands. Look out for special arts and crafts workshops.

GO: Visit https://pattern-store.com for more information.

NAC

NAC has come straight from London’s Mayfair to Riyadh’s Laysen Valley. If you’re a fan of French cuisine, then put this on your restaurant radar. Expect classic dishes with a creative twist The small plates include Crushed Burrata, Flamed Aubergine and Popcorn Chicken. The mains include Truffle Burger, Salmon Paillard and Veal Schnitzel. The restaurant is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

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

NOOA

NOOA is an African-inspired café, which will surprise you with its selection. The menu includes savoury and sweet options. The earth bowls include African Poke, Spring Sticky Chicken Salad, and Watermelon and Cucumber Salad. The signature dishes range from the Lamb Ragout to Miso Grilled Cauliflower. Plus, it’s worth visiting just for the desserts, which include the Date Malva Pudding, Honeybush Crème Brulee and Orange and Chocolate Cake. 

GO: Follow @nooasaudi on Instagram for more information.

Santini Riyadh

Founded in London 1984, Santini started life as a family-run restaurant. Now, it has made its way to Laysen Valley, and is a go-to place for Italian dishes. The starters include Buratta Cheese, Mango Prawn Cocktail and Mushroom Salad. The pastas include a Crab Linguine, Fusilli White Veal Ragu and Spaghetti Carbonara. Plus, the pizzas range from a Margherita and Burrata to Truffle Pizza. 

GO: Visit https://santini-ksa.com for more information. 

Sumosan Riyadh

Sumosan has restaurants across the world, from Dubai to Montenegro. In August 2022, the award-winning concept opened its first venue in Riyadh. The fine-dining Japanese venue offers a contemporary take on classic dishes. Executive Chef Bubker Belkhit is behind the three-page menu, which covers soups, starters, salads, sushi and the signature lobster salad.

 GO: Follow @sumosan.riyadh on Instagram for more information.

Wadi 

Scheduled to open before the end of 2023, Wadi will specialise in Saudi fusion cuisine. The name comes from the Arabic word for river. The concept combines high-quality ingredients and a luxurious atmosphere, and it will offer a shisha menu. Plus, it will be designed by Paul Bishop who is behind the dazzling designs in BOHO Social and Dubai’s En Feugo, Sumosan and Torno Subito. 

GO: Visit https://laysenvalley.sa for more information. 

White Robata

White Robata can already be found in Kuwait and has now expanded to Saudi Arabia. Great for groups, the dishes are superb for sharing, and the menu is divided into graze, raw, robata, kushiyaki, and buns. Signature dishes include the Spicy Tuna Wanton Taco, Seabream Nigiri and Six Hour Braised Short Rib. The restaurant boasts a polished yet playful design. Look out for fun anime figures, which wouldn’t look out of place in Transformers.

GO: Visit www.whiterobata.com for more information.