From Benoit to tashas, these are the best new restaurants in the Saudi capital.
Keeping track of all the new restaurants in the Kingdom is a full-time job. But if you love finding the hottest restaurants before anyone else, these are the best new restaurant openings in Riyadh for 2025.
Abou el Sid
Legendary Egyptian eatery Abou el Sid has made its way from Cairo to Riyadh, bringing a cultural experience rooted in 25 years of culinary tradition. The menu features Egyptian classics such as Chicken Liver Alexandrian-style, Foul, Fried Aubergine, Roasted Duck, Seafood Tajin, and the legendary Om Aly, a traditional Egyptian dessert.
GO: Follow @abouelsid_ksa on Instagram for more information.
Benoit
The world-famous chef Alain Ducasse is heading to Riyadh. The French chef has opened Benoit in KAFD, showcasing classic French cuisine. The venue includes shimmering chandeliers, white tablecloths and red banquettes. The walls feature black and white photographs of Paris, ranging from the Eiffel Tower to Sacré-Cœur. Benoit Riyadh’s menu spans starters, mains, sharing dishes, sides and desserts. Starters include a classic French Onion Soup, Escargots and a Duck Foie Gras with fig chutney and brioche. Mains include Angus Beef Tenderloin, Lamb Chops with eggplant and bell pepper, and Grilled Jumbo Shrimp.
GO: Follow @benoitriyadh on Instagram for more information.
Blu Pizzeriá
Emirati-owned Blu Pizzeriá already has locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and has now expanded into Riyadh. The concept draws its inspiration from Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza. The wood-fired pizzas are topped with a variety of ingredients, including flavours influenced by the Middle East. Among the more inventive options are the Short Ribs, featuring Black Angus short ribs, caramelised onions and truffle white sauce, and the Musakhan, with chicken, cheese and sour cream sauce. Other highlights include the Margo, made with a variety of cheeses, and the Tartufo, topped with truffle paste, truffle oil, and shaved truffle. The Riyadh venue is a stylish venue featuring dark wood finishes, plush seating, and decorative greenery.
GO: Follow @blupizzeria.sa on Instagram for more information.
Botanica
Botanica, the airy all-day restaurant at Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, is a calm tangle of greenery and timber. The offering leans on local produce, with dishes such as Margherita Pizza Salad, draped with locally sourced stracciatella; Cheese Risotto, folded with regional cheeses — jibneh baladi, akkawi and mish — and basil lifted from the restaurant’s garden; and Red Sea Shrimp served in soft-shell tacos. Desserts lean firmly into Saudi flavours, including a brownie with Saudi cherries that reimagines Black Forest without nostalgia, and a saffron-and-Saudi-coffee tiramisu that proudly embraces local influences.
GO: Visit www.ihg.com for more information.
Café L’Occitane
The charm of Provence has arrived in the Saudi capital with the opening of Café L’Occitane in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. Marking the brand’s first foray into the Kingdom, this boutique café blends the sensibilities of French wellness with laid-back southern European dining. Set within the stylish 1364 Mall, you can enjoy artisanal pastries, signature salads, and fragrant herbal teas served in a setting that evokes the lavender fields of France. It’s a tranquil escape for Riyadh’s Francophiles.
GO: Follow @loccitanecafe on Instagram for more information.
Cafe Noir
Hailing from Qatar, Cafe Noir has already carved a name for itself across the region as a space where luxury and leisure meet. Its Riyadh outpost at Laysen Valley has quickly become a hotspot for those looking for a refined coffee experience. As for the menu, Cafe Noir offers a diverse selection of European and Asian dishes. Some of the highlights include Truffle and Mushroom Soup, Wagyu Thai Salad and Burrata Salad, Andhra Style Biryani, Salmone Alla Griglia, Golden Truffle Pizza and much more. Apart from indulgent offerings, you can also enjoy hot beverages along with croissants, pastries and lots of sweets.
GO: Visit https://noircafe.sa for more information.
Chotto Matte
Saudi Arabia is filled with exciting restaurant openings, from homegrown concepts to celebrity chefs. Now, Chotto Matte, a Nikkei restaurant that combines Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, has opened in KAFD. The menu spans small plates, raw bar, sushi bar, robata and sides. The menu showcases premium ingredients, from the charcoal grilled meat from the Australian Jack’s Creek to Japanese Grade A5 Wagyu Beef. The restaurant can be found in London’s Marylebone and Soho, Miami South Beach, San Francisco Union Square and Toronto Downtown.
GO: Visit https://chotto-matte.com for more information.
Cucina Riyadh
The FACT award-winning Italian restaurant Cucina has arrived in the capital. Now open at the Riyadh Marriott Hotel, the concept combines a dining room with a coffee bar and a counter for grab-and-go lunches, making it perfect for a quick midday break or a long dinner with friends. You can expect live cooking with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, as well as a sharing-style meal that’s central to Italian culture, featuring handcrafted pasta served al dente and perfectly blistered pizzas.
GO: Follow @cucinariyadh on Instagram for more information.
Domn
Tucked away in Riyadh’s Al Yasmin district, Domn showcases Indian cuisine. Dishes include Cucumber Yoghurt Salad, Domn Salad and Kadhai. Take your pick from mains, including Butter Chicken, Kadhai, Korma, Tikka, and a variety of biryanis. The setting features simple wooden chairs paired with Tarrazzo patterned tables reminiscent of the tiles often found in middle-class South Asian households.
GO: Follow @domn_sa on Instagram for more information.
EDO
If you’re looking for a new Japanese restaurant in Riyadh, put EDO restaurant on your radar. The concept brings the cuisine and culture of the country to the capital. Located on As Siddiq Road, the menu spans appetisers, gyoza, ramen, poki, sushi, nigiri, mains, yakiori and sweets. EDO restaurant boasts an open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs at work.
GO: Follow @edo.sa_ on Instagram for more information.
Fiamma
In Italian, fiamma means little flame or fiery little one. The new rooftop restaurant at Centria Mall boasts Insta-worthy views of the capital and draws its inspiration from the Italian influences in New York. Fiamma’s food menu is superb for sharing and spans antipasti, pasta, pizzas and desserts. Top choices include Burrata, Fritto Misto, Lasagna Classica, Spaghetti Al Pesto and Tagliolini Gratinati.
GO: Visit https://fiamma.sa for more information.
Hocho
Hocho has found its home in the capital’s ultra-luxurious lifestyle destination, Via Riyadh. The restaurant focuses on the prized Japanese meat, Kobe beef. The breed is renowned for its tender texture and buttery flavour, and its breeding, feeding, and preparation methods make it one of the most sought-after meats in the world. The menu blends the richness of Japanese cuisine with the cultural influences of the Silk Road, making Hocho one of the hottest new restaurants in Riyadh.
GO: Visit https://hocho.info for more information.
Jareed Samhan
Located within Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah, Jareed Samhan celebrates the “depth and diversity of Saudi heritage through an elevated dining experience”. Each dish from Chef Saleh Aljabali highlights local ingredients and the process behind creating them. Expect to indulge in classics like muqalal, jareesh, matazeez, and kabsa, but with a twist. The design perfectly mirrors the culinary offering, blending heritage and contemporary sophistication. Expect traditional Saudi architectural motifs, including columns and classic stone flooring, made with local timbers, traditional plaster rendering, and an earth-toned palette.
GO: Visit www.marriott.com for more information.
Julien
Chef Daniel Boulud has introduced Julien, an exclusive new dining concept inside the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. The restaurant is a 10-seat, ultra-intimate chef’s table experience offering an immersive, fine-dining meal. Tucked away behind Café Boulud, guests enter via a discreet passageway flanked by a curated bakery and cellar before arriving at the sophisticated dining enclave that centres around an open kitchen and a striking marble-topped bar. At the helm of Julien’s kitchen is Chef Thierry Motsch, who executes a refined multi-course tasting menu envisioned by Boulud himself.
GO: Visit fourseasons.com/riyadh for more information.
Juno
Saudi Arabia is home to restaurants from around the world, from celebrity chefs to big brands. Now, Laysen Valley has welcomed Qatar’s popular restaurant Juno. At its Riyadh outpost, diners can expect more of what made the original such a hit with dishes such as creamy burrata, perfectly crisp truffle arancini, and signature plates of saffron risotto and wood-fired pizzas layered with finesse. Expect an Italian-inspired menu designed for long lunches, late dinners, and everything in between.
GO: Follow @juno.ksa on Instagram for more information.
KO Asian Kitchen
The Kingdom’s dining scene shows no signs of slowing down. The latest arrival is KO Asian Kitchen Riyadh, a Peruvian-born brand that blends Asian flavours with Latin flair. Plates are designed for mixing and matching, inviting diners to travel across Asia by way of Latin America. Fusion is part of the brand’s DNA, and popular orders include Sriracha Chicken Bao, HK dumplings and the crowd-pleasing KO Box. A prime address in As Sulimaniyah, a menu built for sharing and a lively soundtrack make KO Asian Kitchen in Riyadh a timely addition to the capital’s culinary scene.
GO: Visit https://koasiankitchen.com for more information.
Krisp
Pizza fans, get ready for something delicious. Krisp has opened in Al Malqa, serving a variety of pizzas that all stay true to the name with their signature crispy base. The venue draws inspiration from traditional Italian pizzerias, featuring dark wooden floors, matching chairs, and a sleek countertop. The menu includes a range of pizzas with diverse toppings. Classica features mozzarella and parmesan, Quattro offers a medley of four cheeses, Green Dream comes with mozzarella, pesto chicken, and sundried tomatoes, and The Queen is topped with mozzarella, spicy honey, and meat.
GO: Follow @krisp_sa on Instagram for more information.
La Ba
La Ba takes its name from the French phrases meaning “where” and “there”. At the heart of La Ba is its live entertainment, which aims to get your toes tapping. The venue boasts a showbiz-inspired aesthetic, featuring rich red curtains, flashing lights and a stage at the centre. Performances have included live music from a drummer, a guitarist, a pianist, and a saxophonist. Plus, there is, of course, a singer and songs are sung in English and Arabic. The décor is elegant and theatrical, with white tablecloths, a mix of long and intimate tables, and artwork adorning the walls. The food menu at La Ba is superb for sharing. The drinks menu features a selection of carefully crafted cocktails by award-winning mixologist Atilla Iskif. Meanwhile, the Miracle Juice Concept has been designed to infuse energy and vitality into every sip.
GO: Follow @la.ba.ksa on Instagram for more information.
LaBocca
The taste of Italy has landed in Saudi Arabia with the opening of LaBocca on Anas Ibn Malik Road. The restaurant is a sultry spot with shades of red across the design and décor. Enter through the hot red arches, which open up to a dining room with indoor trees, mirrors on the ceiling, and a welcoming ambience. Take your pick from floral seats, red sofas, and round and square tables overlooking the open kitchen so that you can watch the chefs at work. The menu features pasta, pizza and proteins.
GO: Follow @labocca.sa on Instagram for more information.
La Haut
La Haut in Riyadh is backed by Saudi-American chef Moe Inani, who frames the menu around African and Mediterranean fusion. It reads like a tour through the coast and the Maghreb, with bright salads, flame-kissed seafood and slow-cooked comforts. Highlights include a Tomato Goat Cheese Salad, Harissa Shrimp Salad, Passion Fruit Carpaccio Salmon and Asado Short Ribs. The zero-proof bar mixes familiar favourites and house signatures.
GO: Follow @lahautksa on Instagram for more information.
Maman
Saudi Arabia’s dining scene shows no sign of slowing down, and the latest arrival is Maman, a restaurant that brings soulful Persian flavours to the capital. The idea behind the restaurant is rooted in the Persian word “maman,” meaning mother. It is not about a literal interpretation, but about everything a mother represents, from warmth and generosity to comfort and the ability to turn a simple meal into a lasting memory. That spirit runs through both the setting and the menu. The menu is inspired by the classic Iranian family table, featuring slow-cooked stews, grilled meats, fragrant rice and freshly baked breads. If you enjoy rich flavours, cosy settings and food that feels like home, Maman in Riyadh is set to become a regular spot on your dining rotation.
GO: Follow @eatmaman on Instagram for more information.
NOMAS
Located at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, NOMAS promises a meal anchored by signature Saudi hospitality and live oud performances that are not to be missed. The menu takes diners on a culinary journey across Saudi Arabia. Expect to indulge in dishes such as Hail Kebiba, Qursan layered with vegetables, Ocean Sayaadih, Hashi Steak, Najdi Lamb Shoulder, and much more. With an all-female leadership team, expect traditional Saudi cuisine in a refined setting.
GO: Follow @nomas.riyadh on Instagram for more information.
Ovun Bistro
From the moment you step into Ovun Bistro, you’re transported into a space that feels worlds away from the capital’s chaos. The decor is simple yet inviting, with light brown tiled flooring, cushioned wooden chairs, and marble-top tables in warm hues of beige and brown, setting a cosy tone. Kick-off with a selection of classic Lebanese mezze, including tabbouleh, fattoush, hummus, baba ganoush, muhammara and fatayer. For mains, expect traditional dishes like Kabab Arnabi, Kibbeh bel Laban, Kharouf and much more.
GO: Follow @ovunbistro on Instagram for more information.
Pantera
Located in As Sulimaniyah, Pantera Riyadh has taken over the spot that was briefly home to Isabel Mayfair on Tahlia Street. Designed in the style of an Art Deco mansion, the restaurant features three distinct areas: the Dining Room, the glass-top Conservatory, and the Speakeasy bar behind a hidden door. Pantera Riyadh promises to delight every Mediterranean craving. You can start light with a Corn Salad or the Watermelon Feta Salad and then move on to the Short Ribs Saffron Risotto, Truffle and Porcini Papardelle, Lobster Capellini, or the Charred Ribeye and Chicken Milanese.
GO: Visit www.panterariyadh.com for more information.
Phet Phet
Located on Takhasussi Road, Phet Phet promises a true Thai dining experience. White-tiled walls, matching tables and chairs, and a bright, welcoming atmosphere make for a minimalist yet charming setting. You’ll even spot a maneki-neko —beckoning cat — on the counter, which is said to bring good luck. Phet Phet’s menu pays homage to Thai street food and home-style dishes. Kick off your meal with the likes of Chili Wontons, Green Mango Salad, Prawn Toast and Tom Yum Soup before indulging in Khao Soi Curry Noodles, Pad Krapao Beef, Red and Green Curry or Turmeric Fish.
GO: Follow @phetphetksa on Instagram for more information.
Rowley’s
After a successful expansion to Dubai, Rowley’s has brought its much-loved Entrecôte Steak and British brasserie charm to KAFD. Guests can look forward to a plate built around steak, salad, fries, and that famous sauce. The experience is designed to feel generous and unfussy, with unlimited fries on offer and a cake of the day for those who want to finish with something sweet. Expect an old-world atmosphere with wooden flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows, dramatic mirrors, framed photographs, and a classic clock that anchors the room. A charming fox mascot appears throughout the space, from staff uniforms and merchandise to the tablecloths, where guests can even scrawl their name and preferred cooking temperature for a touch of interactive fun.
GO: Follow @rowleys.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Sasani
Located within the Hittin District, just a stone’s throw from Boulevard City, Sasani is perfect for those looking to enjoy a wholesome meal. Drawing inspiration from the grandeur of the Sasanian Empire, the restaurant offers a menu that blends centuries-old recipes with modern culinary artistry. Tuck into Ghorme Sabzi, Khoresht Stews, Kufteh Tabreezi, Joojeh Kabab, Lamb Chops, and many more.
GO: Visit www.sasani.info for more information.
Seoul
Seoul has opened in As Sulimaniyah, which is in the heart of the capital. The venue includes spaces for groups and gatherings, and the tables include grills, which allow you to cook your meal to your preference. The food menu spans appetisers, soups, sushi, salads, mandu, mains and desserts. Plus, grills and BBQ, and noodles and rice.
GO: Follow @seoul_ksa on Instagram for more information.
Supernova
International imports, homegrown hits, and high-concept eateries are reshaping Saudi’s food culture — and the latest name to join the mix is London’s cult-favourite burger joint, Supernova. Now open in Al Nakheel district, Supernova Riyadh brings its no-frills, all-flavour approach to the Saudi capital. The brand has become a breakout star in London’s saturated burger scene. The buns are soft, the patties are juicy, and everything is made with meticulous care. Add a cold shake and a superb sundae into the mix, and you’ve got the makings of a meal that hits all the right notes.
GO: Visit supernovaburger.com for more information.
Table;To
Located in Al Takhassousi, Table;To showcases premium meats, and the menu spans burgers, steaks and more. The menu features starters, sharing dishes, hot clay pots, burgers, a garden section, robata dishes, wood-oven dishes, and side dishes. Starters include Crispy Hasawi Rice, Josper Bone Marrow, and Wagyu Asian Beef Shawarma Taco. Additionally, there are dishes with playful names, such as Funk, featuring 48-hour-marinated chicken, and OMG, featuring avocado and cheese. The restaurant is a sultry spot and is already proving popular.
GO: Follow @tabl.to on Instagram for more information.
Taleed by Michael Mina
Located in historical Diriyah, Taleed by Michael Mina is now open inside the Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah. This new restaurant in Riyadh celebrates Mediterranean flavours infused with Hejazi influences, harmonising locally sourced ingredients with globally inspired techniques. Each dish celebrates flavour and tradition, from the Jeddah Red Sea Lobster Salad with golden mango and saffron labneh to the Hijazi Fish Fry served alongside aromatic hassawi rice sayadeya. A standout creation is Michael Mina’s Crispy Falafel, which reimagines a Middle Eastern classic with the addition of big-eye tuna, offering a contemporary twist on a beloved favourite.
GO: Follow @taleeddiriyah on Instagram for more information.
tashas
Twenty years after opening its first café in South Africa in 2005, tashas has opened in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District. True to the brand’s fresh, made-to-order philosophy, tashas KAFD serves generous, uncomplicated plates that feel both nostalgic and elevated. By day, the Classic Menu offers breakfast favourites, including the Hummus Toastie and Brioche French Toast. All-day highlights include the Texas Salad and the much-loved Parmesan and Couscous-Crusted Chicken, served with seasonal greens and goat cheese. This location showcases the largest cake display of any tashas, featuring over 25 creations. The drinks list is equally considered, offering handcrafted blends that upgrade familiar favourites.
GO: Visit www.tashascafe.com for more information.
The Lighthouse
Now open at 1364 in the Diplomatic Quarter, The Lighthouse in Riyadh is a multi-purpose venue. The menu draws inspiration from the Eastern Mediterranean, adding a contemporary flair throughout. Guests can start their day with bowls of Greek Yoghurt and House-made Granola or opt for the comforting Muhammara Eggs. As the day unfolds, the offering evolves to include Chicken Musakhan, Harissa-Crusted Seabass, and Truffle Rigatoni. Small plates such as the Lentil Salad with pickled vegetables and Short Rib Katayefs are ideal for sharing. The venue balances indoor and outdoor spaces to foster connection and conversation.
GO: Visit https://thelighthouse.ae for more information.
The Roof
Riyadh is raising the roof. The new restaurant The Roof has opened above Al Mamlaka Social Dining in the capital’s Kingdom Centre. The new restaurant is photo-ready, thanks to its Insta-worthy views of the Kingdom Tower. The venue boasts an elegant design with brown wooden features, white umbrellas, green seats, and pretty plants. The fantastic food menu spans mezze, salads, soups, mains, sides and desserts. Mezze includes Hummus, Labneh and Zucchini Baba. Mains include Armenian Shish, Curry Shish and Shish Taouk, while desserts feature Chocolate Raspberry Cake, Date Pudding and Kunafa Pistachio Cake.
GO: Visit https://almamlakasocialdining.com for more information.
Tolga
Located in the bustling U Walk, Tolga Restaurant offers marvellous Middle Eastern cuisine served with a contemporary twist. The space features indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal setup for Riyadh’s cooler seasons. Inside, wooden furnishings accented with hues of orange and charcoal black create a cosy yet sophisticated vibe. The menu celebrates Middle Eastern classics such as hummus, mezze and perfectly grilled meats. For dessert, treat yourself to sweet baklava or one of the other tempting treats on offer.
GO: Follow @tolga_ksa on Instagram for more information.
Wadi
We love Saudi Arabian cuisine at FACT, so we’re excited about the opening of Wadi in Laysen Valley. The new restaurant specialises in Saudi fusion cuisine and draws its name from the Arabic word for river. The menu offers salads, soups and a selection of hot and cold mezze. Main courses cover Batan Grilled Fish, Hanoos, Jareid and Lamb Leg Ekmah. Deserts include Gharameel, inspired by the Middle Eastern dessert Kazandibi and infused with local flavours. The concept combines high-quality ingredients and a luxurious atmosphere to create a memorable experience. Plus, it will offer a shisha menu.
GO: Visit https://laysenvalley.sa for more information.
