From upmarket eats to casual treats, these are the best new restaurants in the Saudi capital.
Keeping track of all the new restaurant openings in the Kingdom is a full-time job. But if you love finding the latest hotspots for breakfast, lunch and dinner before anyone else, then this is the place for you. These are the best new restaurants in Riyadh right now.
New Riyadh restaurants in February 2026
Haru
Whether you’re team sashimi, can’t say no to a crispy tempura moment, or are forever chasing the city’s best maki, the capital’s appetite for all things Japan continues to grow. Haru has officially opened in Riyadh on Al Takhassousi Street, landing in a prime pocket surrounded by some of the neighbourhood’s most popular dining destinations. Seating is arranged bar-style beside the open kitchen, so you can watch the chefs assemble each dish in real time. It’s intimate and engaging, with the focus firmly on fresh food and a front-row view of the action. As for the menu, Haru offers the classics, along with plenty of crowd-pleasers for sharing. Start light with miso soup or a signature salad, then move into favourites like shrimp tempura, tuna tartare and beef gyoza. Sushi fans can keep it traditional with salmon or seabass nigiri, or go for rolls like spicy salmon, California, and the house Haru maki. When you’re in the mood for something heartier, there are comforting mains like shrimp yaki udon, seafood fried rice and katsu curry to round out the meal.
GO: Follow @haru__ksa on Instagram for more information.
Kantami
The capital’s appetite for new restaurant openings shows no sign of slowing, and the latest name on everyone’s list is Kantami in Riyadh. The Al Khobar original has earned a loyal following for its bold take on Japanese cuisine, and now the brand has brought its energy to the capital with a new outpost at Nawaf Square in Al Malqa. Kantami draws inspiration from Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing ceramics with gold. The atmosphere is cinematic, with a modern izakaya feel that is casual and social, equally suited to a quick bite or a long, unhurried meal with friends. On the menu, classic Japanese techniques sit alongside playful, evolving twists. Highlights begin with appetisers like Roripoppu Prawn Lollipops, wrapped in a crisp shell and served with a punchy house sauce. For mains, Azabu Salmon Donburi pairs miso-butter-glazed grilled salmon with seasoned rice and dashi-simmered onions, served with a small bowl of miso soup.
GO: Follow @kantami.sa on Instagram for more information.
Thurya Restaurant
Thurya Restaurant at Sofitel Riyadh brings Lebanese heritage to the table with a polished, contemporary edge. Rooted in time-honoured recipes yet unafraid to innovate, the menu balances familiar flavours with creative touches, from vibrant mezze and charcoal-grilled classics to refined sharing plates designed for lingering evenings. The setting feels equally considered, pairing an elegant green design with cultural cues that nod to the Levant’s warmth and generosity.
GO: Visit https://sofitel.accor.com for more information.
New Riyadh restaurants in January 2026
Amar
Jeddah’s popular Amar restaurant has arrived in Riyadh, bringing the brand’s elevated Lebanese dining to Tahliya Street. Set in La Corte Mall, the restaurant pairs classic hospitality with a modern atmosphere designed for long, social meals. Follows the blueprint of the Jeddah original, expect a menu rooted in tradition, from mezze and familiar Levantine starters to charcoal-grilled favourites and generous sharing-style mains. Signature dishes include Kebbeh Nayyeh, Fattet Shrimps, Shish Taouk and loaded Shawarma platters. For those with a sweet tooth, traditional Lebanese desserts will also take centre stage, with Knafeh, Pain Perdu, Ghazal Amar and Umm Ali among the highlights.
GO: Visit www.amarrestaurants.com for more information.
Apple Butter
Apple Butter has brought a taste of London to Riyadh, opening in KAFD as an all-day café-restaurant built for brunches, working lunches and late-afternoon sweet fixes. The menu leans into crowd-pleasing comfort with Truffle Scrambled Eggs served all day, plus mains like Butter Chicken, Prawn Marinara Pasta and a Wagyu Beef Burger. Save room for dessert, where Pistachio Umm Ali and Saffron Milk Cake steal the spotlight. Coffee, tea and mocktails round out the offering. Inside, cosy interiors centre on an Instagrammable apple tree that anchors the room.
GO: Follow @applebutter.ksa on Instagram for more information.
LIZA
LIZA has arrived at Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, bringing its Beirut-born, Paris-polished take on Lebanese dining to the capital. Built around the motto “Beyrouth je t’aime”, the restaurant pairs an elegant setting with a lively, social energy. The kitchen celebrates classic Lebanese flavours, from mezze made for sharing to charcoal-kissed grills and comfort dishes lifted by herbs, spice and citrus. Set within one of the capital’s most scenic dining destinations, it is an easy pick for a long lunch or a buzzy evening with friends. Reservations are recommended.
GO: Visit www.lizariyadh.com for more information.
The Vinyl Ember
Tucked on the first floor of Kimpton KAFD Riyadh, The Vinyl Ember is an American grill where fire and vinyl share top billing. Expect an open-fire kitchen, moody lighting and a chef’s counter, backed by curated playlists that lean soulful as the night deepens. Set in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, it’s a sleek speakeasy-style hideaway for late nights and after-work fun. The menu focuses on bold, elevated grill classics, while zero-proof cocktails keep the tempo high, making this spot one of the best new restaurants in Riyadh right now.
GO: Follow @thevinylember on Instagram for more information.
Ziba
Expanding across the Kingdom, the Persian restaurant Ziba from Al Khobar has now opened in Riyadh. The interiors embody Persian artistry, unfolding like a living museum where Heriz carpets and symbolic details reflect centuries of Persian craftsmanship and perfectly complement Ziba’s exquisite Persian cuisine. The menu ranges from mixed grills to flavourful rice dishes. Traditional dishes include Mezze Platter, Ghormeh Sabzi, Joojeh Kebab, Ziba Gourmet Grill Platter, Tahchin E Morgh, Chelo Mahicheh, Kashk-O-Badamjan, Rice with Zereshk (Barberry) and much more.
GO: Visit https://zibarestaurant.com for more information.
