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 Riyadh’s best new restaurants right now.
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.
GO: Follow @thevinylember on Instagram for more information.
