From salads to steaks, this new venue offers a stylish, satisfying dining experience.
Riyadh has no shortage of restaurants, and one of the latest to join the capital’s ever-growing dining scene is tashas. tashas has been created by the South African entrepreneur, Natasha Sideris. A powerhouse in the food industry, she is the founder and CEO of Tashas Group. tashas has 22 restaurants around the world. She told FACT: “I knew I didn’t want to follow a cookie-cutter approach to expansion. Each tashas is inspired by a time or place relevant to its location, which is reflected in the design and an Inspired By menu”. The Riyadh outpost marks the brand’s first in Saudi Arabia and proves why this restaurant should be visited and explored, again and again.
You’ll find tashas situated in KAFD. The location in the capital’s business district makes it ideal for a weekday lunch, a casual meeting, or a weekend coffee stop — all while enjoying the sleek, modern vibes of the district.
Stepping into tashas just a day after its grand opening, we were greeted by a packed restaurant, which was a rare sight for a weekday lunchtime in Riyadh. The crowd didn’t thin out either, which says something about the capital’s excitement for this particular opening.
Inside, the interiors are as charming as you’d expect. The mosaic-tiled floors, beige tufted couches, and rattan chairs occupy the space, whereas the lush green plants add freshness between the tables. The ceiling is a creative talking point in its own right, with handkerchiefs hanging overhead that instantly catch your eye.
We opted for outdoor seating beneath pretty umbrellas that provided shade from the afternoon sun. The weather was breezy and pleasant, and with the view of cars passing by, it almost felt like dining in a chic, metropolitan cafe abroad. Soft background music added to the vibe, keeping it relaxed but lively.
tashas KAFD Riyadh is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offers dining at a reasonable, return-worthy price. The lunch menu spans salads, sandwiches, soups, sides and more. The staff are on hand to help and are full of knowledge and recommendations.
True to the brand’s fresh, made-to-order philosophy, tashas KAFD serves generous, uncomplicated plates that feel both nostalgic and elevated. We started with the Asian Chicken Salad, a mix of greens with a tangy, zesty kick and just the right touch of spice. Each bite was crunchy and fresh, with tender chicken adding substance, while spicy peanuts added texture.
Next up was the Steak Tagliata, served well done as requested. The thinly sliced fillet was tender, juicy, and perfectly charred, tossed with rocket leaves, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts. The combination of flavours — salty, nutty, and earthy — was superb, especially when paired with crisp golden fries.
The Savva Chicken Pasta was a creamy, comforting dish. Grilled chicken strips, mushrooms, and garlic blended beautifully into a rich cream sauce. It wasn’t too salty, overly saucy, or excessively cheesy — just balanced indulgence.
For seafood lovers, the Sea Bass Vierge is a must-try. Oven-baked with a delicate sauce and served alongside sauteed herbed baby potatoes, the fish was buttery and light, with cherry tomatoes and herbs adding an extra punch of freshness.
We wouldn’t judge you if you came to tashas just for dessert. You’re spoilt for choice, and just plain spoilt as this location showcases the largest cake display of any tashas, featuring over 25 creations. The Mocha Vanilla Slice was spongy, moist, and creamy. This dish was sweet with just the right amount of coffee bitterness. Layered with caramel, this was a rich and indulgent end to the meal.
Service was a touch slow, understandable given that the restaurant had just opened the day prior. We even spotted Natasha Sideris, the founder, who acknowledged that the team was still finding its rhythm. Despite the wait times, the staff were always attentive, checking in to make sure we had everything we needed.
tashas KAFD pairs a bespoke menu with interiors that speak to the rhythm of the district. So if you’re looking for a simple yet refined meal in a beautiful space, tashas should be high on your list.
GO: Visit www.tashascafe.com for more information.