Where to dine at Diriyah’s new Bujairi Terrace

No trip to Riyadh is complete without a visit to Diriyah’s new upmarket dining destination.

Bujairi Terrace is officially open on the outskirts of Riyadh, offering a dining enclave of premium restaurants encompassing world-class global brands and local Saudi-owned concepts. Known for its traditional mud-brick architecture, the newly opened site overlooking the Kingdom’s cultural icon At-Turaif features a pedestrianised maze of winding alleyways home to 20 restaurants. Here’s where you should eat.

Altopiano

Embracing fresh, quality ingredients, Saudi-born brand Altopiano goes the extra mile to produce dishes evoking an authentic taste of Southern Italy but with a Middle Eastern twist. The restaurant uses seasonal and Saudi ingredients wherever possible to bridge the Italian and Arab worlds.

GO: Call +966 92 0066 88 or follow @altopiano.sa on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Angelina

Since 1903, Angelina has been the hot spot for Parisian elites. Known primarily for its almost pudding-like hot chocolate and its Mont Blanc dessert, Angelina has expanded internationally while maintaining an upscale dining experience. Angelina’s Diriyah location is the first in the Saudi capital, with a second restaurant already operating in Jeddah.

GO: Call +966 50 9553 788 or follow @angelinaparisksa on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Brunch & Cake

The Barcelona-born all-day dining spot’s new location is situated next to the Diriyah UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designed with the brand’s Instagrammable boho-chic interiors, Brunch & Cake Riyadh ensures guests a comfortable, photo-worthy, memorable dining experience. Expect Brunch & Cake’s famed dishes, such as avocado toast and stacks of fluffy pancakes.

GO: Call +966 59 265 7843 or follow @brunchandcakeksa on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Café de L’esplenade

Café de L’Esplanade’s first branch outside of France makes its way to Bujairi Terrace. The popular Parisian Brasserie, known for its relaxed ambience, serves up signature fusion fare, including cooked oysters, broths, steaks and French favourites.

GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com or call +966 56 8868 900 for reservations and more information.

Chez Bruno

Transported to Riyadh from the French Riviera, where it holds one MICHELIN-star, Chez Bruno will immerse diners in fantastic gastronomy based on classic French recipes and the luxurious flavours of truffle.

GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com or call +966 56 3573 227 for reservations and more information.

Cova Il Ristorante

Dating back more than 200 years, Cova is believed to be one of Italy’s oldest pasticcerias. Diners can expect artisanal Italian authenticity and creative craftsmanship poured into elegant Mediterranean dishes. The menu includes Risotto alla Milanese, pasta and seasonal salads.

GO: Visit www.pasticceriacova.com for reservations and more information.

Cova Pasticceria

Milan’s oldest Pasticceria creates a causal dining experience revolving around classic breakfast dishes, sublime brunch staples and the finest selection of sweet treats. Expect Panettones, chocolate gems, cream pastries, succulent fruit tarts, and many more decadent desserts.

GO: Visit www.pasticceriacova.com for reservations and more information.

Flamingo Room by tashas 

The second Middle Eastern location for Natasha Sideris’ upmarket concept has found a home on Bujairi Terrace. The dining experience fuses contemporary craft and African glamour with a menu of fresh seafood, season flavour and Insta-worthy decor.

GO: Follow @flamingoroombytashas on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Hakkasan Riyadh

The Hakkasan brand is known the world over for top-quality Cantonese food. In fact, the London and Dubai branches already have a MICHELIN Star. The stylish Shanghai-inspired mood has been transported to Riyadh, complete with a menu of signature dishes, including grilled Chilean seabass in honey, crispy duck salad, and dim sum.

GO: Follow @hakkasanriyadh on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Hi.

Hi. has become synonymous with freshly baked doughnuts throughout Riyadh. Here, the doughy and sugary rings are given a unique twist with a range of fun flavours and colourful glazes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. FACT favourites include the lemon doughnut with lemon cream and chia seeds, and the pistachio-flavoured Green Fairy.

GO: Follow @hi.saudi on Instagram for more information.

Joe & The Juice

Changing the narrative of healthy eating since its inception by Danish athlete, Kaspar Basse in Copenhagen, this eatery blends quick service with nutritious dishes and fantastic coffee. Loved for its shakes, juices and sandwiches, Joe & The Juice in Riyadh aims to be the go-to spot for the cool kids in the capital. Located in the historic Diriyah region, not only are the juices always made to order with top-notch ingredients, but the brand is committed to taking a sustainable approach.

GO: Follow @joeandthejuiceksa on Instagram for more information.

Long Chim

Long Chim, which means “come and taste” in Thai, takes inspiration from the markets and street food stalls of Thailand. With a MICHELIN star in Thailand, Long Chim brings the flavours of modern Bangkok to Riyadh from acclaimed chef David Thompson. 

GO: Follow @longchim on Instagram for more information.

Maiz

Maiz is a fine dining restaurant serving Saudi cuisine. The stylish restaurant has different areas boasting different vibes, from the dimly-lit interiors with dramatic chandeliers to a bright terrace with Arabic architecture. The menu prides itself on offering authentic Saudi food with a contemporary touch and features food from 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.

GO: Call +966 92 001 5513 or follow @maizriyadh on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Sarabeth’s 

Sarabeth’s began as a small bakery in 1981, where Sarabeth Levine sold her preserves and baked goods. Quickly gaining popularity, the store started serving breakfast and lunch, becoming a New York City landmark in the process. Sarabeth’s is now a global sensation, opening in Riyadh with a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Whether you’re tucking into fluffy pancake stacks, golden waffles, eggs Benedict or a slice of red velvet cake, Sarabeth’s is a place where visitors are made to feel like regulars.

GO: Follow @sarabeths.sa on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Somewhere

Somewhere comes to Riyadh from Independent Food Company, the brand behind Parkers, Public and Salt. Inspired by travel, the Mediterranean restaurant takes you somewhere unexpected and traditional dishes of the Arab world, including hummus and a fatteh bar are perfectly crafted. Somewhere also features a dessert bar of aromatic baklava, layered cakes and sweet treats.

GO: Visit www.letustakeyousomewhere.com for reservations and more information.

Sum + Things

Design lovers and foodies converge at this restaurant, retail space and art gallery. Expect an all-day menu of international dishes, decadent desserts, freshly-brewed coffee and views of the historical At-Turaif quarter.

GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com or call +966 54 134 4090 for reservations and more information.

Takya

This Saudi-owned fine-dining restaurant fuses traditional Saudi cuisine with a contemporary twist. Expect diverse dishes from across the Kingdom reinterpreted to provide a fusion of Saudi heritage with modern culinary techniques and inspirations.

GO: Call +966 55 0402 000 or follow @takya_sa on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Tatel

With outposts in Madrid, Doha, Ibiza and Los Angeles, Tatel in Riyadh offers Spanish haute cuisine accompanied by creative mocktails, musicians and daily live entertainment. Tatel’s menu offers traditional Spanish recipes with a twist of sophistication and innovation in dishes such as Tatel semolina risotto with grated truffle, fried eggs with red tuna tartare, slow-cooked beef ribs, and cured beef croquettes.

GO: Call +966 56 8868 966 or follow @tatel.sa on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Villa Mamas

The Riyadh outpost of this popular Bahraini concept sees Roaya Saleh being her blend of nostalgia for traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to the Saudi capital. Expect a complete immersion in remarkable regional flavours presented with a contemporary twist in popular dishes such as prawn fritters, cherry and lamb kofta, chicken machbous and hammour Sayadieh. 

GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com or call +966 92 0066 880 for reservations and more information.