BB Social Riyadh is here. The modern Asian restaurant has officially expanded into Saudi Arabia. BB Social Dining is opening on Wednesday March 23 in the capital, and Time Out got an exclusive first look at the striking space in Panorama Mall before it welcomes diners.
The original BB Social in Dubai’s trendy DIFC Gate Village is known for its modern Asian cuisine and a social, buzzy atmosphere. The popular DIFC spot, which is founded by Spero Panagakis, Shab Stumpf and Alexander Stumpf, is also the recent winner of the Best Asian Restaurant of the Year in the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards. But, there’s no need for hungry diners in the capital to make a trip to the UAE thanks to the new BB Social Riyadh. We can now experience the punchy flavours at home.
Riyadh’s new BB Social Dining is located in the vibrant Huna hub in Panorama Mall on Al Takhasussi Road, where a number of people already gather to work, collaborate and, yes, socialise.
The newly opened Riyadh restaurant welcomes you in with its signature blue bricks beckoning people to “Meet me @ BB”. With pastel pink walls and numerous tables, it’s a spot that you can likely get comfortable.
The welcoming vibes continue inside. BB Social Riyadh is an airy restaurant on the ground level with open windows and plush yellow sofas mixed with blue seats and wooden chairs that suggest a cool spot to enjoy bites as you catch up with friends and family.
Greenery is dotted throughout the inviting space right from the potted plants outside on the patio to plush and colourful tropical greens inside that break up the tables and make patrons feel like they’re in someone’s chic living room.
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Wanting to dine al fresco? When the weather is fair, be sure to enjoy BB Social Riyadh’s outdoor area. The restaurant opens up for a seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor spaces, so even those inside will still get to enjoy the patio ambiance, or people can move about as they please.
Of course we cannot forget about what’s on BB Social Riyadh’s menu. As you might have guessed, the menu is divided up by B’s with a lot of bites, bowls, bao and barbecue. There is also katsu and desserts, of course. Like in Dubai, Riyadh’s BB Social menu is about being a “crossroad of cultures” with fun twists on classics.
Have your phone handy because BB Social has some very Instagrammable plates including the bao, like the one that features a whole softshell crab paired with watercress and wasabi dressing popping out from its fluffy bun.
Ready for mains? BB Social’s barbecue items should satisfy whether you’re after fish or meat. These aren’t your average grills with truffle flakes decorating the top of ribeye. Try a nourishing pho from the bowls section. Have a katsu sando or share it among the table. Remember, this is BB Social. Cauliflower popcorn, anyone?
Be sure to save room for dessert at BB Social Riyadh. Some of the sweet treats are (almost) too striking to eat thanks to their presentation, particularly the baonut which – you guessed it – is a bao-doughnut hybrid that comes tucked in a leaf with sauces on the side.
Are you ready to get social? You can reserve a table by calling 011 215 6000 or visit instagram.com/bbsaudi.
Opens Wed Mar 23. Huna, Panorama Mall, Al Takhasussi Road, Al Ma’sthar Al Shamal, instagram.com/bbsaudi (011 215 6000).
