Ready for something sweet? We already know the response. It’s time to dig in to the best dessert in Riyadh.
It was deemed impossible to launch the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards, in association with Pepsi Co, without dedicating a category solely to the capital’s unrivalled sweet tooths with a celebration of the best desserts in Riyadh.
From a seriously competitive sweets scene, these are the delicious dessert shops in Riyadh that deliver again and again. We’re getting hungry for chocolate, sugar and salted caramel just thinking about the best dessert in Riyadh.
Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
Whether you start or end your meal with a dynamite dessert, it doesn’t matter. (We’re not judging, either.) We just want to make sure that you do it.
These are the best dessert in Riyadh 2022:
WINNER
Cheat
The best place for a sweet treat? Or, more accurately for a sweet “cheat” as the brand likes to say. You’re looking at it in all its rich, decadent and chocolatey glory. We don’t think it’s cheating to have dessert. In fact, we think it’s wholly necessary and top dessert café in Riyadh gets this.
The spot for sweet-tooths doesn’t shy away from the sugary things in life, and it has a fun, playful atmosphere that will have you reaching for a spoon from that first chocolate drip. Forget the main course and go straight to dessert here. It’s definitely not cheating when it comes to eating the best dessert in Riyadh.
The Esplanade, instagram.com/cheat.sa (056 572 4756).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Chunk
For the best dessert shops in Riyadh, Chunk Bakery & Café has you sorted with its cakes, tarts, cookies and other sweet creations, including customisable options. The popular Riyadh café has been keeping things very sweet in the capital for a number of years. It’s sugar, spice and all things nice here with French-inspired desserts, perfect layers and generous portions that leave customers smiling between frosted bites. Try them all. It’s the best dessert in Riyadh.
Al Mohammadiyyah, instagram.com/hello_chunk, hellochunk.com (92 000 1382).
Lock
You could accurately say that Lock has its desserts on lock. The next time you have a hankering for something sugary and sweet, the top Riyadh dessert café is ready and waiting. Specialising in pastries, chocolates and cakes, just try to leave the dessert case without ordering a boxful of elegant creations. Whether you’re after something to share or a sweet treat to enjoy solo, there should be something for you. The variety showcases the best dessert in Riyadh in every bite. Grab a fork.
Hittin, instagram.com/lock.sa (059 678 4717).
SHORTLISTED
Hanoverian
While Hanoverian – named after the warmblood breed of horses which often win gold at the Olympics – might be best known for its chocolate truffles, its moreish morsels don’t stop there – these guys are masters in all things chocolate, and are recognised with best dessert in Riyadh. Think lamingtons, caramels, cookies and so much more. It’s one of the best spots in the city to indulge that sweet tooth. The pecan chocolate with salted caramel, in particular, will have you coming back for more.
An Nakheel, hanoveriansa.com (050 626 1919).
Jarlicious
Jarlicious started jarring its desserts back in 2014, and created a trend that has kept on going, earning a name for itself a having some of the best dessert in Riyadh. There’s nothing quite like the original, so it’s here you’ll want to head for everything from jars of biscuit Lotus and cake Emmanuel covered with cream cheese to slices of brioche topped with a layer of crème brûlée and sprinkles of sugar. There’s also French toast and larger dessert plates on the menu, if you fancy bucking the jarred trend.
An Nakheel, jarlicious.co (050 331 1245).
MÜH
Its doughnut towers are what made this kitsch café famous in Riyadh, but there’s plenty more where that came from at MÜH (otherwise known as the house of pudd). Just one of the many unique desserts you’ll find here, we’re also obsessed with the mango tiramisu, velvety cheesecake and baklava honey cakes which go down a treat with both adults and children alike. There’s delight in every bite.
Riyadh Front, instagram.com/muh.ksa (053 944 1114).
Over Jar
Expect chocolate, chocolate and a little more chocolate at Over Jar – one of the most unique dessert destinations in the city. Top quality, melted Belgian chocolate takes pride of place in most dishes here, including its delicious milkshakes topped with Oreos, caramel bombs and chocolate profiteroles which deliver on all fronts. As its name suggests, the Riyadh Park dessert shop also whips up a killer jar, filled with the likes of triple chocolate, red velvet and more. You can’t go wrong. If you have a chocolate craving, this is some of the best dessert in Riyadh.
Riyadh Park, instagram.com/overjarksa (9200 01888).
Sugarhive
Dessert for breakfast? Don’t mind if we do. Hailed by many as serving up the best French toast in Riyadh, you can get yours covered in salted caramel or stuffed with cream and maple syrup at this friendly joint, which is more than worthy of the hype. You might need a coffee to wake yourself up from the sure-to-follow sugar coma, but luckily baristas can whip one up in a jiffy. And a great one at that.
Al Malqa, instagram.com/sugarhiveksa (011 274 4449).
Sweets of Arabia
If you can’t resist a traditional Arabic dessert, then Sweets of Arabia is the place for you. Nestled within the plush The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh hotel, you can explore the tasty heritage of confectionery with authentic sweet treats, all hand-crafted by culinary artisans. Take yours outside to the terrace and enjoy amidst stunning views of the hotel’s majestic fountain. it’s not just some of the top traditional desserts in the Saudi capital, but the best dessert in Riyadh, period.
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, instagram.com/ritzcarltonruh (011 802 8020).
Toastic
Located in a quieter part of Riyadh, Toastic is a chilled-out place to sit back and relax with an indulgent dessert. A hit with regulars, a slice of its sponge cake topped with fruit and icing sugar is a must-order, while there’s plenty of options for vegans, too. A real hidden gem, be sure to discover this place before the masses do, if only to enjoy its beautifully made chocolate croissant. There are many moreish contenders for best dessert in Riyadh at this Al Taawun dessert shop.
Al Taawun, instagram.com/toasticsa (053 527 7577).
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