If you’re looking for new places to try out, there are always new restaurants in Riyadh to chow down at as well as fresh coffee shops to pick up your daily iced coffee at. If you’re after a chill spot, canteens in Riyadh are the up-and-coming place to be.
Don’t let thoughts of cold school lunches put you off of canteens forever because these next-gen Riyadh canteens do things differently. By that, we mean way better food, a cool atmosphere and no stress of homework. The best canteens in Riyadh are casual spots to enjoy a leisurely meal at any time of day or night and offer just the right nostalgic vibe without sending us straight back to science test nightmares.
Ready to chow down canteen-style? Make like the cool kid that you are and head to the best canteens in Riyadh.
Bofia
Hungry for Saudi breakfast spots in Riyadh? There’s nothing quite like the Kingdom’s famous local neighbourhood bofias, serving everything from egg sandwiches to shawarmas. A simple form of eating that won’t break the bank, bofias are popular spots to enjoy local breakfast items. That’s where Bofia (with a capital “B”) comes in. The eatery is keen on elevating the usual experience in a cool space but without pretension. The new spot serves Saudi staple dishes like shakshouka, kebdah (liver), foul tawa, and more.
Click here for the breakfast spots in the city.
Open daily, 5am-4pm. 2859 Al Imam Abdul Rahman Ibn Faisal, 8520, instagram.com/bofia.sa.
Ghabashi
Get on the Riyadh canteens bus because we have another one for you. If you’re after traditional Saudi food canteens in Riyadh, you can head to Ghabashi to dig into traditional items to-go. Located in one of Riyadh’s most popular districts, Al Malqa, Ghabashi seems like your comfy, neighbourhood spot with its homey vibe, self-service hot beverage dispensers and fresh juices. Filled with a selection of local dishes that will have you wanting more, dig into kebdah, steak, chicken, shakshouka sandwiches and fatayer.
We don’t want to give too much away, but there are two characters specially designed for the place that make appearances throughout the venue. (Keep your eyes peeled.)
Click here for the best manakish spots.
Open daily, Sat-Wed 7am-midnight, Thu 7pm-2am, Fri 5pm-2am. 2980 Aldahna Street, Al Malqa, instagram.com/ghabashi.sa.
Maqsaf
Bringing the best canteen vibes back with style (read: eating and catching up with friends), Maqsaf is throwing those nostalgic experiences right back to you. The hip spot recently opened a second branch in the Ar Rayyan district due to popular demand. Offering a variety filled pita options including egg and turkey sausage, truffle scrambled eggs and halloumi sandwiches, the spot serves simple food suitable for all hours of the day. There’s even a merch store. We never had one of those in our school canteens.
Click here for the coolest concept stores in the city.
Open Sat-Thu 3.45am-1am. Fri (closed). Ar Rayyan District and Al Mohammadiyyah, instagram.com/maqsaf.saudi.
Maqsaf 90
After airy canteens in Riyadh that can rival the city’s minimalist cafés? Maqsaf 90 has huge windows, LED signs and a great-looking breakfast menu. Chow down on shakshouka, croissant sandwiches and baked goods paired with a cold brew. Want more to Instagram? There’s a yellow ceiling covered with playful doodles. If you’re after some creative inspiration, and some possible reminiscing about art class, this could be the canteen for you.
Click here for the most unique cafés in the capital.
Open Sun-Thu 6am-2pm, Fri (closed), Sat 8pm-4pm. Prince Saad Ibn Abdul Aziz, An Namudhajiyah, instagram.com/maqsaf_90.
Looking for new restaurants? Click here for the exciting eateries coming soon to the Saudi capital.
