The Saudi capital has flavoursome dishes from around the world. When it comes to the best Indian restaurants in Riyadh, things are very interesting. There has been a surge in serious newcomers over the last year combined with long-established powerhouses really reaffirming their position, and that is highlighted with the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022 winners, in association with Pepsi.
Classic curries, fusion food with unexpected ingredients, traditional merged with modern, there’s something for everyone and every mood at the best Indian restaurants in Riyadh, so eat up.
Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
These are the best Indian restaurants in Riyadh you need to head to:
WINNER
Maharaja East by Vineet
The Vineet behind this popular Indian restaurant is award-winning chef Vineet Bhatia. At this As Sulimaniyah spot, the menu celebrates local produce merged with traditional cooking techniques with modern touches. The result is smashing flavours with equally show-stopping spice combinations, and the distinction to be one of the best Indian restaurants in Riyadh.
Whether you’re a meat-eater or a veggie, there’s something for you. And if it’s classic Indian plates you’re after, get ready to dig into tandoor grills, curries, stews, biryanis and other rice dishes. Let’s not forget the breads and desserts.
As Sulimaniyah, maharajaeast.com (011 464 6161).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Mohalla
India has such a colourful, flavourful variety of cuisines and dishes. Luckily for us, we can sample our way through many of them at Mohalla. The Dubai restaurant has expanded to Riyadh with a cool, casual eatery in The Esplanade and is set on serving hungry customers Indian street food with inventive twists. Order what sounds good for the table and dig in. You won’t be disappointed. It’s already one of the best Indian restaurants in Riyadh.
The Esplanade, instagram.com/mohallaksa (055 709 1122).
RUHI Indian Cuisine
From one place rich in history to another, diners at RUHI get to experience the taste and traditions of India in the heart of the Saudi capital at one of the very best Indian restaurants in Riyadh no less. The menu is a celebration of classic Indian dishes fused with modern touches, and that celebratory mood extends to the welcoming space from the music to the minutiae of the venue. There’s something interesting at every turn, particularly on your plate.
The Zone, ruhi.com.sa (011 208 0962).
SHORTLISTED
Amaly
A fusion of luxury Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, Amaly is favoured by well-heeled patrons with excellent taste. Head there during the cooler months and bag a spot on in its beautiful outdoor space that comes complete with pretty palm tree views, where you can fill up on the likes of rogan josh lamb, chicken nizami biryani and Punjabi-style samosas. Veggies will be well-fed with a plethora of plant-based dishes, too. No matter your diet, this Al Ghadir spot is one of the best Indian restaurants in Riyadh to dine at. See you there?
Al Ghadir, instagram.com/amalyrestaurant (055 317 5550).
Blue Tok Tok, An Nakheel
So hungry your stomach can’t wait? Enter Blue Tok Tok – an Indian fast-food restaurant that always brings the goods, hence why it’s on the Best Indian Restaurants in Riyadh list. Named after the three-wheeled auto rickshaws used for transport, there’s plenty of bustle and noisy chatter here, while the smoky aromas speak of killer Indian cooking. Expect colourful biriyanis, saffron rice made with aromatic spices and fresh naan bread right from the oven. Dishes are large and prices reasonable too, so you really can’t go wrong.
An Nakheel, instagram.com/bluetoktok (053 375 2519).
Indian Style Restaurant
It will be joy at first whiff when you step inside Ar Rayyan’s Indian Style Restaurant – a causal eatery that doesn’t mess about. Headlining fixtures from the menu include the dum chicken biryani, dal takda curry and boneless chicken tikka, whereas there’s also a small Chinese menu for those who want the best of both worlds. It works. The spice blends are really allowed to sing here too, so it’s best to be prepared.
Ar Rayyan, indianstyle-rest.com (054 272 5376).
Kumar
Brainchild of chef Kumar, who has spent most his life working in the British restaurant industry, this inventive hotspot gives an exciting twist to traditional Indian cuisine. Tacos (yes, tacos) are the stars of the show, served bursting at the seams with traditionally seasoned chicken, beef, lamb and veggie options, while elsewhere fusion dishes including maharaja tempura shrimps and mughlai rib sliders most certainly hit the spot. Don’t leave without trying the pistachio kulfi.
Riyadh Park Gate 2, instagram.com/kumar.ksa (058 179 7295).
Molo, Riyadh Front
The city’s newest Indian restaurant boasting prime real estate at Riyadh Front, Molo is a much welcome addition to the upscale Indian fine-dining scene, serving up bold flavours in plates such as butter chicken, tandoori dishes, mutton buna and four types of biryani. Choose from Hyderabadi dum, vegetable, prawn and Bombay chicken for the win. Reservations are a must as this is one of the best Indian restaurants in Riyadh that has the city already charmed.
Riyadh Front, King Khaled International Airport, molo-sa.com (011 477 7739).
New Anarkali South Indian Restaurant
With an excellent menu encompassing all five Southern Indian states, New Anarkali draws both expats and locals alike with its unfussy dishes that taste just like home. Simple yet effective, people queue for its delicious dosas, fresh vegetable sambars and flaky parottas, while chefs also experiment with Pakistani and Chinese food too, meaning there’s something to suit all tastes. A great spot for a budget meal out, this is one of the Best Indian restaurants in Riyadh that is light on the wallet but big on flavours.
Al Wurud (050 268 3836).
Zafran Indian Bistro, Northern Ring Road
Think innovative flavours, classic comfort food and visual finesse, Zafran Indian Bistro has proved particularly popular here in Riyadh. Take a seat by the open kitchen and watch as chef get to work on plate after plate of rogan josh, butter chicken, aloo tikka and heaps of biryani – we highly recommend the lamb-based rampuri or peppery Calicut prawn. We’re starting to drool just thinking about it.
Northern Ring Road, zafanrestaurants.com (050 330 9181).
For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.
