Saudi Arabia and Italy might be miles apart, but one key thing they share is incredible Italian food. The best Italian restaurants in Riyadh at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo, capture the flavours of the European country, resulting in one of the strongest categories of the awards.
Yes, there is perfection in the form of pizza and pasta, but that is just a start. Chefs from across the varied regions of Italy come to the Saudi capital to showcase authenticity and tradition, as well as innovation, giving diners the chance to develop a wide-ranging knowledge of the breadth of Italian cuisine while enjoying top food at various price points. It’s all delicious insight that adds up to the very best Italian restaurants in Riyadh.
Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
These are the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh:
WINNER
Il Baretto
This King Abdullah Financial District eatery describes itself as a “simple, authentic Italian restaurant in Riyadh”. The venue perfectly encapsulates how simple certainly isn’t boring. Il Baretto was the first restaurant to open in the KAFD district and it definitely set the bar very high. With its slick and professional service, piano-laden atmosphere and carefully crafted menu of Italian classics, it’s clear that the restaurant game is a tune the team behind Il Baretto know off by heart.
The atmosphere never misses a beat, either. The restaurant is frequently in full swing a variety of diners all eager to enjoy as much as possible, and nothing ever slumps. If you’re after an Italian eatery that’s a step above the rest, it’s time to say “buona sera,” or good evening, to Il Baretto. It’s one of the best restaurants in Riyadh, and has officially been crowned the winner of the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh.
KAFD, ilbaretto.sa (92 001 2508).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Annabella Ristorante Italiano
Not all of us have an Italian nonna (grandmother) at home to make simply sublime Italian dishes that have been passed down from one generation to the next. But, what we do have is Annabella Ristorante Italiano. The relaxed, homey spot wants diners to all have that experience and is set to provide it with a family-style dining event in a street-inspired venue complete with a leafy terrace. The result is one of the very best Italian restaurants in Riyadh. Experience it firsthand.
Levels Mall, Northern Ring Branch Road, instagram.com/annabellaksa (050 373 8830).
Azzurro
There are not many places in Riyadh, or the GCC for that matter, where you can enjoy the sparkling views of chandeliers and an expansive indoor swimming pool as you savour Sardinian flavours. That is part of what makes Azzurro so special, and has earned it the distinction at one of the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh. Add in top-notch service and a focus on seasonality and the best of ingredients, and Azzurro is anything but your average Italian.
This is somewhere to go for a special occasion, or any time you want to familiarise yourself with a part of Italy not often represented on menus as wholly as it is here.
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, Al Hada, ritzcarlton.com (011 802 8333).
SHORTLISTED
Cipriani, Hittin
A classic Italian restaurant that is excellent day in day out, Cipriani is where Riyadh’s fashion pack come to feed. And feed well they do. Serving up traditional, comforting dishes hailing from Venice, Cipriani defines elegance with its glass chandeliers, high oak tables, blue leather chairs and terrazzo patterned floors.
While pastas and pizzas are on the menu for those who like the staples, diners rave about the mouth-watering veal brisket and sea bream with roasted broccoli. Make numerous trips to try it all from one of the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh.
Prince Turk Ibn Abdulaziz Al Awwal Road, Hittin, cipriani.com (011 277 6700).
Mamo Michelangelo
Hailing all the way from the uber-glam Antibes, get ready to enjoy an elegant evening at Mamo Michelangelo over Italian bites. The French Riviera import is smart yet stylish, cool yet unpretentious, with an authentic menu that celebrates the best of artisan regional cooking. The creamy burrata direct from Napoli, the truffle pizza and the veal Milanese are matched only by the restaurant’s charming interior, which makes for the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion. Come say “ciao” to another one of the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh.
Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, mamo-michelangelo.com (92 000 0874).
Oulu
On the lookout for the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh that won’t break the bank? For an elevated-but-approachable take on pizza and pasta, look no further than Oulu. Specialising in Italy’s favourite two carbs with dishes crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients, chic black and white photos line the walls while talented chefs spin dough like there’s no tomorrow. Simple yet mind-blowing, opt for the burrata followed by pesto pasta, while the Margherita pizza direct from the pizza oven graces as many tables as much as the surprise sides. Bravo.
As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/oulu.sa (056 762 4144).
San Carlo Cicchetti
Cicchetti – pronounced chi-KET-tee – is the Italian equivalent of Spanish tapas, so you’ll want to gather all your family and friends for a sharing-style meal down at the popular restaurant in one of Riyadh’s bustling neighbourhoods. Dig into simple Venetian dishes cooked extremely well, including staple starters of bruschetta, mozzarella and garlic bread followed up with handmade pasta, stone-baked pizza and plenty of fish and meat dishes. Chances are you’ll have to be rolled out of one of the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh.
As Sulimaniyah, sancarlocicchetti.sa (92 001 0679).
Serafina
A much-loved New York-based celebrity restaurant, Serafina is the baby of famous foodies and founders Fabio Granata and Vittorio Assaf, so as to be expected, it never fails to disappoint. It’s worthy of being called one of best Italian restaurants in Riyadh. With a focus on locally grown produce and fresh ingredients, chefs whip up creative pasta dishes, authentic pizzas and specialities such as risotto Serafina, with a strong focus on Northern Italian cuisine. Be sure to wash it all down with a refreshing mocktail – they’re some of the best in the business.
The Esplanade, instagram.com/serafinaksa (055 538 2251).
Signor Sassi
Want one of best Italian restaurants in Riyadh that will leave a lasting impression? The buzz is as important as the food at this popular Italian, which first made its grand opening in London back in 1984. Now a firm fixture on the Riyadh’s fine-dining scene, it even comes complete with a stunning indoor terrace featuring a huge skylight and elegant florals that transport you abroad without ever leaving the Saudi capital. Chef Filippo’s menu highlights include avocado Bernardo, spaghetti lobster and risotto al pesce, but it’s all absolutely delicious if you ask us.
As Sulimaniyah, signorsassi.sa (92 001 1877).
Walton St. Scalini
Nestled slap bang in the middle of Riyadh’s trendy Hittin district, Walton St. Scalini is the place to head for authentic Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting. You can’t go wrong with any of its signature dishes – its carpaccio alla rucola (thinly sliced raw beef with mustard sauce and arugula leaves), veal Milanese (breadcrumbed veal escalope on the bone) or the burrata con datterini (burrata served with cherry tomato) all deserve a round of applause, hence why it’s on the Best Italian restaurants in Riyadh list for the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022. This is a place that is sure to impress.
Signature Centre, Hittin, scalini-riyadh.com (011 477 7753).
For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.
