Riyadh’s unrivalled food scene has been kicked up another notch thanks to some Latin American influence, and it has foodies all too happy. So, it was only fitting that the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo, highlighted these gamechangers.

We can already see the best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh growing bigger and bigger, which is saying something given that these top eateries have already started on such strong notes. Keep your eyes locked, and forks primed, on them as they all continue to expand in scrumptious ways in the coming months.

Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.

There’s no need to look further. These are the best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh:

WINNER
COYA

COYA needs no introduction. Even being a relative newbie to the Saudi capital, the eatery made an impression as it danced its way to As Sulimaniyah from the very first step. Now it’s the winner of the Best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh category at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022.

COYA is a celebration all around, particularly of modern Peruvian flavours. The vibey atmosphere continues throughout the experience whether you’re in the dining room or you have a seat on the sprawling terrace. The vibrant dishes are enhanced by the music, colourful art and upbeat mood of fellow diners and staff. If you’re feeling down, a trip to COYA will likely have you leaving with a spring in your step and your stomach filled. .
As Sulimaniyah, coyarestaurant.com (92 001 0352).

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Don Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant

It’s time to dig in at Don Ruben’s Mexican Restaurant, which is now officially one of the best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh. The Diplomatic Quarter eatery is all about bringing authentic flavours of Mexico to diners in the Saudi capital. It’s clearly a fan-favourite thanks to a fun, easygoing atmosphere, big plates and bigger flavours. Don’t wait until Taco Tuesday to head here. Say “hola” to the eatery any day of the week, especially when there are burritos, fries and guacamole to be had.
Diplomatic Quarter, instagram.com/donrubens.sa (050 292 9307).

Hotel Cartagena

You don’t need us to tell you that U Walk has some of the top restaurants in Riyadh. Hotel Cartagena has created its own identity with its Colombian fusion cuisine. Additionally, it is probably one of the most colourful restaurants in the city, if not in KSA. The plates, mood and staff are as joyful as the décor, making this a not-to-be-missed dining experience. Are you ready to check in to one of the best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh?
U Walk. instagram.com/hotelcartagenariyadh (9200 33 801).

SHORTLISTED

Cabana

A famed London import, and now one of the best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh. Cabana is the vibrant home of Rio street food and skewers in a relaxed and affordable setting. With nods to Brazilian dishes, signatures include marinated meats and blackened cod, along with the best-selling spicy­ Malagueta chicken that always goes down a treat. The Al Nakheel branch is also known for its colourful mocktail menu so swing by to sip on reimagined mixed drinks before the main event.
Al Nakheel Mall, instagram.com/cabanaksa (055 702 5867).

­­­MNKY HSE

A Hittin hotspot that has quickly established itself as the place in Riyadh to eat and relax, there’s an electric atmosphere at MNKY HSE every night of the week. Stylish yet sophisticated, its tasty Latin American cuisine comes reinvented in the form of soft tacos with chicken chipotle, crunchy tacos filled with wagyu beef and truffle, sushi and ceviche, while its resident DJ never fails to keep diners on their feet until the early hours. Expect house, drum and base, hip-hop and reggae. Feel the beat and enjoy the bites at one of the best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh today.
Hittin, instagram.com/mnkyhseksa (800 440 0041).

Tacoville

It’s Taco Tuesday everyday at Huna Takhassusi’s Tacoville, which also happens to be Saudi’s first Mexican taqueria. Let’s not forget it’s now one of best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh. Serving up some of the best soft corn delights in the city, choose from everything between carne asada tacos topped with grilled cheese, salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole, cilantro lime fried shrimp tacos and crispy chicken numbers with mango salsa. Other Mexican favourites include burrito bowls and loaded fries.
Huna Takhassusi, Panorama Mall, instagram.com/tacoville.sa (056 523 8112).

The Pampa Grill

A slice of Buenos Aires in the heart of Riyadh, The Pampa Grill is as authentic as they come, with traditional Argentinian specialties created by Argentinian chefs. With a charming rooftop restaurant for more clement weather and an atmospheric dining area inside, head here for juicy meats prepared on charcoal grills. Feeling extra hungry? Opt for the “all you can eat” deal, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Meat sweats incoming at another one of the best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh.
Narcissus Hotel, narcissusriyadh.com/dining/the-pampa-grill (011 294 6300).

Wildfire

A hit with meat-lovers, this buzzy steakhouse lets diners sample the finest slow-roasted meats cooked over a traditional churrascaria. The venue offers up tasty cuts of premium fish, chicken and, of course, beef, as well as a mean leg of lamb if you’re looking to push the boat out. Given this is one of the best Latin American restaurants in Riyadh we say do it. Its swanky setting in the Crowne Plaza is also of note – an evening here makes for an extra special night out.
Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention, wildfirerdc.com (011 813 1399).

For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.