The best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh is one category that doesn’t need much of an introduction when we have some of the most magnificent Middle Eastern and North African food. But, we can reveal the winners from the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo, are the top of the crop.

The Middle Eastern and North African category celebrates the extraordinary cuisines from across this entire region, where there are many, many super specialties and spice blends. Arabic, Armenian, Levantine, Turkish, Lebanese, and never forgetting Saudi, we could go on, but we want you to dig in at the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh. Now.

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

Come on down to the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh:

WINNER
Shababïk

Those who love Lebanese flavours are likely familiar with Shababïk. It’s one of the best restaurants in Riyadh, and it’s now the top pick for Best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh 2022. Take a seat at one of the plush, brightly coloured chairs in the dining room and get ready to feast of fresh flavours.

Order for the table and be sure to sample a bit of everything because there really isn’t a ho-hum dish at this As Sulimaniyah spot. No matter the time of day, Shababïk is there to serve with breakfast, lunch, dinner or when you’re looking for some top Lebanese flavours late in the night.
As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/shababikksa (92 000 3945).

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Beit Omar

Some of the best Riyadh restaurants are in Al Olaya, but Beit Omar brings something different to the table, and that is well-priced Arabic specialties with smashing tastes. Have some hot appetisers, go for grills, feast on fattah or devour desserts. Just don’t miss out on one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh. You can enjoyably eat your way through the menu at the affordable eatery. With a lively ambiance and approachable staff, it is a top Riyadh restaurant that you will want to visit on repeat.
Al Olaya (011 279 0030).

Lusin

Look to Lusin the next time you want to eat Armenian cuisine in a fine-dining but approachable atmosphere. The local favourite doesn’t need much of an introduction thanks to flavours that shine along with hospitable staff. The team is always on hand whether you’re visiting for your first time or fifteenth. Signature dishes are in fact signatures for a reason, but each plate on the full menu is dynamite in its own way. So, dig in at this noteworthy spot on the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh list.
Centria Mall, lusinrestaurant.com.

SHORTLISTED

AVAK

Dubbing itself a modern Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern eatery, AVAK errs on the side of the latter, with the likes of batata harra, fried potatoes mixed with coriander, garlic, herbs and green peppers, chicken tawook, fatteh shawarma and mixed hummus with a side of vine leaves. This is the sort of place that will dazzle with a mezze to remember, making it part of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh.
Hittin, instagram.com/avak.sa (011 275 1833).

Harat

One of the most stylish restaurants in Riyadh, and now one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh from the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022. It’s basically impossible to visit Harat without posting it on Instagram. Luckily the food doesn’t play second fiddle to the interiors thanks to a varied menu of delicious Saudi staples including kebbah bil laban (minced beef and rice croquettes stuffed with various fillings baked in creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce), lamb mugalgal and egg-halloumi bil fekhara. It also happens to be an excellent spot for brunch, so be sure to get there early to kick start your day the right way.
Northern Ring Road, harat.com.sa (011 450 0081).

Lavash

An Armenian gem complete with luxe interiors and five-star service, Lavash is handsome, tasty and impeccably modern. Peddling a huge menu of native and international hits such as soups, salads, grills and fatteh, the huge space is spread over three floors decked with statement gold chandeliers, greenery and plenty of kitsch artwork. Staff are eager to please, and dishes always come creatively prepared. What more could you want? It’s simply one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh.
Mateen Square, instagram.com/eat_lavash (92 002 3506).

Maward Armenian Lebanese Restaurant

Step inside the pretty pink walls of this Lebanese eatery and the first thing that will greet you is an array of incredibly beautiful canvases that line the walls. It’s the food that really impresses though, with the likes of beetroot hummus, Armenian tabouleh, generous mixed grill and spicy lamb frike. The best bit? The bill won’t kill. So, make your way over to another honouree in the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh.
Alyasmin, ma-ward.com (054 596 0222).

Mayrig

For a restaurant that was founded 15 years ago in an old town house in Beirut, Mayrig is as palatial as they come. Another Armenian hotspot, the menu stays true to traditional MENA dishes with a modern twist – manti (dumplings served in a meat broth with a dollop of yogurt), sou boreg (cheese casserole) and wild cherry kebabs are the stars of the show, but dishes change regularly to keep up with current trends. In other words, you’ll definitely need to visit one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh more than once.
Al Olaya, mayrigriyadh.com (011 217 0226).

Naya

For well-cooked Lebanese dishes in a casual setting, you can’t go wrong with voco’s Naya. Fans of mezze will be delighted with its diverse selection, while home-style dishes are made for sharing. Expect plenty of meaty mains, pillowy flatbreads, pastries, salads and slow-cooked stews that are unfussy, authentic and always generous.
voco Riyadh, An Namudhajiyah, ihg.com (011 457 9999).

The Lebanese Bakery

Craving a classic, cheese-smothered, gooey manakish? The Lebanese Bakery has you covered. Bringing a contemporary twist to the popular Middle Eastern favourite, there are plenty of plant-based options for those after a healthier hit (think roasted aubergines and cauliflower, parsley, cherry tomatoes and tahini vinaigrette), but it’s unthinkable to walk away without trying the halloumi with basil spread and pine nuts. It’s worth the calories and then some. This clearly isn’t your average bakery. It’s one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh.
U Walk, thelebanesebakery.com/Riyadh (011 455 4949).

Ward

Simple, stylish and effortlessly chic, when it comes to casual Lebanese fare, Ward means business. Beautiful fresh salads, tangy stuffed vine leaves, crunchy flatbreads and sublime grills all line the menu, and if you have a sweet tooth then try and save room for the generous selection of Levant desserts. You’ll find all the usual suspects on there and you will be very happy about it.
Al Urubah Road, facebook.com/ward.restaurant (011 283 4799).

For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.