There’s something about a massive pile of nachos that always seems to win over a crowd. But where to get the best nachos in Riyadh? This perfect sharing snack with a little kick (well, if you go for a spicy salsa and jalapeños that is), has a number of purveyors here in Riyadh, but these are the nacho spots we’re heading for straight out of the gate.
Macho Nachos at Amigos
A little taste of Mexico in the heart of Salahuddin, Amigos is just one of those places you canʼt help falling instantly in love with. Although it might look kind of unexpected, on the side of a rather nondescript building, the wood-panelled exterior to this welcoming Mexican eatery simply adds to its charm. Once inside, you might feel like youʼve been transported to a cantina in Guadalajara – and this loving recreation of one is really as kitsch as they come. We say that with a smile on our faces, though, and what will make that grin even broader is the arrival of one of the quartets of nacho dishes to your table.
The Pizza Nachos (topped with ground beef, chopped onions, mushrooms and olives) is a novel way to serve these deep-fried tortillas but one that does prove popular with regulars. The Chili Nachos and Nachos Supreme (with jalapeños) are far more traditional but no less tasty, but itʼs the Macho Nachos that stand out for us. Guacamole, sour cream and refried beans are the toppings for this one and it doesn’t get much more Mexican (or moreish) than this. Andale, amigos. Massive, and some of the best nachos in Riyadh.
Open Sat-Thu 11am-2am, Fri 12.40pm-2am. Al Barud, Salahuddin (011 450 9575).
Fajita Nachos at FireGrill
Mexican foodl;overs in Riyadh will know all about the famous FireGrill burrito, which is widely considered one of the best in the capital. But did you know they do some kicking nachos, too? We only discovered this fact when one of our lunchtime buddies decided to go rogue a little and order some fajita nachos.
The fact you can customise every order makes us even more of a fan and so whether we’re in a fully loaded or plain and simple mood, FireGrill will let you build your own bowl of nacho magnificence. If, like us, you love guacamole with everything when it comes to Mexican food, then let them pile it high.
Open Sat-Wed 11am-1am, Thu-Fri 11am-2am. Various locations including King Fahad Branch Road, Al Malqa, firegrill.com.sa (800 249 2222).
Mexika Nachos at Mexika
The team behind Mexika have travelled the world to explore the finest methods and ingredients to reproduce Mexican food at its finest. Although some would argue that they only really had to flit either side of the Mexican border with the US to find the true art of this cuisine, we still think their endeavours have paid off handsomely. The concept is simple and you are only ever three steps away from your perfect meal – burrito, taco, quesadilla or in this case, nacho bowl.
What you’ll get is a healthy portion of Mexika nachos in Riyadh (their secret’s safe with us) plus cheese and jalapeños, which you can then top with one (or more if you like) of the selection of hearty proteins such as lemon or spicy chicken, chilli con carne, barbacoa, striploin steak, shrimp or vegetables. Whack on your choice of salsa and what you have is a nacho dish bursting with flavours.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-1.30am, Thu 10am-2am, Fri 12.30pm-2am. Al Ghadeer Square, Exit 5, Northern Ring Road, mexika.com.sa (011 234 2100).
Nachos Queso at Tortilla
This British-born chain created by a couple of homesick Californians has gone from strength to strength since it burst onto the London culinary scene back in 2007. Left despondent by the dearth of burritos and tacos in their adopted home, Brandon and Jen decided to start their own restaurant based largely on the taquerias they visited growing up in the Mission District of San Francisco.
The result: good, honest Californian food where you can really taste the love. If you’re coming here for a plate of deep-fried tortillas to share, then you really must order up some nachos queso at Tortilla in Riyadh. Crunchy corn chips drizzled with melted chipotle cheese sauce and topped with a handmade pico de gallo salsa, guacamole and a light sprinkling of fresh jalapeños. Sound good? It should. And once you dig in, there’ll be no stopping you. Some of the best nachos in Riyadh.
Open daily 11am-11pm. Riyadh Park, King Abdul Aziz Road, tortillaarabia.com (011 238 6800).
Factory Nachos at The Cheesecake Factory
Now you don’t have to be fans of The Big Bang Theory to know The Cheesecake Factory doesn’t just do an amazing line in, er, cheesecakes (served with or preferably without a little sass). Known for its hugely generous portions, this Beverly Hills-born restaurant is a big hit with families across the planet if they are looking for a reasonably priced night out with hundreds of dessert choices to top it off with.
Factory Nachos features a hearty portion of crispy tortilla chips comes covered with melted cheese, guacamole, red chilli sauce, sour cream, jalapeños, green onions and salsa. Although it finds itself on the appetisers menu, one order will be enough to fill the little ones (and even the slightly bigger ones) up so make sure you take one for the team and offer to help share the load. If they complain, just tell them they need to leave room for that Oreo cheesecake they probably drooled at upon their arrival. Definitely the biggest, and among the best nachos in Riyadh.
Open Sun-Wed 11am-1am, Thu-Fri 11am-2am, Sat 10am-1am. Various locations including Park, Al Aqiq, thecheesecakefactory.com (011 520 0485).
For more top restaurants and dining inspiration across Riyadh, click here.
