The Saudi capital takes us on plenty of culinary journeys. This time, we’re jetting across the globe for the Best North American Restaurants in Riyadh, at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo.
This is a special, smaller category. It is still as perfectly formed as some of the juicy burgers or slabs of pie that these spots are already known for. We couldn’t mark the awards without recognising the culinary achievements from the Best North American Restaurants in Riyadh, because it’s clear they are just getting started, based alone on how things are evolving this year. We see much more sticky, sauce barbecue in out foodie futures.
Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
Strap on your bib, come hungry and get ready to feast at the best North American restaurants in Riyadh 2022:
WINNER
OAK Smokehouse
When a place asks “Did you get your meat today?” it grabs the attention of carnivores, or anyone, really. Oak Smokehouse is a barbecue restaurant in Alyasmin that proudly says it is “helping meat-lovers satisfy their cravings”. The motto is bold and so are the flavours. That’s why OAK Smokehouse is our winner in the Best North American restaurants in Riyadh category in the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022.
All the meats are smoked on firewood and come in proper, hearty portions with super saucy sides. This is what comfort food is all about with mac ‘n cheese, burgers and honking grilled platters set in front of you. Don’t be afraid to dig in. In fact, it’s actively encouraged. Put a bib on and don’t be shy about getting a little messy. It’s part of the experience. What are you waiting for?
Alyasmin, instagram.com/oak_saudi (011 217 7787).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Buttermilk
Saudi hospitality is unrivalled. Similarly, the Southern USA is also known for its warm welcomes. Combine the two together and you get a café and bakery that is big on ambience, as well as portions. Like the name references, this striking spot in An Nakheel celebrates the cuisine of the Southern US where buttermilk is a popular ingredient: think fried chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes and chowder. There is certainly nothing sour about this spot; things are pretty sweet given this is one of the best North American restaurants in Riyadh 2022.
An Nakheel, instagram.com/buttermilk.sa (055 627 9170).
Smokey Beards Q
Hop on over to Hittin the next time you’re searching for smoky, sticky and sweet barbecue at one of the best North American restaurants in Riyadh. The spot says it’s a “buzzing, no-frills, Texas-style smokehouse” and we’re not going to argue with that. It does everything it says on the tin and smashes it out of the park. Pass the brisket, please.
Hittin, instagram.com/smokeybeardsq, smokeybeardsq.com (053 470 0086).
SHORTLISTED
56th Avenue Diner
Whether you’re craving waffles for breakfast, seafood for lunch or a big juicy steak for dinner, you can get it all and then some at the Hyatt Regency’s 56th Avenue Diner. A modern American hangout, chefs also know how to make a killer taco, which we highly recommend washing down with a crisp mocktail or two. Casual, great food and purse-friendly prices – it’s one of the best North American restaurants in Riyadh.
Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya, instagram.com/56thavenuediner (053 341 1234).
7 Ribs
Rack ‘em up, smother ‘em in sauce and gnaw your way through a whole host of ribs at this Al Malqa eatery, where it’s the norm to get messy with its sticky beefy slabs. Offering up racks of succulent, fall-off-the-bone ribs alongside the likes of French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw and salads, this gluttonous gaff is a legend in its own right. Come hungry and prepare to get a little messy. It’s part of the delicious fun.
Al Malqa, instagram.com/7ribs (050 740 0100).
David Burke
If you haven’t tried one of award-winning chef David Burke’s American steaks yet then where have you been hiding? This is one of the best North American restaurants in Riyadh you need to try. A champion of big and bold classics, diners can expect Porterhouse steaks, salt-aged beef burgers and mac ‘n’ cheese on his hearty menu, with nods to pizza, pasta and eye-catching desserts that are a huge hit with the kiddos. Be sure to round up the family and make a night of it.
The Zone Gate 2, davidburke-ksa.com (050 062 0101).
For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.
