Perfect pizza? It does exist. The best pizza in Riyadh comes from these pizza spots in the Saudi capital where the favourite food is a central and primary part of a restaurants food proposition, and where it is executed very well. We’re getting hungry just talking about it.
For diners in city, as well as the Time Out Riyadh Restaurants Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo, we want to recognise pizza perfection in all its cheesy, chewy, glory.
Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
Go on, have a slice of the best pizza in Riyadh 2022:
WINNER
Blanca Pizzeria
Think that you have to go all the way to Italy to get the perfect piece of pizza or a proper pasta plate? Not so. We have the taste of Naples in our city thanks to Blanca Pizzeria. The casual As Sulimaniyah spot focusses on the cuisine of one of Italy’s most popular foodie destinations.
Those Neapolitan pizzas coming out piping hot from the in-house pizza oven are something special whether you’re going simple or for one of the standout selections. Savoury and sweet options are on the menu and span everything from garlic shrimp to pumpkin pizza. Intrigued? You should be.
As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/blanca_forno.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Bones
There’s no bones about it, Bones knows its pizza. The playful, casual Al Malqa eatery urges people to “never leave Bones behind” and we’re not going to argue with that, especially when there are leopard-spotted, hot pizzas waiting to be devoured. The relative newcomer already has a popular following thanks to its signature slices. Just look for the bright green pizza boxes and be ready with your dough stick and dipping sauce.
Al Malqa, instagram.com/bones.saudi (055 564 4183).
The Social Pizzeria
What’s better than pizza? How about a pizza bar? If you’re searching for a fun place to have a slice of cheesy, blistered pizza with friends and family, this authentic Neapolitan pizza bar is a solid spot. Take a lead from the name and gather up a big group to enjoy the pizzas en masse. Grab a stool around the expansive bar and watch the pizza oven being fired up with your orders or park up at the sunny window. Thankfully, these pizzas are whipped up in minutes.
Ar Rabi, instagram.com/the_social_pizzeria (050 546 0225).
SHORTLISTED
Crazy Pizza
If you’re in the mood for posh pizza and fun times, then Crazy Pizza is your type of place. Hailing from Porto Cervo Italy and with franchises all over the world, the décor is elegant and simple with a few plush elements, while the pizzas are thin, wood-fired and come topped with a whole host of different toppings including truffle, burrata and zucchini flowers. Start off with starters of beef carpaccio, focaccia and crazy shrimps before digging into the goods.
As Sulimaniyah, crazypizza.com/riyadh (9200 07275).
Finzione
While traditional Italians might be put off by the name of this place (Finzione translates to ‘sham’ or ‘deceitfulness’), once they try the pizza, they are sure to be converts. It’s all about the blistered Neapolitan-style specialities that are pulled out of the oven here, particularly the tacchino e tartufo creation (fresh buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce, pesto, olive oil, turkey and homemade truffle sauce) which is a Time Out favourite. There are plenty of vegetarian options too, if you’re that way inclined.
Al Malqa, instagram.com/finzione.sa (053 077 9480).
Forti Pizzeria
With its exposed brick, greenery and low-level lighting, the interiors are as pretty as the pizzas at this minimalist eatery, so you’ll want to pull your camera out quickly before taking a bite. Watch on as chefs wheel out soft, chewy offerings in the Neapolitan style, with thick bases and generous toppings including buffalo mozzarella, pepperoni and prawns. The truffle and pollo pizzas are also out of this world.
Al Aqiq, instagram.com/fortipizzeria (050 296 6845).
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Often considered the iconic pizza makers in the world – founded in 1870, the original L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele is one of the oldest and best pizzerias in Naples – this world-renowned eatery attracts diners in its droves thanks to its rustic charm and authentic pizzas. While the Italian branch only serves up marinara and margherita options, you’ll find much more toppings at its Riyadh branch, including tartufo, burrata and bresaola. So much so that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
U Walk, instagram.com/damichele_sa (013 808 8883).
La Rustica
La Rustica may have been one of the first places to offer authentic Neapolitan pizzas when it opened its doors in 2016, but six years later and it’s still going strong. Billing itself the ‘best pizzeria in Riyadh’, the menu lists all the classics alongside some more indulgent options including a fungi, truffle and fior pizza (with fresh fior di latte mozzarella, porcini, mushroom, truffle paste, garlic and truffle oil) which is definitely worth pushing the boat out for.
Al Olaya, instagram.com/la_rustica_sa (055 325 2521).
Oulu
A more casual spot for a round of pizzas and family and friends, Oulu is centred around a giant pizza oven which churns out its pizzas pronto. While risottos and pastas also grace the menu, its crazy corn pizza with cheesy sauce is a popular choice among diners, as is its simple yet effective pepperoni pie complete with crusts which are soft and chewy on top, yet crisp underneath. It might not be the flashiest joint in the city, but it sure is one of the tastiest.
As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/oulu.sa (056 762 4144).
Pizza Roma
A library might not be an obvious place for a pizza restaurant, but you’ll be glad for Pizza Roma following an afternoon hitting the books at King Fahad National Library. With options for both meat eaters and vegetarians alike, revel in the likes of pizza bresaola (mozzarella, watercress, parmesan and perfectly-aged bresaola) and the pizza ortolana with courgette, aubergine and sweet pepper that’s a total treat for the tastebuds.
King Fahad National Library, instagram.com/pizzaroma.ksa (011 462 9032).
For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.
