We always find one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in a country’s culture is through its cuisine. So we’ve made it our mission to track down the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh. Did you know kabsa is widely recognised as Saudi Arabia’s national dish?
But it’s not just about this flavoursome rice dish, with roasted meats or fish, as we discovered on our culinary travels around the capital. So if you want a taste of authentic Saudi food in Riyadh then look no further than these ten superb spots.
Al Romansiah
Arguably the foremost restaurant chain bringing superb Saudi food to the masses, Al Romansiah use only the freshest of ingredients to bring you the flavours that would make grandma proud. Chicken is the speciality here, with the mandi and madfoon dishes especially pleasing on the palate, and so they should be given this is one of the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh.
And although not technically traditional Saudi fare, the samosas are pretty great. Save room for dessert, though, as the kunafa is pretty hard to beat.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-1am, Fri 12.15pm-1am. Various locations including Az Zubair Ibn Al Awam, Ar Rawabi, alromansiah.com (92 000 0144).
Al Saeed Restaurant
This place specialises in the most wholesome of Saudi dishes: Zurbian. This lamb (or in this case, mutton) and rice feast is akin to the South Asian biryani but with a Saudi twist. Al Saeed gets the most out of the locally bred sheep and the fact this place attracts both locals and expats in their droves is a sign it’s doing something right.
It might not be much to look at furnishings-wise but this uncut gem certainly produces the goods when it comes to the food. Simple, effective and one of the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh
Open daily 7am-12.30am. Al Anwar, As Sina’iyah (011 495 6009).
Al Saudi
Bringing Riyadhi folk an authentic taste of the kingdom’s fine fare since 1994, Al Saudi has had one mission: to produce the most delicious kabsa that stays true to its culinary roots. And its efforts make it one of the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh.
Mandi, madhbi, madfoon or zurbian – whichever you choose what you will be left with is a very full tummy and childish grin from ear to ear. And that child-like innocence is reflected by the chefs here, as anyone who’s ordered a side of rice and delighted in the fact it came with a ‘smile’ on top will know. Good food should make you happy, full stop.
Open daily 11am-midnight. 3510 Al Shafa, Dhahrat Laban, alsaudi.sa (920 009 515).
Dr. Kabsa
For sheer cheeriness, few can beat Dr. Kabsa (and we certainly couldn’t say the same of the last doctor we saw). Its array of brilliantly colourful dishes never fail to lift the mood, particularly the half al khashta chicken kabsa that has meat so tender you barely even have to show it a fork before it falls off the bone.
The madbi, madfoon and shawaya versions are all well worth a try and we’d say you would be hard-pressed to find a more filling feed for such reasonable prices. Just what the doctor ordered, right? And up there with the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh.
Open daily 10.30am-12.30am. As Suwaidi Al Am, As Suwaidi, instagram.com/dr.kabsa_resturant (920 003 435).
Harat
If Riyadh’s restaurants were to be judged purely on style, Harat would be bettered by very few rivals. Its looks are backed up by its quality menu, which confirms it as among the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh.
Get here early and you’ll have a chance to sample a Saudi breakfast that will certainly kick-start your day the right way. The lamb’s liver is superb, while the mogalgal lahem (sautéed, spiced lamb) is also a triumph. If you’re a shakshouka superfan, you’ll find it very hard to say no to Harat’s Saudi version that never misses the mark.
Open daily 6am-noon, 1pm-1.30am. Exit 5, Levels, Northern Ring Road, harat.com.sa (011 450 0081).
Kabsa Plus
Bargain belly-busting brilliance is what Kabsa Plus brings to Riyadh’s culinary table and it’s hard not to be instantly smitten. Because the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh don’t have to be the flashiest places.
As soon as the team here serve you a big plate of steaming-hot rice that’s perfectly spiced and topped with some of the most delightfully fresh roast chicken or lamb, you’ll be won over – believe us. We don’t think they’re deliberately trying to put you in a food coma, but they definitely give it a good go.
Open daily noon-1.30am. Al Imam Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Branch Rd, King Fahd, kabsaplus.squarespace.com (011 415 5556).
Mama Noura
Feeding Riyadh for 30 years, Mama Noura has certainly mastered the art of lovingly recreating home-style Saudi food served in a convivial environment. Look, it won’t win any Michelin stars for what it knocks out but at each of its seven branches in the capital, this place sticks to its guns and produces fine fare without all the fanfare.
Liver for breakfast, shawarma for lunch and then a big plate of chicken awsal for dinner – you just can’t go wrong. Mama mia, it’s hearty.
Open daily 6am-3am. Various locations including As Sulimaniyah, mamanoura.com.sa (011 439 9998).
Najd Village
Taking the staple foods of Saudi Arabia’s Najd region and putting its heart and soul into sharing them with the good people of Riyadh is a very noble goal. Najd Village doesn’t skimp on the authenticity, giving you the chance to eat the traditional way – with hands and on the floor.
One of the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh, and certainly the most renowned, Najd Village produces a range of kabsa dishes and but for a true taste of Najd you must order mtazeez (a stew of meat, barmat dough and vegetables) or muqalqal (diced lamb cooked with tomato, onion and green pepper. The freshly baked bread is pretty stupendous, too.
Open Sat-Thu noon-12.30am, Fri 1pm-12.30am. Various locations including King Abdul Aziz Branch Road, Alyasmin, najdvillage.com (9200 33511).
Suhail
Head on over to the old part of town and you will find Suhail, a stunning restaurant that is the epitome of Saudi hospitality. This place is one of the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh, and has quality oozing out of every nook and cranny. While the food is as authentic and top-notch as it comes.
There are so many stand-outs on the menu, but if you’ve not tried one before, order the jareesh (a famous Riyadh dish of groats cooked with Laban and topped with caramelised onions, ghee and in this case a gold leaf). The asir haneeth (lamb cooked on a marekh and served with basmati rice) and lamb mugalgal are also dishes not be missed.
Open daily 12.30pm-midnight. Northern Ring Rd, An Nakheel, suhailrestaurant.com (920 002 690).
Takya
Proving to be something of a pioneer on the Saudi cuisine scene, Takya doesn’t mind taking the odd risk or two. And it’s still one of the best places for Saudi food in Riyadh. By using traditional dishes from the kingdom and giving them a modern twist, they really are proving that Saudi fare can have its place at the top table.
The shrimp muflag (a dish born in the Eastern Province but reimagined in Riyadh) is a prime example. The combination of grilled prawns, peppers, peas, olives and a spicy lemon garlic sauce is simply sublime. More of this, please.
Open daily 1pm-1am. 8565 Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi Street, As Sulimaniyah, takya.sa (055 040 2000).
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