Do you hear that sizzle? That’s likely come the best steakhouse in Riyadh. When a steak is done right, there is no comparison hence the Time Out Riyadh Restaurants Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo, honouring the meaty masterpieces.
The Saudi capital’s steakhouses have, well, beefed up (not sorry) over the past 12 months, as evidenced by a real mix of established and up-and-coming steak restaurants. Diners are not limited by region, cut or price point. There’s something for all levels of carnivores.
Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.
This the best steakhouse in Riyadh 2022 that is a cut above the rest, as well as some other top steak restaurants:
WINNER
Porterhouse
Riyadh is serious about its steaks. Porterhouse is a prime venue that is firing up some of the top pieces of meat in the city. The home-grown Saudi steakhouse fuses New York vibes with Saudi hospitality and a sharp focus on flavours, ingredient sourcing from the best of the best across the world, seasonality and ambiance. It’s all a winning combination and makes Porterhouse a cut above the rest. For times when you’re looking to impress, head to this superb steakhouse.
Al Olaya, porterhouse-sa.com.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Beefbar
Another one of the popular international restaurants to burst onto the Riyadh dining scene is Beefbar straight from Monte-Carlo to the Saudi capital in happening As Sulimaniyah. If you enjoy your meats with a side of sophistication and a hint of whimsical fun, Beefbar is your spot. The elegant dining room takes its dishes and ingredients seriously, but there is still plenty of fun from the emoji plates to the playful desserts that trick the eye into thinking its something savoury. It’s a winning combination for diners.
As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/beefbar_riyadh (92 000 4146).
Habra
Have you heard about a “beef canteen?” That’s what Habra is. The latest generation of canteens in Riyadh are changing the dining scene and giving cafés a run for their money. Habra is one of the meatier venues of the new lot. This is certainly not school lunch food. We definitely didn’t get bistro steaks between maths lessons or elevated platters like this. And there certainly wasn’t the ambiance or giant tree. Get on the waitlist and enjoy this unique experience.
MEFIC Centre, instagram.com/habraksa.
SHORTLISTED
Florya Steak by Etçi Mehmet
Mad about meat? Then Etçi Mehmet’s steakhouse is guaranteed to tick all your boxes. Putting a Turkish spin on menu staples, each and every steak is guaranteed to melt-in-your mouth, promising a delicious dining experience from start to finish. Not in the mood for some prime beef? The burger, chicken, lamb and kebab options are also top notch, all to be enjoyed among the restaurant’s sleek décor and hand-blown glass lighting.
An Nafal, floryasteaklounge.com (055 860 6444).
Gürkan Şef Steakhouse
Serving up some of the juiciest cuts in town, Gürkan Şef Steakhouse is another Istanbul import bringing the vision of its namesake chef to Riyadh. If you’re opting for beef then you can’t go wrong with a medium rare Wagyu, but there’s plenty more meat options including Turkish lamb and a shed load of veal. In fact, the veal tenderloin (otherwise known as the Gürkan Şef Vay Vay Vay) comes served at your table with some serious theatrics, and is definitely worth ordering at least once in your lifetime.
The Zone, instagram.com/gurkansef.sa (055 928 8684).
L’Entrecôte Café de Paris
If you hadn’t guessed by the name, this French establishment does one thing (very) well. Accompanied by a signature salad and perfectly cooked frites – and not forgetting that famous ‘secret recipe’ steak sauce in which the magic really lies – these distinctive entrecôte steaks are served thinly sliced and cooked to perfection. Choose between striploin fillet, tenderloin and striploin Wagyu steak – there is no wrong choice.
Al Faisaliah Tower, King Fahd Road, entrecote-cdp.com (92 001 8998).
Lucca
With its friendly demeanour and varied steak menu, a trip to Lucca will be sure to leave a lasting impression. Ideal for a business lunch, evening out or birthday celebration with friends, order everything from a simple striploin to an indulgent asado for two, served alongside a simple salad and perfectly cooked chunky chips. Its meals are well priced for the quality, too – Riyadh Front sure has itself a winner.
Riyadh Front, luccasteakhouse.com/ksa (013 849 3800).
Marble Steakhouse
Sitting pretty at number 30 on the Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Marble is where in-the-know carnivores head for a simple (yet perfect) steak in Riyadh. Brainchild of owner-meets-chef Abdulrahman Alsowailem, who is famous for his love of top cuts and knowledge of butchery, dishes here change with the seasons, meaning taste is never compromised. Regular highlights include prime rib dinners and Saudi specialty rice plates.
Al Sharqi, marblecuisine.com (800 111 1903).
Nusr-Et
We can’t mention steakhouses without mentioning Nusr-Et, the infamous eatery by social media sensation Salt Bae aka Nusret Gökçe. While starters include the likes of beef carpaccio and sushi, be sure to save room for the main steak event, some of which come served in gold crusts, all of which come cooked to perfection. The restaurant’s interiors are equally as grand, as are the prices, but for a special occasion, it’s the only place to go. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the man himself in action.
U Walk, nusr-et.com.
Sultan’s Steakhouse
Fillet, T-bone, porterhouse, oh my. A place to bring out the big guns – we challenge you to finish the 1.1kg tomahawk – the choice of meaty mains at this vibrant steakhouse is second to none. While you could also opt for meatballs, burgers or lamb chops, the Asado short rib is arguably one of the finest cuts that Sultan’s serves up, with portions so big you’ll be loosening your belts before the night is up. We promise it’s worth the calories, though.
Boulevard Riyadh City, instagram.com/sultanssteakhouse_riyadh (011 417 7844).
For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.
