Given the abundance of meat-lovers’ havens in Riyadh, it can sometimes be hard for vegetarians to find their home in the capital. Aside from the few veggie options dotted around menus in the city’s eateries, we’re slowly seeing more vegetarian restaurants in Riyadh, arriving to redress the balance. As scientists across the world call for everyone to help stem the ill effects of climate change by eating less meat, let’s embrace vegetarianism and do our bit to save this great planet. With that in mind, here’s our selection of the best vegetarian restaurants in Riyadh.
moon shell
You might come here for the coffee but you’ll definitely stay for the array of vegan soul food options. Just one glance at this rustic-inspired café with its stone walls and reclaimed wood windows and you’ll forever be smitten by its charms. Order yourself a cuppa as your peruse the menu of ‘Nice Cream Shells’ that provide a perfectly healthy start to any day. The ‘Made of Stars’ creation is a joyous harmony of flavours, combining berries, dragonfruit and figs with vegan dark chocolate, peanut butter, almond milk and vanilla. ‘Nature Spirit’ meanwhile provides a marvellous mélange of moringa, spirulina, granola, goji berries, spinach, celery, ginger and coconut with some chia and flax seeds thrown in for good measure. This is the kind of healthy eating we love to the moon and back.
Open daily 7am-11pm. Othman Bin-Affan, King Abdullah District, instagram.com/moonshell_sa (053 630 0962).
Naba’at
Clearly the restaurateurs of Riyadh are embracing the whole vegetarian and vegan movement and this newcomer in Al Manar does more than most to instill the virtues of a plant-based diet without drifting into the realms of condescension.
No one could say Naba’at’s efforts to keep things meat-free are remotely boring – just take its Falafel Bowl and be bowled over by the vibrant colours and punchy flavour. combinations and you’ll know what we mean. Its Crispy Burger is one the signature dishes here, and even if you’ve just moved on from chicken to its planet-saving alternative or are a hardened meat-eater, we implore you to explain the difference (we make no bones about that whatsoever).
And should you be missing a kofta or two since your change of (meal) plan, try the Kabab Bowl, which somehow wonderfully combines the flavours of pomegranate and pickles to make us appreciate both ingredients all the more. A top vegetarian restaurant in Riyadh to get on your list.
Open daily 1pm-10pm. Al Imam Ash Shafii, Al Manar, instagram.com/nabaat_sa
(055 223 1338).
Wabi Sabi
Wabi Sabi is pretty much as wholesome as they come. And never mind vegetarian restaurants in Riyadh, this one has gone all in with a completely plant-based menu. Taking its name from the Japanese view that transience and imperfection are a thing of beauty, we look at it as the perfect spot to stay awhile and embrace the perfectly produced plates its chefs offer up.
What we love at Wabi Sabi is that the menu explains how its food can help your gut and general wellbeing, particularly through its selection of superb salads. They really are looking out for you here, and when such a place has a Lady and The Tramp Spaghetti on the menu (cherry tomato spaghetti with oat balls infused with beans and tomatoes) we know its intentions are not pretentious, just a little tongue in cheek. Fair play, we say. And having embraced jackfruit as a chicken alternative, The Unknown Fourth Burger will live long in the memory.
Open daily 9.30am-11.30pm. King Muhammad V, As Sulimaniyah, instagram.com/wabisabiksa (055 228 8284).
Looking for more brilliant restaurants to check out in Riyadh? Click here.
