Cristiano Ronaldo has moved to Riyadh to play on Saudi’s Al Nassr FC. On days when there aren’t training or Al Nassr matches, the GOAT has so much to explore in Riyadh, including some of the best restaurants. Our great city definitely does not fall short on top restaurants, but we’ve a list of eateries that should score with the Portuguese star – and you. Here are the best Cristiano Ronaldo Riyadh restaurants that could be of interest to the new Riyadh resident.
Aseeb Najd
For a true taste of Saudi, Aseeb Najd could be it. From the food to the seating, the venue strives to embodies everything that makes Saudi, Saudi. Arabic seating can be found throughout the space, which is perfect for relaxing to sip on a warm finjan of Saudi coffee with a side of dates. You could also dive hands first into a traditional kabsa (is there any other way?), scoop up a spoon of jareesh or keep it sweet with mahalabia or hanini. A Cristiano Ronaldo Riyadh experience might include this spot for all things traditional.
Open daily, noon-midnight. Al Yasmin, @aseeb.najd.
Brunch & Cake
Is it really a win if you don’t celebrate with dessert? (Forget those regimented training programmes for a minute.) Brunch & Cake is the perfect place for a sugary celebration. Whether you’ve just finished your last day of uni, got yourself a promotion or won a football match in Cristiano Ronaldo’s case, here’s a space to dive into the high-stacked pancakes, the sweet honey cakes, or a chocolatey slice for the win. When he shoots to score, Cristiano Ronaldo Riyadh restaurants could include Brunch & Cake for those victorious games. It is also a popular family spot.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu 10am-1am, Fri 2pm-1am. Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, @brunchandcakeksa.
CehBruno
A little birdie told us that Cristiano Ronaldo loves his truffle, so if you share the same passion you might want to make some time for Chez Bruno at Bujairi Terrace. The French eatery has been serving dishes with the famous ingredient for the past 30 years at its original branch in Lorgues, and it has now expanded to Riyadh. A little truffle never hurt, especially when it’s in one of Riyadh’s newest luxury dining destinations.
Open daily, 7pm-10pm. Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, restaurantbruno.com.
Il Baretto
Enjoy Italian eats and views at one of the trendy foodie destinations in the city. Il Baretto really gives off glamourous vibes and nice views of the surrounding King Abdullah Financial District. We would recommend that the GOAT add this to his Cristiano Ronaldo Riyadh restaurants for a special outdoor vibe.
Open daily, 12.30pm-11.30pm. KAFD, ilbaretto.sa.
LPM
How serious do you take your fish? Well, if it’s anything close to Cristiano Ronaldo’s reported love for sea bass, then the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards winner for Best European Restaurant serves one of the top sea bass plates in Riyadh. The whole grilled wild Atlantic sea bass sounds to be the perfect dish to share. It is served right at your table.
Open Sun-Thu 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11pm. Fri 1pm-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11pm. Al Olaya, lpmrestaurants.com/riyadh.
Los Bandidos
Ronaldo (and you) can experience downtown Riyadh at European eatery Los Bandidos. The fine-dining space has incorporated French flavours with a Scandinavian twist that you can taste in dishes like the lamb chops. The eatery is also filled with Old Hollywood vibes making you feel like you just stepped into a movie.
Open daily 1pm-4.30pm, 8pm-1.30am. As Sulimaniyah, @losbandidos_ksa.
Porterhouse
Protein, protein and more protein. We heard that Cristiano Ronaldo consumes quite a bit of high protein dishes, so what better than a meaty steak at Porterhouse. If there’s a restaurant that should be added to the Cristiano Ronaldo Riyadh restaurants to enjoy a great cut of steak, it’s likely this Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards winner for Best Steakhouse.
Open Sat-Wed 12.30pm-12.30am, Thu-Fri 12.30pm-1am. Tahlia Street, @porterhouse_ksa.
ROKA
Save your Tuesdays and Wednesdays for ROKA’s Izakaya Nights… unless it’s game day, obvs. The Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022 winner for Restaurant of the Year is one of the hottest tables in town, and the Izakaya Nights offer a great mid-week night out for friends and family. It’s a special traditional dining experience well-known for an informal gathering with family and friends consisting of shareable dishes. Ronaldo could bring the Al Nassr team or family visiting the capital.
Open Sat-Wed 6.30pm-11.30pm. Thu-Fri 6.30pm-midnight. As Sulimaniyah, rokarestaurant.com (920 012 327).
Somewhere
Somewhere is on a mission to take you through every culture the world has to offer. The unique concept offers views of the historical town of Diriyah and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Turaif. To feel culture all around, literally, Cristiano Ronaldo might want to make the trip down to the new luxury foodie hub to take in the birthplace of the Kingdom. It ticks a lot of boxes.
Open daily, 3pm-midnight. Bujairi Terrace. @somewhere.
TATEL
For a taste of Spain, we’d suggest that this restaurant get added to the Cristiano Ronaldo Riyadh restaurants worthy of a visit by the GOAT. And it’s only fitting considering the legendary footie player was one of the famed partners at the Madrid opening back in 2014. Dig into the signature TATEL omelette, black cod, an award-winning cheesecake, and of course paella.
Open daily, 11am-midnight. Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, tatelrestaurants.com.
Takya
Try Saudi flavours with a modern twist. Takya is all about sharing, and enjoying those contemporary Saudi dishes together. Ronaldo and dinners can enjoy typical Saudi dishes like jareeh, saleeq surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage Site Turaif. It’s a different side of Saudi cuisine to experience. Additionally, Bujairi Terrace is a must-visit for any resident and tourist.
Open Sun-Wed 4pm-1am, Thu-Sat 1pm-1am. Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, @takya_sa.
Looking for more food in the city? Check out the best eateries for every mood at Bujairi Terrace here.
