Some of the best things in life come via food, right? We’re already spoiled for choice when it comes to top eateries in the Saudi capital, and we’re about to get a full buffet worth with the opening of Via Riyadh.
The foodie area promises plenty of different dining options with over 20 restaurants
and cafés setting up permanent homes in the Saudi capital – in addition a five-star
hotel and cinema halls.
You can look forward to cheesy burgers, a wagyu masterclass and some major Parisian vibes. From around the world to Riyadh, and direct to our plates, these are the restaurants to look forward to.
Chi Spacca
Attention carnivores, this one has your name on it. Los Angeles-born Chi Spacca is one of the new restaurants coming to the city for the first time. The name means “he or she who cleaves”, which is fitting given that Chi Spacca is inspired by how an Italian butcher might cook, and the eatery focuses on open-fire grill and wood oven cooking, and likely a lot of cleaver use. What’s more, the restaurant is from American chef Nancy Silverton and is known for its special cuts and its famous bone marrow pies. Spoons at the ready. You’ll likely want to try this one.
Via Riyadh, @chispacca.
Ferdi
If you love your cheese pulls, this venue is already known for ‘em thanks to its cheeseburgers as well as its pasta. The casual eatery has restaurants in London and Paris, and the cosy space is known for its eclectic décor and presentations as much as its ooey-gooey use of cheese. Expect the unexpected. We’re hoping the Riyadh location will have a personality of its own, including with a new collection of plush toys.
Via Riyadh, ferdi-restaurant.com.
Gymkhana
The eatery is inspired by the elite clubs of India where the members of high society used to socialise, eat and play sport, hence the name. It already sounds like a spot you’ll want to spend the weekend in. The popular London-born venue is bringing its Raj-era themed, contemporary Indian dining concept to Riyadh. Who is game for curries, biriyani, kebabs and sabzi?
Via Riyadh, @gymkhanalondon.
Joan’s on Third
The Joan behind the LA market place and café is Joan McNamara. The spot was founded in 1995 on Third Street, and it has gone on to become something of a Los Angeles dining destination with a daily menu that keeps the crowds coming back. The Via Riyadh location might not be on Third Street, but no one will likely be complaining over all-day breakfast, or when they’re picking up a deli delight.
Via Riyadh, joansonthird.com.
Les Deux Magots
Experience Parisian charm in the heart of Riyadh. The famous Les Deux Magots is setting up shop at Via Riyadh so you can nosh on classic French fare without the plane ticket. The eatery first opened in 1885 in its hometown, and quickly established itself as a popular spot for the artistic crowd with everyone from Ernest Hemingway to James Baldwin to Pablo Picasso dining there. If it’s comforting brasserie bites you’re after, you’ll likely find it at the new Riyadh location – as well as perhaps some creative inspiration.
Via Riyadh, @ledeuxmagots.
Madeo
From Los Angeles, Madeo Ristorante is a fine-dining establishment coming to Via Riyadh. The venue has 35 years’ of experience serving Italian dishes, from arguably one of Italy’s most famous foodie regions, Tuscany, using locally sourced ingredients. There was a pop-up at Riyadh Season 2019, but now we’ll have a permanent location in the city.
Via Riyadh, @madeoristorante.
Over Under
It just wouldn’t be right to have a new foodie destination in Riyadh without coffee. That’s where Over Under comes in. The coffee shop is inspired by café culture of New York City, but has its original home in London. We’re getting the first international outpost in Via Riyadh. It’s a fusion of all the best bites of cafés around the world, making the Via Riyadh zone home all the more appropriate.
Via Riyadh, @overunderco.
Raoul’s
This new restaurant is bringing a touch of je ne sais quoi to Riyadh. Raoul’s is a classic New York-born, French-American bistro that dates back to the ‘70s. Come for the steak frites and oysters, then stay for the glamorous atmosphere and dessert.
Via Riyadh, @raoulsrestaurantnyc.
Scott’s Mayfair
Seafood-lovers, this one’s for you. Another famous London eatery (are you catching on to something of a trend?), Scott’s Mayfair is making its permanent debut, and bringing some very impressive history with it. The eatery first opened its doors in 1851 and is one of the five oldest restaurants in London. See how the experts do fish on the bone, shellfish and caviar at the new venue in Riyadh.
Via Riyadh. @scottsmayfair.
Sexy Fish
Get ready because there’s a new venue swimming into the Saudi capital. Sexy Fish has a flagship location in London, and a recent buzzy location in Miami. The glamorous venue is now making its way to the Kingdom, and we’re anticipating more stylish patrons and equally stylised seafood dishes when the Riyadh brand opens. This is one venue to put on your best outfit to enjoy sushi, sashimi, tiradito and tempura. Do save room for the lobster. Secondly, make sure that you keep your phone handy.
Via Riyadh, @sexyfishlondon.
Spago
Spago doesn’t need much of an introduction to foodies. The eatery is headed Wolfgang Puck, who’s been the chef of choice for the Oscars for more than 20 years and the OG restaurant has attracted many starry clients. After various pop-ups for Riyadh Season, we will get to enjoy the signature Italian-West Coast fusion cuisine at a permanent
Via Riyadh location. Highlights on the menu include pizza with black truffle and veal tartare. Forks at the ready.
Via Riyadh, @spagobh.
Wagyumafia
This new restaurant opening is obviously well suited to those who are always scanning menus for wagyu. Created by self-taught chef-turned-wagyu-expert (it’s a thing) Hisato Hamada and entrepreneur Takafumi Horie, Wagyumafia is an eatery on a mission to educate diners about Japanese wagyu beef through their stomachs. It’s exactly the sort of
learning we like. Are you ready to become an expert in all things meaty? We know the answer to that one.
Via Riyadh, @wagyumafia.
