Before saying “buona sera” to Cipriani, call ahead and reserve a table because the Hittin restaurant draws a crowd, even on a weeknight. You don’t want to be left waiting for a table to open up and smelling the fresh pasta from the lobby.
Staff are very accommodating and the restaurant functions like well-oiled machine – make that a bronze die pasta machine. Even with a packed house, servers are unfazed and unflappable and give each guest due attention.
Cipriani Riyadh has an atmosphere that is as buzzy as the feel-good ’80s and ’90s pop pumping out. The glitzy vibes are enhanced by portraits of popular Italian stars on the wooden walls and chandeliers dotted across the high ceiling.
Sink back into one of the blue chairs and get ready for Venetian dishes, beginning with the signature fried courgettes. Some Cipriani locations offer an Asian-Italian fusion, while the Riyadh outpost is more focused on its roots, and it suits the place.
Many tables get pizza and pasta (who can choose?). Main prices are around SAR100 to SAR200, but can go up to SAR500 if you have a craving for wagyu.
Those who normally don’t find ice cream to be a noteworthy dessert shouldn’t sleep on the freshly churned stuff here. Ask about the daily special or try a signature flavour. It’s one of the biggest servings of ice cream we’ve seen outside of a dessert platter. This wouldn’t fit in a cone. It’s deliciously dense, making it a perfect, waistband-stretching end to a meal.
With MNKY HSE and Walton St Scalini in the area, there are strong contenders for places to fill your stomach. If you’re after a lively Italian, Cipriani is a solid choice. Pass the pasta.
