The Aztec sculpture, moody interiors and location in Riyadh’s bustling As Sulimaniyah district make it clear that this is unmistakably COYA.
And if you somehow miss the vibrant signifiers (and snapping them) on the way in, you’ll know where you’re at as soon as you scan the llama QR code at your table.
The buzzy Peruvian spot opened in Riyadh in spring 2022, and it already seems to be a go-to restaurant for many, with tables consistently crammed with friends, couples and even large business meets.
While the terrace is the prime location when the weather is fair, you can enjoyably stay inside the moody plant-filled interiors and spend your entire meal admiring all of the details (dining companions take note) from the caged ceiling, roped topiaries and plants upon plants – it’s Instagram gold. Want to get your server to snap a photo of you and your group over on the plush blue sofas? You’re definitely not the first to ask.
Food delivery is efficient and packs all those punchy Latin flavours. With a menu focused a lot on tapas and sharing plates, the system (and experience) benefits from asking diners when they would prefer to have their dishes, to avoid the whole meal arriving at once.
COYA is getting comfortable, but it’s clear this new Riyadh restaurant has the makings to stand out in the city.
