Whether you’re a Riyadh local or you’re just visiting, you need to understand one thing – Riyadh is huge. Riyadh is so big that you often just don’t know where to go, what to do, or even how to do it. With it being the core and capital of Saudi Arabia, everyone is either coming for a visit or moving there to enjoy the city life, Saudi-style.
So, if you’re new to the city, let me give you the 4-1-1 as a Riyadh native. From coffee shops that we’re obsessed with to the *ultimate* places to get birria tacos, I’ve tried them all and can recommend ~exactly~ what dishes you should be trying out (and where).
Scroll down to check out the food itinerary we’ve prepared for your next visit to the Saudi city…
Best Spanish Latte
Urth Caffe
Via @urthcaffesaudi on Instagram
For a creamy blend of sweetness and coffee, Urth Caffe is the place to go when you’re craving a sweet Spanish Latte. Urth Caffe offers you a Spanish latte in all its forms: blended, iced, and with Boba. Call your friends and go visit one of Urth Caffe’s several locations, so whether you’re going to the very crowded Sulaimaniyah branch, or want to catch a movie afterward at the Riyadh Front branch, your caffeine cravings are sorted.
Best Beef Burger
Marble Cuisine
Via @marblecuisine on Instagram
A blend of your favourite meats together, perfectly cooked to your liking, topped with a brioche bun, caramelized onions, cheese, and their infamous Marble sauce – anyone else drooling at this point? Be sure to hit up Marble Cuisine which is known for serving *premium* meat whether it be a good ol’ burger or a juicy steak.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to order their herb fries.
Best Chicken Strips
Bird Arabia
Via @bird.saudia on Instagram
If you’re craving authentic Louisiana Chicken Strips (like the ones that trended on TikTok a few months ago), then know Bird serves a juicy and crispy option for all you fried chicken lovers. Bird Arabia is the perfect place to live the full-on Louisiana experience in Riyadh, with options to choose the heat of your choice, along with buttered bread and some pickles to even out the taste.
You can also have a side of Mac’n’Cheese if you’re tryna be extra like that.
Best Ice Cream
O’My
Via @o.my.sa on Instagram
Instagrammable, delicious, sweet, and edgy enough to be a food truck fave in Riyadh – O’My is *the* place to head to during dry summer nights. Other than the creaminess of the ice cream, this spot has a different flavour for every day of the week so you can get adventurous with it!
Best Kunafa
Durma
Via @durma.sa on Instagram
Durma is a new hotspot that’s just opened up as a drive-thru in the Alnakheel district. The cold Kunafa-flavoured ice cream topped with Kunafa shavings makes it the perfect summer dessert that’ll help you survive the dry heat of Riyadh. (Plus you can never go wrong with Arabic sweets).
Best Truffle Pizza
Walton Scalini
Via @waltonscalini on Instagram
A fine dining experience and great truffle pizza? Walton Scalini has you covered. Besides being one of the most boujee restaurants in Riyadh, the food there is to die for. So, if you’re in the mood to dine like a rich gal while enjoying a number of their delish appetizers, then you have to head here.
Best Birria Tacos
TacoVille
Via @tacoville.sa on Instagram
It’s so hard to find a place in Riyadh that perfects the Birria Tacos, but TacoVille made it happen. Braised brisket with a short ribs roast, in a flour tortilla, topped with cheese, cilantro, and white onions with a side dip of chili oil. Your mouth waters just thinking about it.
Ever since Mexican food popped up on our TikTok for you pages in Riyadh, we haven’t stopped dreaming about these meat-based goodies.
Best Smoothie
Dhahia Juice
Via @dhahia_juiceksa on Instagram
What better way to fan off the summer heat than a nice cold smoothie? Dhahia Juice provides you with the most refreshing and delicious smoothies anyone in the city can offer. You can enjoy their signature ‘Awar Galb’ or ‘Dameera’ and experience fruits at their finest. To switch it up, we also recommend ordering their fresh fruit and ice cream combo.
Best Tiramisu
Lit
Via @lit.ksa on Instagram
Is it too on-the-nose to say that Lit’s tiramisus are actually ~lit~? The aesthetically pleasing cafe offers an even more aesthetically pleasing tiramisu that would pair well with any cuppa that you’re carrying post-dinner. Milkcakes, who?