by Barbara Yakimchuk
7 Casual Dining Spots In Riyadh For Comfy Weekend
5 Jun 2025
I see it three ways. First — you are living somewhere in the UAE, Lebanon, or Qatar, and Riyadh is high on your must-visit list before the end of the year. Second — you have been to Riyadh before, fell completely in love with it, and now you are already planning your return. Third — you are based in Saudi Arabia and have probably tried at least half of the spots I am about to highlight.
Either way, here is a list of great places to eat in Riyadh — casual enough for a relaxed, weekend vibe, but seriously tasty so you will remember the city from its best side. Where to grab a bite? Keep scrolling.
Zeila
Where? 3145 Imam Abdullah Saud Bin Abdulaziz Road, Al Hamra District, Riyadh
A great spot with a never-ending menu — packed with cool dishes in both European and Arabic styles, perfect for any time of day, from early breakfast to late dinner.
One standout? The Onion Mac & Cheese. Just think about it again... So cool, so delicate — seriously comforting.
And here is something that deserves a special shoutout: Om Ali (quick note for our non-Arabic friends — when ordering, it is pronounced Umm Ali). It is a classic Middle Eastern dessert, and at Zeila, it comes in a generous size for 6–7 people. But hey, even if you are just 3 or 4 — no judgment. We won't tell anyone.
Lighthouse
Where? Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh
Imagine you are craving Mediterranean food. Where would you go? Most likely Greece, Spain, or Lebanon. What would you start with? Probably hummus or a classic Greek salad. And for the main? Definitely grilled fish or fresh seafood.
Sounds interesting? The good news is, you do not need to fly to Greece or Spain for it — now you can find it at a new spot in Riyadh: Lighthouse. It is a cool new addition inspired by the sunniest parts of Europe, with a menu that perfectly blends the best Mediterranean flavors. Plus, they host community events — from weekend brunches and live podcasts to evening DJ sets.
Blanca Forno
Where? Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Musaid Ibn Jalawi St, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh
Here is a little confession: I am on a diet! But at least once every two weeks, I crave pizza. My life hack? Getting the best one in the city — the crispiest and the coolest crust — so I can enjoy it a full 10 out of 10 and forget about pizza for at least another two weeks.
Want to try my pizza tip? Head to Blanca Forno — an Italian pizzeria that deserves to be your special treat spot. What to order? It is tough to choose, but if it is your first visit, definitely try the Prosciutto e Rucola Pizza, Tagliatelle al Ragù, and the classic Neapolitan Wood-Fired Pizza. Enjoy!
Attaché
Where? 12531 Al Safarat, Riyadh
Attaché feels like spending a slow weekend at your grandmother’s countryside house. First, she will feed you really well — the kind of meal that keeps you full until dinner. Then comes something sweet (and trust me, Attaché’s pastries are on another level). And finally, there is always some chill music in the background — probably playing from her old-school cassette or vinyl player.
To sum it up: the food is generous and delicious, and the vibe is warm and effortlessly cool. No surprise it is considered one of Riyadh’s top lifestyle spots. Bonus? There is often live music!
Meez
Where? Hittin District, Riyadh
Coming to Saudi Arabia and not trying Arabic food? Sorry, but that is almost a crime. If you are almost guilty — just head to Meez.
Not sure what is what on the menu? No problem — here is a quick intro for your first order – and with the rest the Meez’s friendly staff will be happy to help.
- Koshari Balls – a modern twist on Egyptian cuisine. Think a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and tomato sauce, all packed into a crisp little ball.
- Lahm bi Ajeen – a classic Lebanese dish: thin flatbread topped with spiced ground beef or lamb, onions, tomatoes, and garlic.
- Maasoub – a Yemeni dessert (or breakfast, depending on who you ask!) made with mashed bananas, crumbled flatbread, cream, and honey.
Dig in and enjoy!
Kumar
Where? Riyadh Park, Gate 2, Al Aqiq
Indian restaurants have recently shattered the myth that they are not for everyone — special thank you to Trèsind Studio — an Indian spot becoming the first to receive all 3 Michelin stars. Consider this a perfect reason to dive deeper into Indian culture and try something truly authentic and delicious.
Think: cheesy samosas, a variety of flavour-packed biryanis, and creamy pistachio kulfi. All of that — at Kumar.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Where? Tahlia Street (Al Olaya); Uthman Ibn Affan Branch Road (Al Izdihar); Anas Bin Malik Road (Al Yasmin)
We all crave something quick, hot, and crispy from time to time. And if you are a little tired of KFC (no shade to the classics — it happens!), then Dave’s Hot Chicken is a seriously tasty alternative.
Fresh? Yes. Crispy? Absolutely. Surprisingly Instagrammable? Also yes.
Think: jumbo chicken tenders and sliders served with pickles and kale slaw — the kind of meal that hits all the right spots.
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