Craving bold flavors and a culinary trip across the Middle East, without leaving the capital? You’re in luck! This guide is your passport to the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh, where spots from across the region compete to wow you with authentic dishes, rich spices, and unforgettable taste. Get ready to dig in.
Fab Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh
Almajlis Alkhaleeji
Continuing our list of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh, we cannot ignore Almajlis Alkhaleeji Restaurant, which embodies the hospitality of the people of the Arabian Gulf in a style that combines ancient heritage with the latest hospitality techniques. It is like your second home, in addition to being an ideal destination for lovers of Gulf food cooked by skilled chefs. You can try Mandi, Kabsa, and Foul Fakhar, and do not forget the Gulf Kunafa for dessert, all in an authentic Arabian atmosphere, which makes this experience unique.
Sat-Wed 6am-12.30am, 6am-1.30am. Ghirnatah, @almajlis_alkhaleeji.
Assaraya Turkish
Confused by the large number of restaurants and craving for a delicious meal, your destination should be Assaraya Turkish because it is one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh. It combines tradition and authentic taste. The smell of grilled meat, bread, and Kunafa makes you feel as if you have gone back to the Ottoman era.
Daily from 10:30am to 2:00am. Al Olaya, @alssaraya.
Karam Beirut
Why go to Beirut when we can bring Beirut to you? Karam Beirut Restaurant opens its doors to you with authentic Beirut flavors, a luxurious ambiance that makes you feel as if you are sitting in a restaurant in the heart of Lebanon. You must try the kebab skewer from the grills. If you are lost in the menu, you will find an excellent service staff who will offer you advice. Trust us, it is a complete and unparalleled experience.
Multiple locations including Tahlia street, @karambeirut_sa.
Lusin
While geography enthusiasts will tell you that technically Armenia is not a part of the Middle East, we are going to add Lusin to the list because the restaurant is too good not to. Lusin offers a stunning atmosphere with steaming plates of traditional Armenian cuisine. One of the only few in the capital dishing out the cuisine, the eatery also offers rooftop dining
Multiple locations including Diyafa Square, @_lusin_.
Mama Noura
And when it comes to mentioning the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh, we must go to Mama Noura. Mama Noura means the original taste of shawarma. If you want to try an unforgettable taste of shawarma and feel the original oriental taste, this is your destination. Here, high quality, consistent taste, luxurious service, and competitive prices come together. In addition to shawarma, we advise you to try their falafel and fresh juices.
Multiple locations, including King Abdullah road, @mamanouraksa.
Meez The House
Riyadh’s packed with standout Middle Eastern spots, and Meez The House in Hittin is one you need to try. This isn’t your typical mezze-and-grill joint, it’s all about creative fusion and bold techniques that mix flavors from across the region. Start your day with crunchy smoked makdous, dig into chicken and halloumi makaroona at lunch, and gather your crew for beetroot taboula, crispy chicken pide, and eggplant fatta come dinner. Every dish is a hit, morning, noon, or night.
Sun-Thu 8am-1am, Fri 7am-11.30am, 1pm-1am. Hittin, meez.sa.
Naya Lebanese Restaurant
We set off to the Levant at one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh to try the luxurious Lebanese dishes at Naya Restaurant. We are not talking about a restaurant, here but rather the story of an entire family’s passion for preserving their traditions You will enjoy a luxurious dining experience like no other, as the food is made with love and tenderness, and all the ingredients are carefully selected, from the spices to the homemade pickles. While you eat at Naya, you will feel as if there is a symphony playing in your stomach from the deliciousness of the food.
Open daily 5pm-12.30am. voco Riyadh by IHG, @vocoriyadh.
Rüya
Rüya, meaning “dream” in Turkish, lives up to its name with a menu that brings the rich flavors of Anatolian history to life. Inspired by the Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish eras, this As Sulimaniyah gem focuses on elevated, seasonal Turkish classics (no fusion here!). Stylish, authentic, and full of flavor, it’s easily one of Midtown’s must-visit dining spots.
Sun-Wed 12.30pm-11.30pm, Thu-Fri 12.30pm-1am. Sat 9am-11.30pm. As Sulimaniyah, @ruyasaudi.
Sobhy Kaber
From Egypt to Riyadh, eating at Sobhy Kaber means you have a date with greatness. Here you will try authentic Egyptian food such as Tagine Kaware and Fatta, with a selection of high-quality meats. Feeling hungry yet? Head down to Al Takhassousi street and tuck into decadent flavor in a colorful ambiance at the two floored restaurant.
Open daily 11.30am-12.30pm. Al Takhassousi, @sobhy_kaber.
Somewhere
If you’re heading to ROSHN Front or Bujairi Terrace, make sure to stop Somewhere, literally. This chic Middle Eastern fusion spot (with a sister branch in AlUla) is all about globally inspired bites with serious flair. Think sesame tahini pancakes, Cerelac umm Ali, and wagyu kebab baos that taste as good as they sound. Add a stylish, family-friendly vibe, and you’ve got yourself a must-visit dining experience.
Multiple locations including Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, @somewhere.
Villa Mamas
Roaya Saleh, a former banker, decided to swap her laptop out for a ladle and has not looked back since. After a successful run in Bahrain, Villa Mamas expanded to Diriyah and is now one of the most beloved Middle Eastern restaurants in Riyadh. Feel overwhelmed by the choices? We recommend you try the smoked lamb mansaf, and don’t forget the razeshk polo dish served with saffron sauce, and enjoy dessert with breathtaking views At-Turaif from Bujairi Terrace.
Sun-Wed 4pm-11.45pm, Thu 4pm-12.45am, Fri 1pm-12.30am. Sat 1pm-11.30pm. Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, @villamamasriyadh.
Zooba
What started as a modest restaurant in Egypt has crossed the Nile and arrived to the Kingdom all fresh-faced and twinkle eyed. Zooba is now one of the most premier Middle Eastern Restaurants in Riyadh. Craving Koshary, hawawshi, taameya, beans, and others. They also did not forget vegetarians by providing all their needs in a special menu.
Fri-Tue 10am-1am, Wed-Thu 10am-2am. ROSHN Front, @zoobasaudi.
