Saudi Arabia offers a captivating blend of ancient history and modern luxury, from UNESCO World Heritage sites like Hegra and Diriyah to futuristic cities like Riyadh and NEOM. Experience pristine Red Sea coastlines, dramatic desert landscapes, and authentic Arabian hospitality in the Kingdom's rapidly evolving tourism sector.
Saudi Arabian cuisine reflects the country's diverse geography and cultural history, with distinct regional traditions across Najd (central), Hejaz (western), Asir (southwestern), and Eastern Province. The unifying foundation is the generous use of aromatic spices - cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, black pepper, and dried limes - applied to slow-cooked rice, slow-roasted meats, and fresh seafood. Kabsa (spiced rice with lamb or chicken) is the national dish, while hospitality is expressed through lavish spreads of mezze, bread, and multiple meat dishes.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Maiz
Elevated Saudi cuisine showcasing dishes from all thirteen provinces in elegant Bujairi Terrace setting. The menu reads like the Kingdom's greatest culinary hits, combining tradition and modernity in one-of-a-kind dining destination.
Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, Riyadh
Aseeb
Highly recommended Saudi restaurant in Alyasmin, a destination for large groups and families celebrating the tastes of the Kingdom. Authentic recipes served in welcoming traditional atmosphere.
Alyasmin District, Riyadh
Shawarmer
Modern shawarma chain elevating the classic sandwich with quality ingredients, house-made sauces, and creative variations. Clean, fast-casual environment with consistent quality.
Multiple locations across Saudi Arabia
Abu Zaid Traditional Sweets
Famous for traditional Saudi desserts and sweets including fresh kunafa, baklava, and date-based treats. A Riyadh institution for authentic local confections.
Al Malaz, Riyadh
% Arabica
Minimalist Japanese coffee shop known for world-class specialty coffee, latte art, and Instagram-worthy presentation. Multiple locations with consistent quality and aesthetic appeal.
Boulevard Riyadh City, Riyadh
Al Sarab
Sophisticated dining drawing on Saudi classics, coastal freshness, and caravan warmth. Highlights include silky Sweet Potato Hummus, risotto-like Saleeg, Shrimp Maklouba, and the national dish Kabsa.
The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
Najd Village
Riyadh's oldest and most popular restaurant serving Najd cuisine, evoking nostalgia with hearty stews, wheat and rice dishes. Rich flavors from generations-old recipes challenge even seasoned spice connoisseurs.
Takhassusi Street, Riyadh
Herfy
Local fast-food chain serving burgers, broasted chicken, and traditional items. Affordable, familiar option with drive-through and dine-in across the Kingdom.
Multiple locations nationwide
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Contemporary Saudi
Al Sarab
Fi Glbak
Saudi Fast Food
Herfy
Kudu
Specialty Coffee
% Arabica
Brew92
Traditional Beverages
Sobia Cart (Various Locations)
Tea & Coffee Carts
American Burgers
Fuddruckers
American Fast Food
McDonald's
American Steakhouse
Texas Roadhouse
Armenian-Lebanese
Lusin
Asian Fusion
P.F. Chang's
Breakfast Cafe
Rise & Shine
Cafe & Coworking
Blends & Brews
Cafe & Light Meals
Coffee & More
Coffee & Desserts
Dose Cafe
Coffee Roaster & Cafe
Elixir Bunn
Contemporary Arabic
Al Nakheel
Donuts & Coffee
House of Donuts
Falafel & Shawarma
Lebanese Falafel
French
Chez Charles Brasserie
French Bakery
Paul Bakery & Cafe
Fresh Juices
Fresh Juice Stands
Fried Chicken
KFC
Fried Pastries
Samboosa Vendors
Grilled Chicken
Al Tazaj
Gulf Cuisine
Almajlis Alkhaleeji Restaurant
International
Fusion Restaurant
International Fine Dining
The Globe
Italian
Piatto
Japanese-Asian
Wagamama
Japanese-Peruvian Fusion
Nobu
Levantine
Shababeek
Mediterranean
Spazio 77
Modern Saudi
Takya
Modern Steakhouse
Cut by Wolfgang Puck
Najdi Traditional
Najd Village
Pizza
Pizza Hut
Pizza Delivery
Domino's Pizza
Premium Coffee
Starbucks Reserve
Sandwiches
Subway
Saudi Fast-Casual
Mama Noura
Saudi Fried Chicken
Al Baik
Saudi Regional
Maiz
Saudi Sweets
Abu Zaid Traditional Sweets
Saudi Traditional
Hareed Restaurant
Shawarma Specialist
Shawarmer
Specialty Coffee & Brunch
The Grounds
Street Snacks
Corn on the Cob Vendors
Syrian-Lebanese
Al Romansiah
Traditional Breakfast
Balila Vendors
Traditional Saudi
Aseeb
Traditional Saudi Street Food
Matabaq House
Turkish Steakhouse
Nusr-Et Steakhouse
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Matabaq
Stuffed flatbread with minced meat, egg, and onion filling, cooked on a griddle until crispy - a Jeddah street food institution found in Al-Balad from century-old vendors. Vegetarian and cheese versions also available.
Find it at: Al Dirah Riyadh, Al-Balad Jeddah
Shawarma
Saudi shawarma features marinated chicken or beef shaved from vertical rotisseries, served in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and fresh tomato. Quality varies enormously; the best come from traditional Lebanese-owned stands.
Find it at: Throughout Riyadh and Jeddah; Al Batha district is famous for shawarma
Samboosa
Crispy fried pastry triangles filled with spiced minced meat or cheese, ubiquitous during Ramadan when vendors sell them hot from large vats of oil. Available year-round from traditional snack stands.
Find it at: Traditional markets, Ramadan night markets
Sobia
Traditional fermented barley and bread drink, slightly fizzy and sweet, served cold from large urns on the streets of Jeddah particularly during Ramadan. Unique to the Hejaz region and an authentic Saudi beverage experience.
Find it at: Street corners in Jeddah, particularly during Ramadan
Tamr (Dates)
Date vendors sell fresh, dried, and stuffed varieties from stalls and markets throughout the country. Sukkari (soft golden), Ajwa (dark and complex), and Medjool (large and sweet) are among the dozens of Saudi varieties.
Find it at: Al-Ahsa markets Hofuf, airport shops, traditional souqs
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Al-Ahsa Date Market, Hofuf
World-famous market selling 20+ varieties of fresh and dried dates from the UNESCO-listed Al-Ahsa oasis, one of the world's largest date palm groves. Vendors compete for business through tastings of their finest varieties.
Hours: Daily 7AM-2PM
Central Fish Market, Jeddah
Jeddah's bustling waterfront fish market where the Red Sea's bounty arrives fresh each morning - red snapper, grouper, barracuda, king mackerel, and shrimp. Visitors can choose their fish and have it cooked at adjacent restaurants.
Hours: Daily 5AM-1PM (freshest before 9AM)
Riyadh Herb and Spice Souq, Al Batha
Dense cluster of spice merchants in Riyadh's oldest commercial district selling traditional blends for kabsa and biryani, dried limes, saffron, cardamom, and herbal remedies used in traditional medicine.
Hours: Sat-Thu 8AM-12PM & 4PM-10PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Restaurants often don't open for dinner until 8PM and stay busy until midnight; booking for 8-9PM is normal
Family sections are separate from singles sections in traditional restaurants - when in doubt, ask for the 'family area'
All food in Saudi Arabia is halal; pork is completely absent; alcohol is strictly prohibited nationwide
Generous hospitality culture means portion sizes are large - sharing dishes is normal and expected
Ramadan dining is a unique experience: iftar (breaking fast at sunset) spreads in hotels and restaurants offer exceptional value buffets
Arabic coffee (qahwa) is served complimentary at most traditional restaurants and should be accepted graciously
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | SAR 15-40/meal ($4-11) | Street food, fast food chains (Al Baik, Herfy, Mama Noura), simple local restaurants |
| Mid-range | SAR 50-150/meal ($13-40) | Casual Saudi and international restaurants, coffee shops with food |
| Upscale | SAR 200-500+/meal ($53-134+) | Fine dining, hotel restaurants, celebrity chef venues |