The Saudi Arabian capital is having a culinary renaissance, welcoming some of the biggest and best Italian restaurant brands from across the world, along with founding some impressive homegrown offerings. Here are the very best Italian restaurant offerings in Riyadh.

The best Italian restaurants in Riyadh

Il Baretto Riyadh

One Italian restaurant in Riyadh that embodies the laid-back charm of Italy is Il Baretto, a favourite amongst the city’s cool crowd located in the bustling KAFD neighbourhood. Coming to the Saudi capital from London’s affluent Marylebone neighbourhood, Il Baretto was co-founded by renowned restaurateurs Arjun Waney of Zuma, Roka, Coya, LPM, and The Arts Club, and Giuliano Lotto of Zafferano, Memory of China, and Aubergine and brings this same chic vibe with an Italian twist. The menu serves up a diverse mix of Italy’s regions, from north to south, pioneered by passionate chef Alex Simone who works exclusively with fresh, seasonal and regional produce. Popular dishes include lobster linguine, veal Milanese, black truffle rigatoni and fillet Rossini, and beverages are another level of creativity – concocted in Il Baretto’s Zero Bar and emulating the complex flavours of Italy’s most loved cocktails.
KAFD, ilbaretto.sa, @ilbarettosa

Cipriani

Most urban lovers of Italian cuisine will be familiar with Cipriani, the glitzy, world-famous Venetian restaurant group with outlets in London, Monte Carlo, Dubai, New York City and more. Loved by celebrities and high society across the world, Cipriani showcases the most glamorous side of Italy, and Cipriani Riyadh embodies this same ethos. Located in the city’s prestigious Hittin district, Cipriani Riyadh is the spot for occasions, seductive late-night dinners and more, with Murano glass chandeliers, blue and white terrazzo tiles, high gloss oak tables, bespoke leather chairs and a hearty menu of indulgent Italian dishes – including Venetian classics. Order the spaghetti with seafood and cherry tomatoes, the homemade buffalo ricotta gnocchi, leopard crust pizzas and homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage.
Hittin, cipriani.com, @ciprianiriyadh

Cova Pasticceria

Cova is one of Italy’s oldest pasticcerias (a bakery selling cakes and pastries), and in its hometown of Milan, it is a true Italian institution. The storied Milanese bakery opened in 1817 as the baby of Napoleonic soldier Antonio Cova, and recently opened in Riyadh in the glitzy new Bujairi Terrace neighbourhood. Staying true to its roots as a casual hangout, Cova Pasticceria is an Italian restaurant in Riyadh that’s charming and authentic, serving fantastic Italian coffee and desserts and Mediterranean snacks, daily chef specials and bites. Diners can pop in for warm mozzarella and tomato focaccia, chicken and avocado croissants and cream cheese and truffle toasties, all while enjoying one of Riyadh’s most exciting new dining destinations in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ad Diriyah.
Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, pasticceriacova.com, @covaksa

MAMO Michelangelo

Despite being born in the sunny French Riviera port of Antibes, MAMO Michelangelo is pure Italian, founded by Calabrian-raised chef Mamo and paying homage to the sun-baked southern Italian landscapes of her hometown. In Riyadh, the bright and stylish space is located in the Al Olaya’s Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel and has rustic-luxe tables dotted under lemon trees with touches like intricate tiles floors, statement lighting and picture windows. The staff is wonderful and friendly, the space warm, bright and inviting and the dishes are light, Mediterranean and flavourful, taking you to the Riviera – be it French or Italian. This is the Italian restaurant in Riyadh for a languid weekend lunch or catch up with friends.
Al Faisaliah Hotel, Al Olaya, mamo-michelangelo.com, @mamomichelangeloksa

Madeo

Via Riyadh is one of the city’s coolest dining destinations, a high-end new development with retail, cinemas, dining, hotels and more, and at heart is Madeo. Hailing from Los Angeles, the contemporary space serves up quintessential classic and North Italian fare such as spaghetti Bolognese, Milanese, parmigiana di melanzane, millefoglie and more. A semi-open kitchen commands the dining room, so guests can see chefs whip up their delicious dishes, and the pizzas are perfectly crispy and moreish.
Via Riyadh, Al Hada, coolinc.com.sa

Altopiano

With a tagline of ‘Sicilian in heart, Saudi in soul’, Altopiano is one of Riyadh’s most unique Italian restaurants. Located in the swish Bujairi Terrace, the homegrown Saudi brand marries the flavours of Sicily with the Middle East, and there’s a real friendly charm to the space, emulating the feeling of southern Italy. Diners can enjoy hearty rustic cuisine fresh pasta, stuffed meats, vegetables and pizzas, with seasonal delights like pasta al limone and summery ice cream flavours like pistachio and hazelnut. Altopiano is open until 1am, making it the perfect spot for a late-night rendezvous or celebration.
Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, @altopiano.sa

Eataly Riyadh

Eataly is the personification of a truly authentic Italian experience, an immersive gastronomic experience that doubles as a haven for lovers of Italian cuisine. Along with being a gourmet grocery shop with a bakery, delicatessen, fresh pasta, and gelato. and condiment station, there’s also a laid-back Italian restaurant perfect for dining on the go. Come for breakfast to enjoy pastries, freshly baked bread, acai bowls, fruit, yoghurt and eggs, or for lunch or dinner for a true taste of Italy. There’s all the classics: antipasti, soups, salads and cicchetti, along with fresh handmade pasta, risotto, pizza and secondi (main courses). A coffee shop and pasticceria also serves up signature Illy coffee (from hot to freddo) and sweet treats.
As Sulimaniyah, eatalyarabia.com, @eatalyarabia

Azzurro

Azzurro is one of the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh for fine dining, located in the ultra-luxurious grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh. Instead of rustic-luxe, Azzurro goes for full-on Italian glamour, with a menu that’s both seasonal and Sardinian and with interesting dishes including balsamic vinegar pappardelle and Sardinian ravioli with fresh mint, lime zest and butter. The space itself is opulent and gilded, set by the hotel’s chic indoor pool (a experiental and unique expereince) wihth arches details, royal blue accents and a stunning frescoed ceiling.
The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Al Hada, ritzcarlton.com

San Carlo Cicchetti

For a sociable Italian experience complete with delicious sharing plates, book a table at San Carlo Cicchetti, a global restaurant group known for bringing Venetian cicchetti to the world. Pronounced chi-KET-tee, Cicchetti is what tapas is to Spanish – small sharing plates meant to be shared and enjoyed, and San Carlo delivers exactly this in the Saudi capital. In an elegant dining room filled with soothing blues and whites, diners can feast on stone-baked pizzas, rotating seasonal specials, handmade pasta, grilled meats, salads, fresh fish and more. Finish your meal with an Italian coffee and sharing tiramisu – divine.
As Sulimaniyah, sancarlocicchetti.sa, @cicchettisaudi

Via Mercato

Via Mercato is first and foremost an Italian food market, so expect quick and casual dining in an upscale setting. Located in Via Riyadh, the luxury food market is spread over two bright and spacious floors and diners can choose from different food stations including a bakery, cheese bar, pizzeria, sushi counter, matcha and coffee station, gelato bar and, for those feeling special, a caviar bar. While not Italian, the sushi is also worth a try – by renowned Japanese chef Takayoshi Watanabe. Dine there and grab some food to take home, too.
Via Riyadh, welcomesaudi.com, @viamercato.sa

Chi Spacca

Another Italian restaurant in Riyadh that makes its way from LA is Chi Spacca, a trendy and seductive space serving upscale Italian fare from a trio of chefs. The Tuscan steakhouse focuses on big meaty cuts and fire cooking, inspired by restauranteur founder Nancy Silverton’s lifelong love affair with Tuscan meats. In LA, Chi Spacca has won plenty of awards for its meat and focus on slow food, and the Riyadh outlet embodies this same ethos. There’s no pasta, but the best antipasti, salads, seafood, butchery and desserts, with some creative non-alcoholic cocktails. A burger pop-up is also taking place this summer every Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm serving burgers and grilled sandwiches.
Al Hada, coolinc.com.sa, @chispacca.sa

Signor Sassi

London-born Italian restaurant Signor Sassi is having a moment, with openings in Dubai and Riyadh making it a popular spot in the region. Popular with celebrities and royals, the brand is known for elevating Italian staples and the menu has over 100 dishes – promising something for everyone. The menu is the work of Chef Filippo, who joined the company as executive chef back in 2008 looking after the group’s portfolio (San Carlo Cicchetti, Signor Sassi, Alto, Fumo) and hero dishes including avocado ‘Bernado’ (avocado topped with prawns, lobster and scampi), spaghetti with lobster and risotto a la pesce. The restaurant itself is bright and neutral, with pops of colour from earthy oranges and hanging foliage.
As Sulimaniyah, signorsassi.sa, @signorsassiriyadh

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