From immersive experiences to eclectic interiors, these cafes offer some high-quality brews and delectable bites in Riyadh
Athwifa Saleem
Riyadh‘s hospitality scene is having a moment, as the world’s biggest names open their doors alongside soulful homegrown offerings. Among these are a new wave of cool coffee shops and cafes, and the city now boasts a diversity of cafes for every taste and mood. Whether you are seeking a snug place to unwind, a chic spot to capture a photo, or a minimalist matcha spot, here are the chicest cafes and coffee shops in Riyadh to visit now.
The best cafes and coffee shops in Riyadh
So Matcha
The brainchild of Yara Al Namlah, a Saudi beauty influencer, blogger, makeup artist, and entrepreneur, So Matcha is one of the city’s coolest new hangouts – a charming, modern space with a bustling ambience and cool pink and green colour scheme. Influenced by her passion for matcha and its health benefits, 24-year-old Yara Al Namlah opened the spot in 2022 as a way to share her love with others and create a unique, contemporary and cosy space in the Saudi capital. The cafe offers a diversity of matcha latte flavours, such as Matcha Fuel, Matcha Latte, So Rosy, Into the Sky, and Jomo, and also educates guests on the history and ancient cultures of matcha. The cafe has a wall that displays the different types of matcha and their origins. You can also find some books and magazines about matcha and its benefits.
Shorofat; somatcha.me, instagram.com
Elixir Bunn
Elixir Bunn is one of the chicest coffee shops in Riyadh – with minimalistic neutral interiors and fantastic coffee and matcha. Elixir Bunn is not only a speciality coffee house that serves high-quality brews, but also a stunning architectural masterpiece – awarded ‘Best Design in the Hospitality Sector’ by Architectural Digest Middle East. The café features terrazzo flooring, grand arches, and a winding stairway in an unexpected blue. Come for scrumptious snacks such as Oreo waffle pops and freshly baked croissants along with a host of breakfast and all-day dishes. Elixir Bunn is a must-see for anyone who appreciates beauty and design.
Al Nakheel District, elixirbunn.com, @elixirbunn
Cacti Café
As the name suggests, cosy Cacti Café is an anthophile’s dream, filled with greenery and succulents creating a chic, homely environment. The brand operates two cafes in Riyadh, one in Qurtubah open 24 hours and one in Al-Quds – open 1pm to 1:30am. Adding to this cosy feel, the spaces feature rustic furnishings and design touches like worn-in Chesterfield sofas and exposed brick walls, and boast an array of gourmet pastries and desserts as well as a vast selection of teas and coffees. Cacti Cafe is a warm and welcoming place to relax and unwind.
Qurtubah and Al-Quds; @cacti_sa
Moonshell Cafe
Moon Shell cafe is one of the few exclusively vegan/vegetarian cafes in Riyadh. Its health-conscious menu offers a range of delicious dishes and drinks that are made with fresh and organic ingredients. The cafe also has a distinctly bohemian look and feel, with colourful cushions, rugs, and plants creating a cosy and relaxing atmosphere.
King Abdullah District; @moonshell_sa
Sadelle’s Riyadh
If you are craving a taste of New York in Riyadh, head to Sadelle’s – a new addition to the city’s coffee shop and dining scene by Major Food Group. Specialising in one of New York’s greatest food traditions —the bagel, the modern and elegant cafe has quirky mosaic flooring, high ceilings and a playful blue colour palette – creating a grand yet soothing ambience. Sadelle’s is not only a place to relish a delicious meal and a refreshing drink, but also a place to learn more about the history and culture of New York. The cafe has a wall that displays the different types of bagels and their origins. You can also find some books and magazines about New York and its attractions. With Major Food Group operating seven popular eateries in New York and other cities, expect a failsafe, cosmopolitan buzz and experience.
Mandard Riyadh; sadelles.com, @sadellesriyadh
Cavalli Caffé
Aficionados of fashion and luxury will adore Cavalli Caffé, an exclusive café situated in Riyadh Park and designed with an opulent Italian garden theme. The café’s luxe aesthetic is cemented with bespoke birdcage booth seating area and gold and black tones throughout. You can savour classic French pastries, chunky cookies, and ice cream, along with a variety of hot and cold drinks. Cavalli Caffé is the ideal place to spoil yourself to a glamorous afternoon and one of the most stylish coffee shops in Riyadh.
Riyadh Park; @cavallicaffesa
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