From the flavours of tradition to modern European twists – Riyadh’s dining scene is pulling out all the stops for iftar and suhoor
As the holy month of Ramadan graces Riyadh, the Sauid Capital’s finest culinary establishments have unveiled a dazzling array of Iftar and Suhoor experiences. From the warmth and tradition of lavish buffets and curated set menus to the allure of elegantly themed settings and vibrant open-air dining, Riyadh presents a culinary journey that honours tradition and elevates the Ramadan spirit. Here are the very best places to enjoy suhoor and iftar in Riyadh in 2024.
The best suhoor and iftar in Riyadh this Ramadan
Il Baretto Riyadh
Nestled within the vibrant KAFD district, Il Baretto Riyadh is a culinary destination for refined Italian cuisine, and its warm, inviting space exudes Tuscan elegance. Open throughout Ramadan for both Iftar and Suhoor; guests can enjoy a delightful dining experience featuring its celebrated signature dishes – think hearty pasta, meats, seafood and more. Expect an abundance of flavour – from pizzette to mains such as Bolognese sauce-stuffed panzerotti – and a sweet conclusion with the day’s featured ice cream. The restaurant is also offering a takeaway tiramisu – a large format, sharing-style treat of its most loved dessert – to continue the celebrations at home or save for an iftar or suhoor with loved ones.
SAR184 per person; from 5:30 pm-2:30 am, KAFD, Al Aqiq, ilbaretto.com, @ilbarettosa
Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah
Riyadh’s most elegant five-star hotel, Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah once again heralds the return of its renowned Iftar celebration with the unveiling of the Fawanees Experience – an homage to the iconic Ramadan lanterns. Indulge in a lavish buffet with live cooking stations, showcasing an array of specialities from traditional favourites like saleeq and kabsa to an abundance of international flavours and desserts. Classic Ramadan beverages, a dedicated children’s play area, and separate prayer rooms complete this festive celebration. For an elevated Iftar or Suhoor, The Asir Lounge at The Globe awaits within the hotel’s iconic golden sphere. Enjoy breathtaking city views while savouring a delectable à la carte menu. The Globe also offers an exclusive setting for group bookings (up to 25 guests), featuring a specially curated set menu, world-class service, and panoramic vistas of Riyadh. For an upscale yet satisfying iftar in Riyadh, this is the place to go.
The all-inclusive package is priced at SAR 475 per person from 5.00pm to 9.00pm, 10 March until 9 April. Children under 7 dine for free, children aged 7 to 12 years from SAR 238 – SAR 338; Iftar at Asir Lounge from 8.00pm until sunrise for a minimum spend of SAR 350; The Globe is open exclusively for Iftar or Suhoor group bookings for up to 25 guests priced at SAR 35,000; Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, mandarinoriental.com
A.O.K Kitchen
Nestled amidst lush greenery in the bustling KAFD neighbourhood, A.O.K Kitchen (an acronym for All is okay) is offering an approachable and elegant Ramadan dining experience with its signature Mediterranean-meets-Californian cuisine. Guests can choose between A.O.K’s garden-inspired terrace or its stylish dining room to savour Medjool dates and freshly prepared bread, followed by an enticing selection of starters. The culinary journey continues with thoughtfully composed main courses like a fragrant herb-infused lamb dish, delicately prepared seafood, or satisfying vegetarian options. A sweet finale awaits with delights such as umm ali infused with delicate spices or a unique twist on a traditional dessert. To complete the experience, A.O.K. offers a selection of handcrafted treats infused with local flavours. A.O.K Kitchen has a beautiful private dining room, ideal for intimate gatherings with loved ones. What’s more, all A.O.K Kitchen dishes are free from refined sugar and consciously limited in dairy and gluten, and all dietary requirements are catered for – meaning the whole family can enjoy and not leave feeling weighed down. Pets are also welcome on the terrace.
From 8:00 pm to 2:30 am; KAFD; aokkitchen.co.uk; @aokkitchensaudi
LPM Restaurant & Cafe
Part of the world-famous LPM Group (born in London with outlets in Miami, Dubai and Abu Dhabi), LPM Restaurant & Cafe sits in the city’s vibrant Al Olaya district. The renowned French-Mediterranean concept invited diners to enjoy a mix of traditional Arabic and classic LPM dishes, with Medjool dates and a comforting soup to start, followed by a delightful array of starters, including the classic burrata and the indulgent snails with garlic butter and parsley. For the mains, guests can savour selections like the fusilli pasta with prawns and harissa sauce or the sea bream Provençal style. Make sure to indulge in LPM’s acclaimed desserts – the Île glotante, famous vanilla cheesecake, or the delightful twist on tradition with the upside-down date cake. LPM also offers a private dining space, perfect for hosting an intimate Iftar with loved ones.
SAR 250 per person ( minimum booking for two people); Iftar from 6:00 pm onwards; for guests looking to visit for Suhoor, the restaurant offers À La Carte menu once they reopen at 9:30 pm until 1:30 am; Al Olaya District; lpmrestaurants.com; @lpmriyadh
Urth Caffé
One of the most popular coffee shops and cafes within the vibrant cityscape of Riyadh is Urth Caffe – a relaxed California-inspired eatery. Its iftar in Riyadh is imbued wholesome flavours with cherished traditions, providing a peaceful place of respite during the holy month of Ramadan. Begin by breaking your fast with a choice of comforting soups and the nourishing kale salad, featuring a medley of organic ingredients and a pomegranate vinaigrette. Guests can enjoy delightful spreads like Urth’s signature creamy hummus, earthy beet hummus, and mutabbal alongside selections like foul and sambusa – all served with warm zaatar and pita bread. Guests can also indulge in mains such as Peruvian rice, classic Lasagna Bolognese, or Gnocchi paired with your choice of tender veal or chicken Milanese.
Iftar set menu with mains – SAR 150, Iftar set menu without mains – SAR 115; from sunset onwards; urth-caffe.redro.menu; @urthcaffesaudi
Yauatcha
This renowned global Cantonese eatery Yauatcha is located in the prestigious Al Faisaliah Mall, and this Ramadan has unveils a specially curated set menu showcasing a unique set of dishes. Guests can commence their Iftar with an intriguing camel meat puff and the comforting Chinese oat soup. For the main course, explore unique delicacies like the delicately prepared camel steak, wok-tossed prawns with chilli sauce, sautéed garden vegetables, and a fragrant mushroom with pepper and beef fried rice. Conclude your Iftar with an enticing selection of desserts featuring favourites like the decadent Manjari chocolate tart.
SAR 295 per adult, SAR147.50 per child from ages 7-12; Al Olaya; yauatcha.com; @yauatchariyadh
Villa Mamas
Located in Riyadh’s dazzling new Bujairi Terrace dining development, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ad-Diriyah, this Bahrain-born eatery offers a captivating Iftar in Riyadh infused with cultural heritage and championing the finest local and seasonal ingredients. Their debut Iftar menu features limited-edition dishes showcasing the bounty of regional produce. Guests can break their fast with dates, followed by starters such as ravioli harees with goat ghee and chicken tahchin. For the mains, guests can savour delicacies like lamb kibbeh and mozat laham and indulge in a delightful dessert selection for a perfect finale to the Iftar experience.
From 4 pm-1 am; Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah; villamamas.sa; @villamamasriyadh
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