Riyadh and Romance don’t exactly go hand in hand do they? Despite its boring reputation, Riyadh has some surprisingly romantic restaurants where lovers can find a nice quiet spot.
I’ve noticed that some of the best restaurants in Riyadh are also the most romantic. With the upcoming Valentine’s Day next weekend, many couples are going to eat out in Riyadh. Here’s my top list of romantic restaurants found in Riyadh for some tips on where to head for that special Valentine’s Day romance!
1. The Globe, Cristal and Cigar Lounge Faisaliyah Tower
Probably the best views in town. Dine high above the city lights indulging on exquisite dishes made by some of the world’s top chefs in a luxurious setting. Extra bonus the ladies can take abayas off if they so wish. The exclusive culinary festival ‘Globe Summit’ takes place here a few times a year, not to be missed for the ultimate dining experience.
2. Spazio, Italian restaurant, Kingdom Tower
The second best views in town. Good food and lovely ambiance. Enjoy some sushi and a chance to walk on the Sky Bridge with amazing views of Riyadh.
3. Mondo Italian restaurant, Intercontinental Hotel
One of the only places you will find a table next to a water source. Mondo has an outdoor seating area by the poolside. Fantastic, well presented food, divine desserts, candles and romantic music.
4. Appetit Kitchen Tahlia Street
What could be more romantic than an evening out in Paris? Appetite Kitchen is as close to the real thing as you can get in the sand pit! Dimmed lights, cozy atmosphere, sophisticated music and best of all, a candlelit dinner!
5. Cento Per Cento Italian on Olaya Street
Book your own beautifully decorated private room with a set 7-course menu for an all out evening.
6. Fairuz Garden King Fahad rd.
Beautiful interior design, dim lights, blue colors, excellent Lebanese food (and music!).. You can book a table in advance which the staff especially decorates with rose pedals and candles. Choice of sitting outside on the rooftop terrace with a view to the Kingdom tower.
7. Maya La Chocolaterie Ourouba rd.
The ultimate place for all chocolate lovers, the chocolaterie offers an extensive menu of pure indulgence in a warm atmosphere with soulful music playing in the background. This love clinic will get your endorphins running high!
8. L’Olimpo Italian restaurant end of Tahlia Street, Dhabab rd.
This restaurant looks like it belongs somewhere in a small idyllic village in Italy. The decor inside is romantic with pretty fountains all over, it seems as if stepping into another country. Choice of small outdoor seating area or private rooms in the upper level.
9. Hediard Tahlia Street
Another option for family section dining under the stars. Prime location on the rooftop on Tahlia street, good food and service.
10. Azurro Italian,Ritz Carlton
This Italian poolside restaurant will make you feel no less like royalty. Six star service not comparable to anything else in Riyadh, extraordinary dishes created by a real Italian chef, beautiful decor and views to the spectacular indoor pool area (which is closed to visitors during dinner hours!). What more can you ask for?
11. Lenotre Cafe, Centria Mall 3rd floor
Lenotre has some of the best desserts in town, especially the chocolate dishes are amazing. Served in a fabulous setting on a terrace overlooking Olaya street and the Kingdom tower on one side and Faisaliyah on the other.
12. La Vela italian, Centria Mall 3 rd floor
You can either dine inside in a beautiful intimate setting or outside on the terrace with views to the Faisaliyah tower and down to Tahlia street. Candles, dim lights, great ambiance and tasty desserts!
13. Amore Tahlia Street
The name says it all, this Italian has some of the best pizzas and pastas in town which will make you fall in love all over again :) Service is excellent and dinner is served in a modern setting.
14. Scalinis Italian in Diplomatic Quarters.
This Italian restaurant is located in the Fazari plaza area and open to everyone. Female guests can remove their abayas if they want. Nice decor, great food and one of the safest places to dine for those looking for muttawa-free areas.
What are your favorite romantic restaurants in Riyadh? What would you add to this list?
Special mention goes to the Najdi Village restaurant!
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Hello there! I’m Laura, the founder of Blue Abaya- the first travel blog in Saudi Arabia, established in 2010. Travel has always been my passion- so far I’ve visited 75 countries and I’m always on the lookout for new adventures inside and outside of Saudi Arabia! Follow my adventures in Saudi and beyond on instagram: instagram.com/blueabaya
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hahaha i loved ur husband’s comment, he is right lol
lol I told him people are going to think he’s weird
An excellent review, Layla!
Thanks Carol!
LOL well he is not bad at all :) brings flowers and takes me out to dinner occasionally and when I’m feeling blue he makes me Finnish pancakes, so that’s sort of like Valentine’s day over and over right ;)
#14 is in my neighborhood, I can actually walk to that restaurant!
Another worthy mention: La Cucina in Faisaliah. Great food and decor.
Thanks for the recommendation Fayez, I fully agree :)
We just returned from Riyadh this morning. I wish I had read this yesterday, because we were looking for a nice place to eat. One of these places would’ve been nice. O well, maybe next time, insha Allaah.
Btw, your husband is right. You are promoting Valentines Day, which is unIslamic (shirk to be exact). It seems that you’re aware that this is incorrect by stating that your husband is against it. It is good that he frees himself from what you post, but it would be even better if you took down this post and offered a disclaimer against Valentines Day.
May Allaah guide you to what is correct and grant the good that you do be a benefit to yourself and to others, ameen
Nice post interrupted by anonymous negative comments as usual.
btw I thought Saudi haya made sure nothing pink or red was within view during this time of the year? Have they softened their stance finally? LOL
Coolred38- Yup! Nothing new here, just the usual Negative Nelly’s :D
First they say how they wish they’d seen the post earlier, then the next sentence, you should delete this post…hmmm.
Oh to answer your question about the red, for sure they will be on the lookout this weekend, what else do the muttawa have to do than terrorize people :p
Layla
I visit your blog from time to time, because you share a lot of nice information. I like good resturaunts, festivals and events. You’re blog is one of few that keeps the expat up to date for such things.
Nevertheless, there are some things that you promote that go against the Qur’aan and Sunnah; in additon to on occasion, you’ll make mockery/unIslamic statements about Islam and or Muslims (Muttawa, Haya, etc.). You are to be advise that this is not correct. It is a duty upon every Muslim to adivse he/her brother/sister in Islam. Now, if you’re not Muslim, then, I free myself of you.
I meant what I said in my first post. I truly wish that I had read your post on these resturaunts, as I would have like to eat some place nice while in Riyadh this past week. My spouse and I have some time to ourselves before the kids arrive, so we’re trying to enjoy this time.
Thank you for your beneficial posts and may Allaah guide you and me to that which is correct, ameen
There are few restaurants here in Yanbu – far from romantic!. Will live vicariously through you & your photos, enjoy!
murgatr
we were at cento per cento last night….its our val’s day place…hav been goin thr for the past 3 years n its still awesome!!but spazio was a big disappointment…the food is over priced n forgettable!!lolimpo n fayruz gardens r good.m going to try out ur other suggestions!!
You mentioned that in one restaurant, the ladies do not have to wear abayas. How does that happen? Is it considered not to be in public? As for promoting, not promoting Valentines day – well, a sense of humor is good to have not matter what religion you are, right? After all, I’m not catholic, but got lovely flowers, a card, dinner, and candy from my husband (just to remind me that he loves me). He does that other days too, but it’s always nice to be told again :).
If you comment and you care so much show your face don’t be anon.
[…] Food is presented in fabulous ways and this place has high international standards. One of the most romantic restaurants in Riyadh and ideal for […]
I suppose that Le Chateau (“underground nightclub” in basement) was too new to be mentioned on this list – I think the Japanese pagoda area (there are many different themes inside this Italian/Chinese multi-restaurant palace) may rank as the most romantic area – but there are many different hide-aways in this huge place… The train station area would be a romantic option and the main dining area is always packed with birthday meals and filipino drum bangers for a raucous rendition of Happy Birthday to you, for a culture that’s not suppose to emphasis birthdays… not! – mike e.
Hi, i checked the menus of thse hotels. these are very much costly…:( can some one suggest reasonable resturants.
i want to make a booking for “Fairuz Garden King Fahad rd” and iv tried calling them endless times but no one is answering. i can always walk in but wanted some special arrangements for the dinner. This is really a big MINUS for them.
oh dear, unfortunately most places in Riyadh are terrible at answering their phones!
well that was not just it. allow me to share my experience with them.
gladly i was finally able to book in my appointment and i asked them in specific to make special arrangements and decorate the table as it was meant to be a surprise dinner party for my parents anniversary. anyhow when i reached the “Fairuz Garden King Fahad rd”
no arrangements were done even though i saw it on the appointment parer written SPECIAL with my name next to it. so the whole plan of the surprise was flushed right there and then.
ADVICE: the service they provide is for sure not worth the effort nor the price. for me it was first and last time.
Very sorry for this terrible experience! Thank you for sharing. Certainly sounds like appalling service. I hope you contacted the manager?
Thank you for making this article. I can’t help but voice out though that some restos/cafes mentioned are not romantic at all. Been to majority of them therefore I know. :)
Thanks for the feedback Rachelle, Well I guess it all depends on our individual preferences and perceptions :) As the saying goes, beggars are not choosers ;)
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