A guide to Bujairi Terrace in Riyadh’s historic Diriyah area
A guide to Bujairi Terrace in Riyadh’s historic Diriyah area
Some of the best places to visit at this premier dining hotspot…
One of Riyadh’s landmark dining districts, Bujairi Terrace at Diriyah consists of 20 local and international restaurants. From famed institutions to long-standing favourites, what distinguishes the hotspot from other high-end dining destinations is the balanced offering of Saudi cuisine alongside top-notch international Michelin-star brands.
What’s more, visitors can walk for hours around the area, enjoying the natural and historic surroundings. Cross over the bridge after dining at Bujairi Terrace to visit the recently restored ruins of the prominent citadel of Salwa Palace — the original home of the Al-Saud royal family — in the historic At-Turaif district. The Unesco World Heritage Site is open all year round and features events, performances, and activities for all to experience and enjoy.
A Diriyah Entry Pass is required for visitors to dine at Bujairi Terrace. This includes access to At-Turaif, with an option to advance book a guided tour.
The pass is priced at SAR100 from Sundays to Wednesdays after 4pm, while Thursdays after 4pm and Fridays and Saturdays after 2pm will cost you SAR200. However, the cost can be redeemed on F&B at Bujairi Terrace restaurants. Want to enter for free? Simply visit before 4pm on weekdays and before 2pm on weekends.
Here, we’ve rounded up the hottest tables at Bujairi Terrace for you to book. Of course, reservations are highly recommended.
Now Open
Altopiano
This Saudi-born brand offers dishes that evoke a taste of Southern Italy fused with Arabic ingredients and cooking, served in a rustic, casual elegance setting.
Reservations can be made here.
Angelina
The iconic French café, Angelina, provides a chic European atmosphere and its Parisian flavours to the streets of Diriyah. Enjoy a selection of signature sweet pastries such as the Mont-Blanc, lemon tart and more, along with breakfast items, pasta, and afternoon tea sets. This is the second outlet in the Kingdom, with the first located in Jeddah, and a third scheduled to be open in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.
Angelina, Sun to Thurs 10am to midnight, Fri & Sat 10am to 1am. Tel: 050 9553 788. Reservations can be made here. @angelinaparisksa
Brunch & Cake
Much more than an all-day dining restaurant, Brunch & Cake is known for hosting in iconic locations with beautiful interiors, wholesome dishes, generous portions, and a place that provides one-of-a-kind experiences. The Bujairi Terrace venue is the first Brunch & Cake location in Saudi Arabia. Check out our first look of the restaurant here.
Brunch & Cake, Sun to Thurs 10am to midnight, Fri & Sat 10am to 1am. Tel: 059 265 7843. @brunchandcakeksa
Chez Bruno
This one Michelin-starred restaurant, which has been part of the French Riviera’s dining scene since 1990, is known for its truffle-based menu. Chez Bruno expands to Saudi Arabia for the first time, offering diners something completely new.
Chez Bruno, daily 1pm to 4pm & 7pm to 11pm. Tel: 9200 33819. Reservations can be made here. @chezbrunoksa
Café de L’Esplanade
Exquisite coffees and savoury French delicacies make the fusion-style brasserie menu at Café de L’Esplanade’s first branch outside France. You can look forward to cooked oysters, broths and good French steaks. So, drop in and indulge without guilt.
Café de L’Esplanade, daily noon to 11pm. Tel: 056 8868 900. Reservations can be made here. @cafedelesplanadesa
Cova Pasticceria
Here, you can look forward to classic breakfasts and sublime brunches to the finest selection of sweet treats such as panettones, chocolate gems, cream pastries, and succulent fruit tarts.
Cova Pasticceria, Sun to Thurs 10am to midnight, Fri & Sat 10am to 1am. Reservations can be made here. Tel: 059 3101 344.
Hakkasan
Offering diners a high-end Chinese experience, Hakkasan’s unique cuisine blends authentic Cantonese recipes with contemporary influences. Expect innovative signature dishes like grilled Chilean seabass in honey and crispy duck salad, among others, as well as an Only At collection created exclusively for each different location.
Hakkasan, Sun to Thurs 6pm to 11.30pm, Fri & Sat 6pm to midnight. Reservations can be made here. Tel: 9200 33817. @hakkasanriyadh
Joe & The Juice
The popular Danish juice bar and coffee shop brand is known for its fast and healthy options and nourishing, made-to-order drinks. From coffee, tea, and delicious sandwiches to power shakes and veggie shots made with organic ingredients and all prepared in the store, the menu includes vegan options to satisfy every creative palate.
Joe & The Juice, Sun to Thurs 10am to midnight, Fri & Sat 10am to 1am. @joeandthejuiceksa
Long Chim
Inspired by Thailand’s markets and street food, the critically acclaimed Long Chim brings the flavours of modern Bangkok to Riyadh’s historic district. Meaning “come and taste” in Thai, Long Chim dishes up curries, stir-fries, noodles, desserts, snacks, salads and more, all faithfully recreated using recipes researched and fine-tuned by celebrity chef David Thompson.
Long Chim, Sun to Wed 5pm to 11pm & Thurs to Sat 1pm to 11pm. Reservations can be made here. Tel:9200 33795.
Maiz
Promising a completely authentic celebration of Saudi Arabian cuisine and culture, Maiz is a stylish space with grand interiors befitting the beautiful historical setting of Bujairi Terrace. On the menu, traditional Saudi recipes from each of the Kingdom’s 13 provinces will be reimagined with contemporary finesse, redefining what diners may have grown to expect the local cuisine to look and taste like.
Tel:9200 15513. @maizriyadh
Sarabeth’s
Saunter in this award-winning bakery and café from New York if you are looking for that American-style brunch. While it is an all-day favourite, don’t miss out on the rest of the scrumptious menu, which spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sarabeth’s, Sun to Thurs 10am to midnight, Fri & Sat 10am to 1am. Reservations can be made here. Tel:9200 33770. @sarabeths.sa
Somewhere
Independent Food Company, the brand behind Salt, Parkers and Public, brings its brand Somewhere to the new dining destination. Look forward to a dining experience that takes you somewhere unexpected, featuring traditional dishes of the Arab world.
Somewhere Dessert Bar
You’ll also find one of Somewhere’s unique concepts – the dessert bar – located next to the café. Arabic-inspired desserts with a creative flair and modern twist are not to be missed here.
Sum + Things
Sum + Things offers a bespoke combination of a curated retail space, an art gallery, and an all-day restaurant serving popular international dishes.
Sum + Things, daily noon to 1am. Reservations can be made here. Tel: 054 134 4090. @sumplusthings
Takya
Takya is the first Saudi-owned fine dining restaurant serving Saudi cuisine with a contemporary twist. You will soon be able to enjoy its signature saleeg, a creamy rice dish infused with mastic and smoked dehydrated yoghurt and sautéed chicken.
Takya, Weekdays 4pm to midnight, Weekends 2pm to 1am. Reservations can be made here. Tel: 055 0402 000. @takya_sa
Tatel
First established in Madrid but with locations now in Ibiza and Beverly Hills, Tatel is a Michelin-starred restaurant focused on Spanish Mediterranean gourmet dishes with a twist of sophistication and innovation. Tatel Riyadh is the brand’s first Middle East location, bringing Spanish fare and a lively atmosphere to Bujairi Terrace. Try Tatel classics like Spanish omelette with truffle, grilled octopus, prawn and jalapeno ceviche, and paella.
Reservations can be made here. Tel: 056 8868 966. @tatel_riyadh
Villa Mamas
Modern Middle Eastern cuisine made of fresh seasonal and local ingredients is what you’ll find at Chef Roaya Saleh’s restaurant. Expect a complete immersion in remarkable regional flavours with a contemporary turn. Villa Mamas’ signature dishes include Machboos, Tacheen, Dum Biriyani, Lamb shanks, Umm Ali, Kashke and much more.
Reservations can be made here. Tel: 9200 66880. @villamamasriyadh
Opening Soon
Cova Il Ristorante
Cova is one of Italy’s oldest pasticcerias and an international destination. Celebrated for its high-quality produce and unique interiors, the menu will offer diners a selection of Mediterranean mains and continental side dishes with daily chef specials and traditional Milanese options in an intimate fine dining setting.
Flamingo Room by tashas
Combining elegance and sophistication with a playful personality, Flamingo Room by tashas is a testament to Africa’s refined side. The restaurant provides a chic yet relaxed dining experience – from afternoon tea to dinners. The contemporary menu showcases mostly fresh seafood prepared in a classical yet decadent expression and infused with the most interesting flavours of the season.
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Freshly baked doughnuts from this Riyadh-based eatery get a unique twist of fun flavours.