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Finding the perfect lunch restaurants in Riyadh can be a bit of hassle because of the availability of hundreds of different options.
BUT TRUST ME!
Riyadh is packed with amazing lunch spots that offer everything from fiery peri peri chicken and delicious Turkish kebabs to fresh sushi and Middle Eastern mezze.
There is no shortage of options to make your lunch break more memorable in Riyadh.
Whether you are escaping the office for lunch or going on a business meeting I have handpicked some of the best lunch locations that are unique for their ambiance, décor, and delicious food.
So let’s not waste any time and see what these restaurants have to offer!
1. Tokyo Restaurant
If you want to escape to the streets of Japan for lunch then this restaurant should be on top of your list. They have absolutely nailed the Asian vibe in their restaurant thanks to the dim yellow lights which are complemented by the red sofa seats.
BUT THAT’S NOT IT!
They have small flowers or trees scattered around the restaurant which gives it more of a hearty and street food look.
SO MANY FEELINGS UNDER ON ROOF.
The restaurant has huge dining space and parking so you don’t need to worry about either of those even when you visit in peak hours for lunch.
Must-Try Dishes At Tokyo
Their menu is surely going to confuse you with many options like salads, sizzling teppanyaki, fried dishes, and soups. I have been there a few times so let me give you my top picks:
- Crispy Crab Salad: If you want a quick and healthy lunch then this salad will get the job done. It’s crispy, light, and packed with crab.
- Wagyu Beef Gyoza: Think of these as an upgraded version of dumplings. These are a great example of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are filled with wagyu beef and you will be asking for more.
- Black Cod: For my seafood friends this dish is a NO MISS! With a slight touch of Japanese vinegar and sauce, this fish is soft and tasty.
- Bento Box: Still confused? Go for the bento box which has a bit of everything from the menu.
Average Prices Per Person:
You can expect to pay somewhere between SAR 150 – 180 for a single-person meal at this restaurant.
Summary Of Tokyo Restaurant
| Feature | Details |
| Ambiance | Cozy Asian vibe with dim yellow lights, red decor, and floral touches |
| Cuisine | Japanese, with an impressive variety of cold dishes, teppanyaki, and sushi |
| Must-Try Dishes | Crispy Crab Salad, Wagyu Beef Gyoza, Black Cod, Chicken Katsu Curry, Bento Box |
| Average Price | SAR 150 – 180 |
2. Mena Restaurant
The next lunch restaurant on our list is this beautifully built place at Shaza Riyadh Hotel. If you are after some authentic Middle Eastern food with a great atmosphere then this place is for you.
The place is built like an ancient palace and you will feel like you are transported into the past. They have traditional décor on the walls and even the floors have Saudi art on them.
THAT’S TOO MUCH TRADITION IN ONE PLACE.
If you are going for lunch with your family then this place has separate family compartments where you can relax and enjoy authentic food.
If you love gardens then their outdoor seating will be perfect for you. It has a huge garden and green trees all over.
YOU WILL LOVE THE PLACE!
Must-Try Dishes At Mena
Their menu is packed with traditional dishes that give you a true taste of the region.
WITH MORE OPTIONS COMES MORE CONFUSION!
But I got your back and here are some dishes you should try there:
- Levant Chicken Liver: A perfect Middle Eastern appetizer. It contains chicken liver in a pomegranate. It is tangy, rich, and flavorful.
- Shish Tawouk: This chicken is marinated and then grilled to give out flavors you will remember for days. You get fries on the side too!
- Kebab Azmer: This kebab is homemade with cheese and herbs. It is served with veggies and fries.
- Aleppo Hummus bel Lahmah: That’s a long name but if you love hummus then you will become a fan of this. It includes hummus topped with tender lamb and roasted pine nuts.
Average Price Per Person:
The restaurant is not on a very pricier side and you can expect to pay between SAR 80 – 120 for a fulfilling meal.
Summary Of Mena Restaurant
| Feature | Details |
| Ambiance | Palace-like with traditional floors, family compartments, garden, and outdoor seating. |
| Cuisine | Middle Eastern with classic appetizers, soups, grills, and cold dishes |
| Must-Try Dishes | Levant Chicken Liver, Shish Tawouk, Aleppo Hummus bel Lahmah, Kebab Azmer, Lamb Freekeh Soup |
| Average Price | SAR 80-120 per person |
3. Nandos Restaurant
For a more fun and lively lunch you can visit Nandos. They restaurant came all the way from South Africa and has multiple branches all over Riyadh.
The restaurant is most famous for its delicious and hot PERI – PERI chicken which was first served back in 1987 and their branch in Cenomi The View Mall does not disappoint.
With a bright atmosphere and a casual ambiance, this place is a must-visit for a quick lunch with your friends or family.
AND YEAH!
They have great outdoor seating too with a fine view, especially at night time.
Must-Try Dishes At Nandos
Their menu is really detailed but I will talk about the stars of the show that will make the most out of your meal:
- Quarter Chicken + 2 Regular Sides: A perfectly grilled, tender, and juicy chicken with your choice of sides. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure.
- Espetada Carnival: Marinated chicken with a hint of PERI PERI sauce. It’s a flavorful stick. It’s hearty and comes with delicious sides too.
- Chicken Butterfly + 2 Regular Sides: Boneless chicken cooked in butter that is tender and has a perfect seasoning. With the sides added it’s a lunch you can’t finish alone.
- Casa Fattoush Salad: For veggie or healthy food lovers this light meal will do the job. It’s fresh, tangy, and ideal to keep your energy up.
Average Price Per Person
Nandos is not on the expensive side but it’s not a cheap restaurant either. You can expect to pay somewhere between SAR 80 – 100 for a nice lunch here.
Summary Of Nandos Restaurant
| Feature | Details |
| Ambiance | Bright and lively with comfortable seating, brown and black decor, and outdoor seating with a view |
| Cuisine | Portuguese-inspired grilled chicken, with a focus on PERi-PERi flavors |
| Must-Try Dishes | Quarter Chicken + 2 Regular Sides, Espetada Carnival, Full Chicken Wings with Sides, Chicken Butterfly, Casa Fattoush Salad |
| Average Price | SAR 80-100 per person |
4. Assaraya Turkish
How about some Turkish food for lunch?
YES PLEASE!
If you want to catch a glimpse of Istanbul without leaving Riyadh then this restaurant might have the perfect ambiance for you.
The place is massive and more like an ancient palace with huge walls and ancient Turkish décor on the wooden walls around the restaurant.
Everywhere you look, you’re greeted by these amazing vintage chandeliers that create a nice and bright atmosphere for your dine-in.
A mix of white tiles and warm lights creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere that you don’t get everywhere in Riyadh.
It’s the kind of place that you visit with your family or guests to relax and have fun conversations while you wait for your food to arrive.
Must-Try Dishes At Assaraya:
Their menu is all about Turkish food and you will get everything from light appetizers to rich main courses and decadent desserts.
BUT
What I loved the most here:
- Saraya Mix Grill: This has different grills all in one place and contains meats that are juicy and perfectly grilled. It’s ideal for trying a bit of everything the restaurant has to offer.
- Alexander Meat Shawarma: it’s not your ordinary shawarma and you will love the different flavors that have been combined in this one.
- Shrimp Fakhara: This is served in a sizzling clay pot to add a touch of tradition. If you don’t love this then you are not a Turkish food fan.
- Baklava: Layered with nuts and honey this is an iconic Turkish treat to finish on a high note!
Average Price Per Person:
You can expect to pay between SAR 50 – 80 for a nice and fulfilling Turkish lunch at this restaurant in Riyadh.
Summary Of Assaraya Turkish
| Feature | Details |
| Ambiance | Grand and elegant with palace-like vibes, featuring vintage chandeliers, wooden Turkish walls adorned with intricate art, white tiles, and a warm, inviting glow. |
| Cuisine | Authentic Turkish with a focus on grilled meats, traditional mezze, shawarmas, and sizzling clay-pot dishes (fakharas), offering a variety of hearty and flavorful options. |
| Must-Try Dishes | Lentil Soup, Saraya Mix Grill, Alexander Meat Shawarma, Shrimp Fakhara, Baklava. |
| Average Price | SAR 50-80 per person |
5. 56th Avenue Diner
The last lunch restaurant in Riyadh on our list is this upscale American restaurant located near KAFD.
This family-friendly restaurant is all about providing good vibes, fast service, and a touch of luxury to your dining experience.
You will find all the OG American dishes here with a bit of touch to align them to the Saudi Arabian taste.
YOU WILL REMEMBER YOUR LUNCH FOR DAYS!
The atmosphere is cozy and relaxing with great décor and a perfect aroma of American food but if you want to level it up you can dine outdoors too!
Must-Try Dishes At 56th Avenue Diner
They have different menus for different occasions and times of the day so you will feel a bit confused.
BUT THAT’S WHY I AM HERE!
Let me give you my top favorite dishes at this restaurant:
- Chili Cheese Fries: A perfect start to your meal with these golden fries topped with spicy and melted mayo.
- Lobster Roll: A true taste of the coast. This lobster is huge and rolled in a soft roll. The taste of butter inside makes it 2x better.
- Tex Mex Burger: What’s an American restaurant without a burger? This burger is spicy, big, and totally worth it.
- 40 oz Tomahawk Steak: For the steak lovers this is perfect. It’s made for sharing but you might just want it all for yourself.
Average Price Per Person
If you go for their steak then you can expect to be paying SAR 150+ but if you go for other dishes you will have a nice lunch for just over SAR 100 here.
Summary Of 56th Avenue Diner
| Feature | Details |
| Ambiance | Cozy, upbeat diner vibe with a lively terrace for outdoor dining and game nights. |
| Cuisine | American diner classics with a gourmet twist—burgers, steaks, seafood. |
| Must-Try Dishes | Chili Cheese Fries, Lobster Roll, Tex Mex Burger, Tomahawk Steak, Beef Brisket. |
| Average Price | SAR 150+ for steaks |
Conclusion
So there you go my top picks for the best lunch restaurants in Riyadh.
TRUST ME!
You will love all these restaurants and if you don’t well you have five options here I am confident your lunch will be memorable at one of these locations.
So get your car keys and head over now!
