Cool Inc. and Madeo Inc. celebrate the milestone with a new seasonal menu, DJ nights, and a look back on how Madeo became one of the most sought-after reservations in the capital.
Cool Inc. — the company that brought Madeo to Riyadh — and Madeo Inc., the restaurant family founded by Gianni and Nicola Vietina, are proud to mark three years of Madeo Riyadh. Since opening its doors in 2023, the restaurant has become one of the Saudi capital’s most coveted dining destinations, earning a loyal following and a reputation for an experience that feels as warm and unhurried as the restaurants Gianni and Nicola Vietina have run in Los Angeles for decades. Madeo began as a Tuscan dream in Forte dei Marmi, founded in 1978 on the idea of creating a true Italian home experience. A place where guests don’t just dine but belong. Alfio Vietina and his wife Elvira Buffoni, together with their sons Gianni and Nicola, brought that same philosophy to Los Angeles in 1985, where Madeo quickly became one of the city’s most beloved Italian institutions. When the opportunity arose to bring Madeo to Riyadh with a permanent location, Cool Inc. became the partner to make it happen under the leadership of CEO Ghaith Al Johani.
“Cool Inc.’s approach has always been deliberate. We bring concepts with genuine credentials and real stories, not just recognizable names. Madeo is one of those rare concepts. Three years in Riyadh and it has only grown more rooted. We are proud of what has been built here, and excited about what is still to come.” — Ghaith Al Johani, CEO, Cool Inc.
Three years in, Madeo Riyadh has grown into something more than a restaurant. It has become a place where cultures meet at the table, where the rhythms of Saudi Arabia (including Ramadan, Eid, F1 weekends, the new year) have found their way into how the restaurant celebrates alongside its guests. DJ nights every Thursday, the Dolce Vita experience happening now, and an upcoming summer of activations reflect a restaurant that has not just adapted to its city but genuinely embraced it. The regulars, who return again and again for the consistency and warmth that has always defined Madeo, are perhaps the clearest proof that the restaurant has found its home here.
“When my father-built Madeo, he built it on one belief: a great meal is about feeling taken care of and quality ingredients. Three years in Riyadh, I have never felt that more than here. The way our Saudi guests receive us, their warmth, their loyalty, has only deepened our commitment to giving them something truly authentic.” — Gianni Vietina, Madeo Inc.
To mark the occasion, Madeo Riyadh introduces a new seasonal menu for Summer 2026, developed in close collaboration between Chef Gianni Vietina and Riyadh Lead Chef Alessandro Bottazzi. Rooted in the authentic Italian heritage of Madeo, the limited edition menu celebrates the season through vibrant produce, lighter coastal flavours, alongside the timeless Madeo classics. Highlights include the Risotto Gamberi e Asparagi with green asparagus and delicate prawn ragù, Linguine all’Astice with imported Maine lobster, and the signature Cotoletta di Vitello, a crisp pan-fried veal chop. Guests can also look forward to handmade Ravioli di Ossobuco, Burrata with caponata and cherry tomatoes, and Dover sole with classic butter and lemon sauce.
Securing a reservation at Madeo Riyadh has quietly become a pursuit of its own. The restaurant’s loyal following and intimate atmosphere have made it one of the most coveted tables to come by in the capital. Reservations are available through SevenRooms.
About Madeo Inc.
Founded in 1978 in Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, by Alfio Vietina and Elvira Buffoni, Madeo has nearly five decades as the standard-bearer of authentic Italian hospitality. The restaurant opened its Los Angeles location in 1985, quickly becoming one of the city’s most treasured Italian dining institutions. Today, Madeo Inc. is led by their sons, Gianni and Nicola Vietina, who continue to uphold the family’s enduring belief that a great restaurant is, above all, a home.
About Cool Inc.
Cool Inc is the Kingdom’s lifestyle curator, redefining how authentic food, travel, and cultural experiences are discovered across Saudi Arabia. It connects residents and visitors with refined taste, bringing each experience to life through the passion, creativity, and spirit of the culture. Inspired by the best from around the world, Cool Inc. curates an eclectic mix of exceptional brands and craft new, unforgettable moments.
