Weekends are all about relaxing and unwinding. Let the Goji Restaurant of Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter take care of you and your family’s appetite on Fridays as they serve up an array of international and Saudi cuisines – from start to finish.
Brunch, as most of those living in Saudi knows, runs on a different time frame in this side of the world. The conclusion of noon prayers (Asr) every Friday signifies that the day is just beginning, hence marking “brunch” as anywhere between 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Brunch at the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter is hosted at their elegant Goji Restaurant. The striking afternoon sun reflects its way to the golden decor of the Goji Restaurant, serving as a warm welcome to those who make their way to their tables. An oud musician serenades the guests in the background.
The selection of food is generous and it combines well-loved Saudi dishes and international recipes for diners to choose from. From the salad bar, the deconstructed Nicoise salad and Fattoush salad were both crowd favorites. The soup selection varies every week but there are other starters to choose from such as the cold meat cuts, samosas, smoked fish, kibbeh, shrimp cocktail, and a lovely cheese platter.
Strolling along the main course options, a large serving plate housed the Lamb Ouzi, which easily grabs everyone’s curiosity and attention. Beside it, a humble rump of beef roast rests under the watchful eye of a heat lamp. Both meat items are tender and juicy; they are the shining stars of the line, and chefs are on standby to cut a piece for you (and pour some gravy). The rest of the serving trays are a mixture of other seafood, chicken, meat, and pasta dishes such as seafood paella, grilled chicken, beef tagine, and ravioli. These selections however, may be rotated every week to feature other recipes. For those who want something fresh off the grill, you can step out to the al fresco dining area and find a live barbecue station that offers grilled steak, lamb, burgers, and prawns. Just beside them as well is a traditional Saj bread maker who will prepare it right in front of you.
For the final course, you may weigh your options on whether to indulge in their sweet and glistening pastry items like the red velvet cake, meringue and cheesecake; or the rainbow of healthy, freshly-sliced fruits: melons, oranges, strawberries, kiwis and more. Arabic desserts such as the Umm Ali, Kunafa, Luqaimat and Mahalabia are also present in their own stations.
Going for seconds are most welcome, along with requests for coffee or tea for your brimming satiation. The first few hours of the brunch are naturally busy but the service does not waver in attending to the guests, who can stay and lounge with friends/family for a few more hours until the kitchen closes by 5 o’clock. By then, it’s time to head back home for a proper nap. All of which makes for a Friday well spent.
Goji Restaurant
Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter
Friday Brunch Rates: 299 SAR per adult /
150 SAR for kids aged 6-10 years *VAT exclusive
Operating Hours: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Reservations are a must.
T: 011 835 3000
