Ready for brunch outings again? We are! Here’s a list of some of the most popular brunch spots in town for your next family or friend outing.
Brunch has gotten popular in Riyadh in recent years. There was a time when the city was too quiet in the mornings, especially on the weekend, when most residents enjoyed their time in the comfort of their homes. Over the years, we’ve woken up to more restaurants opening their places to serve late morning meals that combine breakfast and lunch eaten at a leisurely pace. The outdoors has beckoned with aromas and thoughts of fluffy omelettes, sizzling meats, sweet pancakes and crunchy toasts wafting in the air. Brunch in restaurants it is!
As the weather starts to cool in Saudi Arabia and pandemic restrictions have been lifted, we’re back to planning brunches with family and friends to enjoy our favorite local spots. Whether it’s on weekdays or weekends, you’re an early riser or not, international food or Middle Eastern fare, we believe in the power of brunching. Here’s the ultimate Riyadh brunch guide for you!
Cafe Bateel
In the DQ: Oud Square
The DQ’s favorite dates brand is also a wonderful brunch spot close to home. Cafe Bateel serves all-day breakfast and offers three breakfast specials such as the Bateel Breakfast which consists of omelette or scrambled eggs, a pastry of your choice, toast with a selection of Bateel premium jams, while their Healthy Breakfast offers egg white omelette served with asparagus, smoked salmon and avocado, mini fruit platter. The Levant Breakfast offers a Levant plate or shakshouka, Bateel bread basket and all the offers serve a choice of hot beverage or drink with them. You can also choose a la carte from an array of baked goods, egg-based dishes, varying toasts, Belgian waffles and refreshing drinks.
Timing: Every day – 6:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Reservations: 011-226-6626
Instagram: @bateelgourmet
Urth Caffe
In the DQ: Oud Square
All-day brunch at this popular restaurant with your friends and/or family is bound to be a joyful experience. Urth Caffe in Oud Square is the perfect location for a last minute plan over the weekend! The DQ location is almost always full but don’t let that stop you from trying their baked goodies and savory dishes paired with their organically grown heirloom coffees and fine teas.
Timing: Sunday-Thursday – 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday – 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM / 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Reservations: None
Instagram: @urthcaffesaudi
The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh
Distance from DQ: 3 km, 3-minute drive
With a warm, inviting ambience and luxurious setting, Al Orjouan Restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton has established itself as a favorite among hotel guests and Riyadh residents alike. The Friday brunch buffet at the restaurant is particularly impressive with its sumptuous spread of Middle Eastern and international specialties. it is the longest and most lavish buffet in the city. The buffet is priced at 325 SAR per person inclusive of drinks + 15% VAT. Early bird offers are provided for advanced booking and payments.
Timing: Friday – 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Reservations: +966-11-8028333
Instagram: @ritzcarltonruh
Lavash
Distance from DQ: 8.7 km, 10-minute drive
This Armenian restaurant serves an exciting collection of delectable traditional dishes for those looking to try a different brunch experience! You can start your brunch from a selection of soups and move on to their wide range of salad options. For a new variant on familiar levant flavors, try their Truffle Kibbeh (boats topped with sauteed ground beef and dried tomatoes, served with porcini sauce), Arranccini (deep-fried pesto risotto bites), and Ablama (lamb meat-stuffed courgettes, with minted yogurt sauce).
Timing: Every day – 1:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Reservations: 920023506
Instagram: @eat_lavash
Bistro by Tao
Distance from DQ: 9.2 km, 10-minute drive
A local favorite, Bistro by Tao serves everything from pancakes and waffles to sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, nachos, pasta and more. To satisfy your sweet tooth, enjoy their popular brownie cookie or cakes in jars. Call in to make a reservation and enjoy the lavishly decorated bistro with your friends and family.
Timing: Every day – 7 AM – 12 AM
Reservations: +966-55-8543414
Instagram: @bistrobytao
Oplaisir
Distance from DQ: 9.3 km, 10-minute drive
This patisserie offers freshly-baked goods everyday for brunch. Try their new twists on brunch usuals such as Omelette des Bois with wild mushrooms and truffle oil along with traditional eggs florentine. Favorites include Crepe Paysanne with handmade crepes, roasted chicken, mushroom, bechamel and emmental cheese, Eggs Royale with smoked salmon, toasted brioche bun and hollandaise sauce along with a tossed salad and Croque Forestier with wild mushroom, bechamel, truffle oil and emmental cheese in country bread.
Timing: Every day – 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Reservations: +966-11-8122420, +966-54-0060166
Instagram: @oplaisir_ksa
Flour and Firewood
Distance from DQ: 11 km, 19-minute drive
This artisan bakery and pizzeria is known for their oven fresh baked goods such as their fluffy brioche buns, ciabatta, country bread and sourdough. Their bagels with coffee, rye breads, croissants, nutella brioche buns, cinnamon brioche rolls, burgers, mini sandwiches, cakes and sourdough crust pizzas makes every trip to Flour and Firewood an amazing experience!
Timing: Monday to Saturday – 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday – Closed
Reservations: +966-53-6280840
Instagram: @flourandfirewood
Cheesecake Factory
Distance from DQ:
(Riyadh Park branch) 13km, 14-minute drive
(Sidra branch) 21km, 19-minute drive
Treat yourself to a brunch everyone will enjoy at Cheesecake Factory. Their food comes in shareable portions like their Giant Belgian waffles or Fried Chicken and Waffles, range of variations such as buttermilk, cinnamon roll and lemon-ricotta options in their pancakes selection, and the tried-and-tested classics such as their MonteCristo, toast stuffed with bacon, scrambled eggs and melted swiss cheese dusted with powdered sugar and served with strawberry preserves.
Timing: Friday and Saturday – 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Reservations: Riyadh Park branch (+966-11-5200485) / Sidra branch (+966-11-5203501)
Instagram: @thecheesecakefactoryme
Ohayou
Distance from DQ: 15 km, 14-minute drive
This all-day brunch restaurant serves a variety of dishes such as poke bowls, beef tataki, and scrumptious dessert options! The earth toned space also features interesting artwork decor.
Timing: Monday-Thursday – 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday – Closed
Reservations: None
Instagram: @ohayou_sa
Opla
Distance from DQ: 18 km, 15-minute drive
This all-day brunch restaurant serves an assortment of egg-based dishes, main course salads, sandwiches, burgers, freshly baked croissants, and sweet treats. We recommend the guava drink, which is refreshingly light and based off of a family recipe, and their Creme Brulee cone, an interesting twist on a classic favorite. Try their Georgian bread with medium-well eggs, five-grain salad, poached egg shakshoukah, and french toast. The warm beverages such as cappuccino and lattes have beautiful foam arts on top!
Timing: Sunday-Thursday – 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday – 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Reservations: None
Instagram: @opla_sa
Richoux
Distance from DQ: 21 km, 20-minute drive
Established in 1909 in England, Richoux offers a classic menu with an English breakfast for your business casual gatherings and contemporary dishes to enjoy with your family and friends.
Timing: Everyday- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Reservations: Must be made at least day before, over Whatsapp to 0508552550 with name, number of people, day and time
Instagram: @richouxksa
During these upcoming months, we hope you enjoy reconnecting with your loved ones over some refreshing new brunch experiences at any or all of the above mentioned locations!
