NANA NEDELJKOVIC
Gorgeous winter weather has arrived in Riyadh and it’s all the more enjoyable for the family to go out and discover a few delectable restaurants! Here is our list of family-friendly dining spaces in the city that offers something for everyone.
It can be challenging to choose a restaurant that has something good for adults and at the same time has something fun to offer for children, the most discerning food critics. You’d be surprised at the number of restaurants and cafes in Riyadh that take into consideration the likes of every member of a family. Take a look at some of them; we made the choices easy for you.
The Instagramable One: Greem Café
The Zone, Al Takhassousi, Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh 12362 @greemksa
The one to impress teens and adults alike, Greem Café is a black and white comic dream, like something out of an 80s A-ha video or a magical book. Everything is black and white, from the entrance piano to the bookcases and tables and chairs. When you take a break from all the photo taking, you can enjoy the carefully chosen dishes like Saffron Risotto and desserts like Pistachio Cream-Filled Pavlova. Try to take your eyes off the decor to eat.
The Sci-fi Server: The Mansion
Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12331 @themansion_sa
This one should come with a warning – there will be lots of excited shrieks. Greeted at the door by our waiter who – wait for it – is a robot, this family-friendly restaurant serves to impress. The kids were entertained and even got a chance to interact with the ‘server’. The lunch consisting of Gourmet Sliders for the kids, Arabic breakfast for the adults (fresh bagels included) and a fresh healthy salad was polished off in seconds while the Rose Petal Cake made sure that the feast was finished on a sweet, high note. The robot waiter was thanked with plenty of hugs and promises that we will see him soon again.
The Traditional Treat: Najd Village
Al Olaya, Riyadh 11564 @najdvillagesa
It is a must to eat an authentic Arabic feast in a traditional setting in Saudi Arabia and if you can do it with your family and friends seated comfortably in rugs on the floor in an entire room, all the better. Najd Village offers camel meat, delectable kabsa, freshly-baked bread, and mouthwatering desserts that are sure to fill everyone with hearty meals. Share these meals with heartwarming stories and you’re all set for the night. A family can choose and occupy a room with a private fireplace that can be the perfect setting to celebrate occasions. Truly, dinners at Najd Village is an unforgettable family affair.
The Party Place: Catch 22
The Zone, Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh 12362 @catch22.me
From the moment you walk into this contemporary diner, you will be blown away with its imaginative décor and attention to details – it is truly a delight. There is a family photo booth where you can take pictures complete with silly accessories, fun graffiti and interactive installations, and don’t even get us started on the food. The children’s meals are served in toy machine trucks, the milkshakes come covered in donuts, the Dynamite Shrimps and Burgers are faves. The restaurant organizes birthday parties and are able to take care and personalize all the details and decorations.
The Oldie but Still a Goodie: Piatto
Northern Ring Branch Rd, Al Maseef 13312, Riyadh 11464 @piattoksa
A solid family favorite with branches all around Riyadh, Piatto has really established itself as a quintessential family restaurant. While the parents are transported to the middle of Italy with the freshest ingredients and the relaxed ambiance, the children are kept busy making their own pizza from scratch and watching it cook in huge stone ovens. In the end, there are lots of dough covered hands, big smiles and messy fare finished off by multiple servings of creamy Italian gelato. What more is there to say?
With school holidays looming and the Riyadh season in full swing we hope that these suggestions inspire you to discover new eateries, go on foodie adventures, and create memories. There is nothing better than bonding with families and friends through food.
