The Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) holds the world. It boasts of diversity – from the people to the embassies to the natural landscape and even to the food. We round up dishes from the different restaurants in the DQ to bring you a United Nations-kind-of gustatory adventure. We’re also adding options that are outside the DQ for the times you want to have a meal in the city.
JAPAN
Sushi from Sushi Boutique
Japanese cuisine has been developed through centuries of social and economic changes in Japan. Known for their fresh sushi and sashimi, Japanese food has been in love and hate relationships with people around the world: either you hate eating raw food or you love its freshness so much you can eat a few pieces before turning your palate to the hot plates of udon, teriyaki and teppanyaki. Get your Japanese food fix at Sushi Boutique in Al Fazari Plaza. Their sushi and maki rolls are enough to satiate immediate cravings. The service is graciously attentive and the outdoor ambiance is nice.
Options Outside the DQ:
$$$
- Nozomi Japanese Restaurant / Dabab Street, Sulaimania (check out DQ Living Issue 2 for our feature on Nozomi.)
- Yokari Restaurant / Centria Mall, Olaya
- Kampai / Tahlia Street
$$
- Sushi Art / Tahlia Street, Suleimania
- Tokyo Restaurant / Oruba Road
- Sushi Yoshi / Dabab Street, Sulaimania
$
- Mee So Hungry / Al Bustan Plaza, Takhasussi Street
- Sushi Spot / Kingdom Center Food Court
ITALY
Tortellini from Scalini
There are a lot of Italian restaurants in Riyadh and Scalini, the Italian restaurant in the DQ, is hailed as one of the best with a solid rating of 8.0 from Foursquare users. It’s not surprising. We enjoyed most of their pasta and pizza dishes. The Spinach Tortellini which got everyone singing praises though was a bit unusual for us because it’s a bit sweeter than what most Italians might consider as such dish. However, Scalinis other dishes are worth trying. Delizioso!
Options Outside the DQ:
$$$
- STAFF PICK: Serafina / Makkah Al Mukarramah Highway (Check out DQ Living’s Issue 3 for our feature on Serafina)
- Rosso / Four Seasons Hotel, Kingdom Center
- Spazio / Kingdom Center, King Fahd Road
$$
- Fiamma / Centria Mall, Olaya Street
- Piatto / Panorama Mall, Takhasussi Street
- Russo’s Pizzaria / Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Street
$
- Turnstone Pizza / Al Ihsa Street
- Let’s Pizza / Takhasussi Street
MEXICO
Nachos from Eggs & Flour
Mexican food is easy on the palate and the purse. It is an enchanting mix of flavor, color, and texture. There are not a lot of choices in Riyadh when it comes to Mexican food but the nachos of Eggs & Flour in the DQ warrants a visit. The chips are crispy and the topping is messy, sweet, and tangy. It’s an all-around good appetizer and snack. Check out DQ Living’s Issue 1 for our feature on Eggs & Flour.
Options Outside the DQ:
$$
- Buffalo’s Southwest Cafe / Takhasussi Street
- Chili’s Restaurant / Tahlia Street
$
- FireGrill / Tahlia Street
- Tako Hut / Al Mathar Plaza, Takhasussi Street
FRANCE
Omelette from KUDU
Ahhh the omelette, such a simple yet hearty dish. The concept of the omelette (or omelet) originated in France. This dish made of beaten eggs fried in oil or butter with various ingredients like cheese, ham, mushrooms, etc. folded in is a staple in breakfasts. You can order one from KUDU’s breakfast menu. Their omelette is nothing luxurious of course, but good enough to start your day with a full stomach. If that’s not enough, Riyadh has restaurants that serve delicious French food! C’est la vie!
Options Outside the DQ:
$$$
- Lenotre / Centria Mall, Olaya Street
- L’Entrecite Cafe De Paris / Al Faisaliah Tower, Olaya Street
- Le Relais De L’Entrecote / Tahlia Street
$$
- PAUL / Tahlia Street
- Appetit Kitchen / Tahlia Street
- French Corner / Dabab Street
SAUDI ARABIA
Qahwa from DQuarter Cafe
The newest cafe in the DQ highlights Saudi Arabia’s favorite hot drink, the qahwa. Complete with an awesome ambiance (with two knights at the door, no less, haha!), DQuarter Cafe is where you can enjoy the Arabic coffee, dates, and other sweets with your families and friends. Just like Saudi cuisine which is best eaten by groups.
Options Outside the DQ:
$$$
- Najd Village / Takhasussi Street
- Almajles Alkhaliji / Khalid Bin Waleed Street
$$
- Al Romansiah / King Abdulaziz Road
- Cabrito / King Abdulaziz Road
$
- Al Fakhar / Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Street
- Al Bukhary / Abu Bakr Ar Razi Street
USA
Cheeseburger and Milkshake from Dairy Queen
The term hamburger is originally from Hamburg, Germany but the origin of the hamburger sandwich itself is unclear. Theres one thing for certain though: the United States of America made burgers popular. Nowadays, Riyadh has seen burger joints pop up here and there, and that includes the trending food trucks. DQ has DQ! Dairy Queen serves crave-satisfying treats like burgers, and of course, ice cream and milkshakes (that go with burgers perfectly). American fast food anyone?
Options Outside the DQ:
$$$
- 56th Avenue Diner / Hyatt Regency Hotel, Olaya Street
$$
- Fuddruckers / Takhasussi Street
- Applebees / Tahlia Street
- Fatburger / Takhasussi Street
- Smashburger / Olaya Street
$
- STAFF PICK: Burger 8 / Uthman Bin Affan Road
- Hamburgini / Prince Turki Al-Thani Street
- 12 Burgers / Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Street
- Burgeronomy / King Abdulaziz Road
EUROPE
Waffles from Pancake House
The waffles has no known exact origin; it has a really long evolution. It emerged in Europe and this batter-based cake became a Belgian culinary specialty. However, the waffle’s recipe has been passed on from generation to generation and from country to country that everyone has their own take on it. The basic ingredients of flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt remained the same through the years though. Enjoy the waffles (and pancakes) at The Pancake House. Add a European flair to your life all-day long!
Options Outside the DQ:
$$$
- The Mansion Lounge / Tahlia Street
- Bistro by Tao / Nujoud Mall, Jaber Bin Abdullah Street
- Cafe Bateel / Tahlia Street
$$
- Kamps Backerei / King Fahd Road
- French Bakery / Takhasussi Street
$
- Waffle Corner / Localizer Mall, Tahlia Street
- Waffle’s / Prince Turki Al-Awwal Road (Exit 2)
ASIA
Shrimp Spring Roll from Scalini
An Asian dish in an Italian restaurant? Yes, weird I know, but it’s a welcome dish to those who are looking for Asian cuisine in the DQ. There are not a lot of Asian options in Scalini’s menu because it’s an Italian restaurant but surprisingly, I loved this spring roll reminiscent of Vietnam’s fresh spring roll. If only they used boiled shrimps instead of battered and fried and inserted some rice noodles, this would have passed with flying colors. Don’t worry, lots of Asian restaurants that feature Thai, Chinese, Filipino, and Korean food in Riyadh!
Options Outside the DQ:
$$$
- Hualan / Centria Mall
- Le Chateau / Takhasussi Street
$$
- Mirage / Oruba Road
- Diamond / Localizer Mall
- Gate of Jazeera Palace / Musa Bin Nasser Street
- Korean Palace / Takhasussi Street
$
- Villa / Oruba Road
- Kruathai / Abu Bakr Ar Razi Street
- Blue Ribbon / Abu Bakr Ar Razi Street
UK
Sandwiches from Subway
The sandwich has been described by The Wall Street Journal as Britain’s biggest contribution to gastronomy. Indeed! The sandwich is everyone’s food. It comes in various combinations, easy to bring, convenient to eat, and delicious no matter how you make it. Subway makes some of the best sandwiches. Our favorites include Meatball Marinara, Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki, Steak and Cheese and Classic Tuna in their Honey Oat bread. Get some if you’re foot-longing!
Options Outside the DQ:
$$
- Doe Sandwiches / Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Street
- Which Wich / Khurais Road
$
- Al’s / Takhasussi Street
- Panino’s / Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Street
- Quiznos / Makkah Al Mukarramah Highway
MOROCCO
Lamb Tagine from Fresh Grills
When we visited Morocco last year, all of the restaurants our tour guide took us where serving tajine dishes. We understand that; they want to showcase their best dishes cooked in this conical pot that makes sure the meats are infused with flavor. Indeed they are! You can taste this unique dishes from Fresh Grills, the newest restaurant in the DQ, which is also our Eat feature for this issue.
