The Persian restaurant can also be found in Dubai and Sharjah.
Riyadh, you’re in for a tasty treat. The Persian restaurant Berenjak is expanding from the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Located in Via Riyah, the brand’s third opening in the Middle East will take over the space formerly occupied by Nancy Silverton’s Chi Spacca.
Berenjak Riyadh will open on 2 April 2026, taking its name from a whimsical source — the brightly coloured, toasted rice eaten as a snack at funfairs in Persia. The dining experience offers a modern reinterpretation of the classic hole-in-the-wall eateries found in Tehran, uplifting the cuisine and ambience while inviting diners to explore Iran’s rich cultural history.
In 2018, Berenjak first opened in London, where it was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand. In 2023, it expanded into the UAE, opening locations in Sharjah and Dubai. The latter location was awarded a FACT Dining Award for ‘Middle Eastern & North African Restaurant’ in Dubai in 2025.
Berenjak Riyadh is a collaboration with Cool Inc (Gymkhana, Ferdi, Madeo) and follows on from a successful pop-up in the capital last February. The restaurant focuses on Persian dishes, with a specialisation in small mezze-style sharing plates and charcoal-grilled kebabs. As you sit down at Berenjak, you’ll have the opportunity to try Balal, a tempting dish featuring corn, chilli, lime, and chives, or Sibzamini, crispy fried potatoes served with kordi sauce and Rezet yoghurt. The Shirazi salad, made with cucumber, tomato, onion, and mint, is also a refreshing delight. Popular dishes include Ghormeh Sabzi with lamb, Torshi Hafezijar with cauliflower, and Zereshk Polow Ba Morgh with chicken. However, the coal-cooked kebabs are Berenjak’s true draw.
Berenjak Riyadh will be in excellent culinary company at Via Riyadh, joining the FACT award-winning Gymkhana, alongside Hōchō, Les Deux Magots and the ever-popular Over Under. There’s also The St. Regis Riyadh hotel, several retail options, and a fantastic cinema experience.
Check in with FACT for the latest things to do in Saudi Arabia.
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for more information.