The restaurant’s minimalist menu proves that less really is more.
If you live in Dubai, chances are you’ve already heard of Blu Pizzeriá. What started as a small homegrown spot in Al Wasl quickly became a cult favourite among foodies in Jumeirah, and then expanded to Abu Dhabi. Earlier this summer, Blu Pizzeriá crossed borders and landed in Saudi Arabia with its first branch in Riyadh — and so did I.
Now, full disclosure, I hadn’t tried Blu Pizzeriá in Dubai. But the Riyadh opening felt like the perfect excuse to finally dig in, especially since the capital is my hometown, and pizza was practically a staple growing up – after shawarma, of course.
Here’s another confession: I’m not even the biggest pizza fan. But when everyone in the FACT office couldn’t stop raving about Blu Pizzeriá, I had to see what the hype was about. When I arrived at the Riyadh branch on the famous Takhasussi Road, the first impression was almost deceptive. With floor-to-ceiling windows and no flashy signage, I thought the place might be closed. But then, that familiar Blu logo stood out – minimal yet confident. A quick peek through the glass door showed the exact opposite of quiet. A mass of women in black abayas and men in white thobes were waiting for their tables. Clearly, this was the place to be.
Inside, the vibe was worlds apart from your average pizza joint. Forget bright red interiors or cartoonish branding and gimmicks. Blu Pizzeriá is moody, intimate, and low-key — almost deliberately so — with its simple and stylish design. The lights are dim, the walls are a mix of brown concrete textures, and the open kitchen shines with maroon brick ovens.
The vibe is cool and slightly edgy, almost exclusive — like you’ve been let in on a secret. Grey plush chairs and simple wooden tables fill the space, while strategically placed lamps shine a spotlight on what really matters: the pizza.
I checked in with my reservation and was warmly greeted by the staff. Despite the rush, they managed to balance efficiency with genuine hospitality. I noticed how even guests waiting at the door were acknowledged and reassured, with the staff doing their best to keep things moving without making anyone feel neglected. For a place that had only been open two weeks at the time, that level of service was impressive. And judging by the line forming outside, Blu Pizzeriá has been busy in Riyadh since day one.
The menu keeps things tight with only six kinds of pizza, soft drinks, water, and a few gelato options if you’ve got room for dessert. That’s it. But honestly, that’s plenty. Sometimes, too many options can overwhelm, but here the limited number of items works in their favour. Still, that didn’t make choosing any easier. Each pizza has its own personality, and narrowing it down to one felt like a gamble.
We ordered the Short Ribs pizza, because how often do you get Black Angus beef on a pizza? What landed on the table was pure indulgence. When it arrived, the first thing that hit me was the aroma. The pizza itself was a beauty with generous pieces of short ribs resting on each slice, cheese stretching dramatically, and just enough truffle to give it that luxurious edge without overpowering. One bite and I was sold. The beef was tender, the caramelised onion added a subtle sweetness, and the combination of cheese and truffle made it decadent.
Another choice we made was the Musakhan pizza – a nod to the beloved Palestinian dish. If the Short Ribs pizza was indulgent, this one was soulful. Crispy fried onions gave every bite a crunch, layered with tender chicken, cheese, roasted almonds, and a generous sprinkle of sumac that added a unique kick. The textures were spot-on with a soft, chewy base and crunchy toppings. One bite later, I could see why it’s already a bestseller. It’s comfort food, but elevated and full of personality.
So, as someone who doesn’t usually put pizza at the top of my cravings list, Blu Pizzeriá Riyadh won me over slice by slice. But here’s my advice: don’t try to choose between the Short Ribs and the Musakhan. Go with a friend, order both, and thank me later.
Blu Pizzeriá Riyadh may not believe in flashy marketing or massive menus — just confidence in doing one thing really well, pizzas.
GO: Follow @blupizzeria.sa on Instagram for more information.