From pizzas to pastas, here’s where to grab a slice or three.
Whether you’re craving pizzas from Naples or gelato from Florence, there’s a restaurant in Riyadh to suit your needs. The capital is packed with global and homegrown brands, which serve top-quality Italian food. So, leave room for tiramisu – here are the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh.
Agio
Riyadh, it’s time to say ciao to a new Italian restaurant. Located in The Canopy, Agio draws inspiration from the Amalfi Coast and is a sophisticated spot to indulge in Italy’s finest food. Created by Modern Food Company, which opened BeefBar, Billionaire, MYAZŪ and Signor Sassi in the capital, Agio is a homegrown concept. The menu from Chef Filippo Pagani features a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, fish, and meat options, as well as a wood-fired oven. Plus, a range of classic desserts, from gelato to tiramisu. The smart spot includes white tablecloths, rattan-style chairs, soft sofas and statement chandeliers.
GO: Follow @agiosaudi on Instagram for more information.
Altopiano
We love homegrown concepts at FACT. So, we were excited to hear about the Saudi Arabian-born brand Altopiano. The chefs embrace fresh, high-quality ingredients and go the extra mile to produce dishes that evoke an authentic taste of Southern Italy, but with a Middle Eastern twist. The restaurant even uses Saudi ingredients to bridge the gap between Italy and Saudi Arabia.
GO: Follow @altopiano.sa on Instagram for more information.
Azzurro
Located inside the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Azzurro serves Italian food with finesse. The fine dining experience is available to both hotel guests and the general public. The dining room includes plush pillars, marble features and overlooks an indoor swimming pool. The menu is inspired by dishes from Sardinia and offers authentic flavours with a modern twist.
GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.
Blu Pizzeriá
Emirati-owned Blu Pizzeriá already has locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and has now expanded into Riyadh. The concept draws its inspiration from Naples, Italy, the birthplace of pizza. The wood-fired pizzas are topped with a variety of ingredients, including flavours influenced by the Middle East. Among the more inventive options are the Short Ribs, featuring Black Angus short ribs, caramelised onions and truffle white sauce, and the Musakhan, with chicken, cheese and sour cream sauce. Other highlights include the Margo, made with a variety of cheeses, and the Tartufo, topped with truffle paste, truffle oil, and shaved truffle. The Riyadh venue is a stylish venue featuring dark wood finishes, plush seating, and decorative greenery.
GO: Follow @blupizzeria.sa on Instagram for more information.
Carbone
Carbone at Mansard Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel, pays homage to the timeless charm of mid-20th-century Italian-American restaurants in New York. The restaurant was created by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick, and its New York outpost has attracted A-list diners including Adele, Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashians and Travis Scott. In Riyadh, diners can expect expertly crafted Italian dishes served in an elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere.
GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for reservations and more information.
Cipriani
Cipriani is an institution. The brand is known across the world for its famous Venetian fine dining. The family motto is “to serve is to love”, and they’ve brought a piece of that passion to Hittin in Riyadh. The décor features the signature nautical colours, ranging from blue sofas to white tablecloths. Additionally, the menu boasts a commitment to using simple, high-quality ingredients and offers signature dishes from Harry’s Bar in Venice.
GO: Visit www.cipriani.com for more information.
Fiamma
In Italian, fiamma means little flame or fiery little one. The new rooftop restaurant at Centria Mall boasts Insta-worthy views of the capital and draws its inspiration from the Italian influences in New York. Fiamma’s food menu is superb for sharing and spans antipasti, pasta, pizzas and desserts. Top choices include Burrata, Fritto Mistro, Lasagna Classia, Spaghetti Al Pesto and Tagliolini Gratinati.
GO: Visit https://fiamma.sa for more information.
Il Baretto
There are few places where you can feel a neighbourhood charm in the capital. The London-based eatery opened its first international location in Riyadh. The concept was created by restaurateurs Arjun Waney, who is behind Zuma, Coya, and LPM, and Giuliano Lotto, who is behind Zafferano and Memories of China. The menu at this multiple FACT award winner, features simple Italian dishes that draw inspiration from regional produce.
GO: Visit https://ilbaretto.sa for more information.
Jon & Vinny’s
Jon and Vinny’s, hailing from Los Angeles, California, has opened in Al Dabbab, Riyadh. The concept brings Italian cuisine to the Kingdom. Created by the friends Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, the aim is to make Italian food that is reminiscent of nonnas – aka Italian grandmothers. The pizzas include a Breakfast Pizza 2.0 with potato, egg and red onion; La Woman with local burrata, tomato basil and olive oil; and The Rosy with tomato and olive oil crust.
GO: Visit www.jonandvinnysksa.com for more information.
Juno
Saudi Arabia is home to restaurants from around the world, from celebrity chefs to big brands. Now, Laysen Valley has welcomed Qatar’s popular restaurant Juno. At its Riyadh outpost, diners can expect more of what made the original such a hit with dishes such as creamy burrata, perfectly crisp truffle arancini, and signature plates of saffron risotto and wood-fired pizzas layered with finesse. Expect an Italian-inspired menu designed for long lunches, late dinners, and everything in between.
GO: Follow @juno.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Madeo Ristorante
Famed West Hollywood dining destination Madeo Ristorante has opened in Via Riyadh and is owned and operated by Alfio Vietina along with his wife, Elvira Buffoni, and sons Gianni Vietina and Nicola Vietina. The menu features traditional Tuscan dishes, pairing the freshest local ingredients with premium European elements. The new venues in Riyadh and Jeddah will feature a warm colour palette with brass and wood accents, curved booths, and a semi-open kitchen.
GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for more information.
Mamo Michelangelo
Mamo Michelangelo is located in the Al Fasaliah Hotel and has a loyal fan base in Riyadh. In 1992, the flagship restaurant opened in the South of France, and it has brought plenty of charm to the city. The venue is decorated with lemon trees, market-style stalls and cellars. The ingredient-driven menu includes pizzas and pastas – we loved the Tournedo Rossini, which came with tenderloin, foie gras, truffle and Périgueux sauce.
GO: Visit https://mamo-michelangelo.com for more information.
Morini Riyadh
A slice of Italy via New York landed in Riyadh and made its Middle East debut. Morini Riyadh opened in the five-star hotel, Jareed Hotel, and made its mark. If you’re after pasta in a plush Art Deco-inspired setting, then book a table at this Italian restaurant. The menu ranges from Golden Seared Salmon with asparagus to Gnocchi in Pomodoro sauce, and Lobster Ravioli in a tomato and chilli basil sauce.
GO: Visit www.altamareagroup.com for more information.
Oulu
At Oulu, you can eat like a prince for the price of a pauper. If you’re after pizzas, pastas and risottos, then you’re looking at a starting price of SAR 52. The menu ranges from Margheritas to Mushroom Fettuccine, and Spicy Chicken Rigatoni to Saffron Shrimp Risotto. The decor oozes old-school pizza house vibes, as there are black and white photos on the wall.
GO: Follow @oulu.sa for more information.
San Carlo Cicchetti
In 1992, San Carlo Cicchetti opened in Birmingham, England. Today, it can be found in Bristol, Leicester, Manchester and London, and across the globe. The restaurant can also be found in Jeddah and Riyadh. Great for groups, the menu draws inspiration from Cicchetti bars in Venice, which serve small plates for sharing. The specials range from an Italian Mac N Cheese to Goccia Di Ricotta.
GO: Visit https://sancarlocicchettisa.redro.menu for more information.
San Marzano
Saudi Arabia, it’s time to grab a slice or three at a new pizza place. San Marzano has opened in Laysen Valley, Riyadh, and offers Italian food, drink and vibes. So, grab a seat by the open kitchen and watch the chefs at work. The name of the restaurant refers to the Italian plum tomato, which is grown specifically in the country near Mount Vesuvius. Take your pick from the long banquette, chic chairs or counter-top seats, and watch the chefs in action at the open kitchen. The menu is ideal for groups and features a variety of pizzas. Plus, there is a wood-fired oven, which creates the traditional-style pizzas.
GO: Follow @sanmarzanosa on Instagram for more information.
Santini
Created in 1984 by Gino Santin, Santini is one of London’s oldest family-run restaurants. Now, it has made its way to Leysan Valley in Riyadh and has already made a big impression. The menu features Crab Salad, Homemade Fettuccine with Lobster, Milanese Santini, and Truffle Mushroom Lasagne. The décor has drawn its inspiration from an unlikely source – the artichoke. The humble ingredient has been elevated and can be found throughout the interiors.
GO: Follow @santini.riyadh on Instagram for more information.
Signor Sassi
If you’re after opulence, then head over to Signor Sassi in As Sulimaniyah. The restaurant is already popular with A-listers in London, as it has served celebrities from Rihanna to Lionel Richie. The menu is oh-so expansive that it includes more than one hundred dishes and generous portions. Leave room for the signature Spaghetti Lobster.
GO: Follow @signorsassiriyadh on Instagram for more information.
