Riyadh Restaurants

  1. Beit al-Hashi

    Though located just over 10km north of the centre, this restaurant's worth the trek for its famous speciality, baby camel. The sign's in Arabic only (look for the appropriately camel-coloured sign). It's next to Mama Noura Juice Centre, just west of the Sheraton.

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  2. La Campagne

    Though roomy and rambling, the place gets packed - it's rated by some as Riyadh's best Lebanese. The mezze are freshly made and the grills are something of a speciality. In warm weather, head for the lovely covered terrace at the back. Reserve 24 hours in advance; 48 hours at weekends.

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  3. Mama Noura

    Large, bright and clean, this Turkish place remains perennially popular among Riyadhis, who come for the succulent shwarma (available in a sandwich or on a plate) or famous felafel (deep-fried balls of chickpea paste with spices). There's no family section, but takeaway is possible.

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  4. Mirage Restaurant

    Boasting 'the best Chinese chef in the Peninsula', the Mirage certainly attracts a loyal - and royal - following (the King's grandchildren were there when the author visited). The décor - illuminated fish tanks and water channels running down the centre - is, like the food, full of fun and panache. Reservations are essential at the weekend.

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  5. Najd Village

    Serving Saudi food in a Saudi setting (designed like a central-region village), this place is almost unique in the Kingdom. It's the perfect place to sample kasba (meat withrice), or the Najd region speciality, hashi (baby camel). The set menu includes 14 different mains, coffee, dates and even bachoor (incense). Prices are reasonable and it's much loved by locals.

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  7. Ners

    Located on the 2nd floor of the Manila Plaza, the Ners is an old fave among Riyadh's Asian community for its freshly-prepared Filipino and Thai food at fabulous prices. It's clean, waiter-served and very friendly. Dishes such as Tom Yum soup or chicken chilli with coconut milk are delicious.

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  8. Restaurant Grand Lebanon

    Spotless, salubrious and serving delicious Lebanese and Syrian dishes that change daily, this is much loved locally. The mixed grill is something of a speciality.

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  9. Spazio 77

    Located in the nook of the 'necklace' of the Kingdom Tower, Spazio 77 consists of a coffee shop, brasserieand sushi bar - all with gorgeous views thrown in for free.

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  10. The Globe

    Considered one of Riyadh's top-ranking restaurants, it's also one of the most romantic. Cosy, dimly-lit and with spectacular views of town, it's the place to go to gaze over candlelight. The haute cuisine cooking of the Austrian chef includes dishes such as pan-roasted foie gras, and butter-roasted wagu beef.

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