Restaurant Review: Cipriani, Riyadh

With its striking Murano glass chandeliers, blue and white terrazzo tiles, and the restaurant chain’s signature high gloss oak interiors, Cipriani Riyadh delivers upscale Italian cuisine and a vibrant ambiance.

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Four generations of the Cipriani family have turned a single restaurant into today’s benchmark for Italian dining. The franchise is renowned for its impeccable hospitality and the Riyadh branch undoubtedly lives up to the reputation.

As soon as we step in, we are warmly greeted by the reception staff and directed to our table. The place is buzzing for a Wednesday evening, with a diverse clientele ranging from couples and friend groups, to business associates and celebrating graduates.

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A headwaiter and server promptly appear to take our order and walk us through the specials. I have some dietary restrictions and the waiter expertly crafts perfect suggestions for me.

On the menu, you’ll find all your favourite Italian comfort food staples, such as parmigiana, spinach ravioli, and rigatoni Bolognese. The burrata is extremely fresh and creamy, and you shouldn't miss out on the carpaccio, a dish that was actually created by the restaurant’s founder Giuseppe Cipriani in the 1950s.

The dining is family-style, meaning plates that are perfect for sharing.

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The wait staff moves stealthily throughout our appetiser course, serving our food, tending to all our requests, and anticipating any needs. We are given a proper gap between the appetiser and main course – which seems obvious, yet is surprisingly uncommon in many restaurants here in Saudi.

At this point, the restaurant manager checks in with us to make sure we are enjoying our experience.

For the main course, we are recommended the signature baked tagliolini pasta. It’s a hearty dish topped with béchamel sauce and baked with grated Parmigiano Reggiano – a definite crowd pleaser. The veal piccata is paper-thin and perfectly lemony, and pairs well with an order of bucatini cacio e pepe.

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Room for dessert? Always. The iconic vanilla meringue cake does not disappoint, and one slice is easily enough for 2-3 people, so make sure not to over order.

Cipriani is a place to see and be seen, perfect for any occasion and with a menu sure to please everyone.