Riyadh Neighbourhood Favourites: 3 iconic culinary institutions you should know about

If there’s one thing that can keep you grounded in a fast-moving environment, it's a seemingly eternal neighbourhood restaurant.

The Kingdom’s capital is home to many seasoned institutions that have stood strong in the face of shifting trends, influx of international dining venues, and emergence of Michelin-starred restaurants.

What keeps patrons coming back to these establishments is their original blend of great atmosphere, simple family-run charm, unfussy décor, and of course, heartwarming food.

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To get a taste of what we mean, here are three of our favourites in the city.

The Villa Restaurant

This establishment is known by two names: The Villa Restaurant in English and Mohammed Nasser Mubarak Al Mahboob Restaurant in Arabic.

Whichever you prefer, one thing is certain: it serves up a delicious selection of Thai, Pinoy, and other Asian cuisines. Located on Orouba Street in Riyadh’s Al Raed neighbourhood, it was founded in 1993-1994 by a Thai chef. Remarkably, most of the original team members, including the chef, remain with the restaurant to this day. The space is iconic, with vintage posters of Thailand on the walls, and seating that will take you back to the 90s.

Fares Muhammad Khalaf Al Ghamdi Fast Food Buffet

Located in Riyadh’s Deira district, this is a take-out-only bakery that specialises in fresh, savoury Levantine pastries. The dough is what makes this place so good, “fluffy and light that it melts in your heart and stomach,” as described by one of its loyal customers.

Founded 40 years ago by Abu Jumah (father of Jumah), and for a long time run by him and his son (Jumah), this spot is fondly referred to as Abu Jumah Bakery by locals. Today, Zuhair – Jumah’s son and grandson of the original founder – continues the family tradition. After all these years, the bakery is still very popular, so much so that you need to book at least two hours in advance to get your hands on its cheese, meat, spinach, zaatar, and other tasty pastries.

Gulf Toledo Restaurant

Said to be one of Riyadh's oldest restaurants, Gulf Toledo holds a special place in the hearts of the area’s residents (and those from nearby neighbourhoods as well). It offers a diverse menu of Indian, Thai, Pakistani, and Bengali cuisine, but the real stars coming out of the kitchen are the chicken masala, shrimp masala, chicken tikka, butter chicken, and biryani. While it has recently undergone renovations, it’s managed to preserve its unique ambience – with chairs, cushions, wooden interiors, and patterns reminiscent of high-end restaurants from 30 years ago.

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