15 Best Romantic Restaurants in Riyadh for the Perfect Date Night
Best Fine Dining & Romantic Restaurants in Riyadh
Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, you might be wondering where you can take your partner out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
And if you are new in the city and still not sure where are the best spots to have your romantic dinner, I’m here to help.
There a lot of fancy eateries in Riyadh with luxurious decor that will make you forgot you’re surrounded by desert for a while.
Here are 15 fabulous date night ideas – some I have experienced with my husband while the rest are on my wishlist. Let’s check them out!
The Globe
This is one of the most unique and popular luxury dining restaurants in Riyadh.
It is located in the spectacular golden sphere at the top of the Al Faisaliah tower and it oversees the whole city which is very beautiful at night.
This place is reservation only and kids below 12 years old are not allowed to dine in.
They offer European cuisine and the minimum spend for each guest is SAR 350.
- Dress code: Smart casual with proper footwear
- Book a reservation: The Globe
- Location: Google Maps
ZUMA Riyadh
ZUMA is another popular fine dining restaurant that offers Japanese cuisine in Riyadh. It is located in the KAFD area.
This is the perfect dinner date spot to celebrate your anniversary or impress your soon-to-be bride.
Zuma takes pride in offering an immersive experience for their guests.
The place is also reservation-only.
- Dress code: Smart elegant (shorts, flip flops, sportswear are not allowed)
- Location: KAFD
ROKA Riyadh
If you can’t get a table at Zuma, ROKA is its sister restaurant and is just as fabulous.
Located in the As Sulimaniyah district, it focuses on contemporary Japanese Robatayaki cuisine.
The vibe here is sophisticated but slightly warmer and more relaxed than Zuma.
The open charcoal grill adds such a cozy feel to the place, making it perfect for a winter Valentine’s date.
- Dress code: Smart elegant
- Location: Google Maps
Al Orjouan (Ritz-Carlton)
If you want to feel like royalty for a night, it’s nowhere else than at the Ritz.
Located inside the Ritz-Carlton, the restaurants has a breathtaking view with massive chandeliers and palatial decor.
This is a buffet-style restaurant, which is actually great for date nights because you don’t have to stress about ordering the wrong dish.
Just make sure you and your date come with an empty stomach so you can fully enjoy the dishes.
They serve a massive spread of Middle Eastern and International cuisine.
It is a bit pricey, but the experience is absolutely worth it and making it a date night to remember for you and your loved ones.
- Dress code: Smart casual
- Location: The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh
Le Maschou
This place is high on my wishlist!
Tucked away in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ), Le Maschou transports you straight to a medieval French alleyway.
It is famous for its wood-fire grilled meats and intimate, dimly lit atmosphere.
If you are looking for that classic candlelit dinner vibe away from the noise of the city, this French gem is definitely the most romantic spot on this list.
- Dress code: Smart casuals or thobe & abaya
- Book a reservation: Le Maschou
- Location: Diplomatic Quarter
Wakame
For the couple that loves sushi but wants a high-end experience, try Wakame.
It isn’t just about the sushi, but also their artistic-level presentation.
The lighting is moody and chic, and the rolls are practically art.
It’s a great spot if you want luxury but with a slightly more trendy, upbeat energy than the quiet French places.
Dress code: Smart casual
Location: Wakame Riyadh
Best Relaxed & Casual Dinner Spots
Sometimes you don’t want a 5-course meal, you just want good food and great conversation. Here are my favorite reliable spots – some I’ve personally tried while the rest are on my wishlist.
Casper & Gambini’s
This is a popular dining spot in Riyadh.
The menu is variety, and the coffee is excellent.
It’s perfect for a safe date where you want a relaxed environment to actually talk without waiters hovering over you constantly.
Location: ROSHN Front (they have a few branches in Riyadh but for a romantic date night, I’d suggest here)
Tilia
This is a traditional Saudi cuisine restaurant with a very beautiful modern decor.
From the reviews on Google, they do an amazing job of elevating traditional flavors while offering plenty of international options.
It has a lovely seating area for couples and families. Definitely a place you want to bring your partner to try out Saudi cuisines while you’re in Riyadh.
Location: Al Olaya
Steak House / Piatto
These are actually 2 different restaurants but they often located next to each other as they’re owned by the same group.
I’ve personally been here but the food I ordered weren’t up to my liking. But I love their salad bar buffet!
However, they do have warm customer service and the ambience of the place itself is very nice for a date.
They have a few branches all over Riyadh.
Gather
Located in The View Mall (and other spots), Gather is incredibly trendy right now.
The interior design is very Instagram-worthy. I mean…just look at this!
It’s a great spot if you want to combine a little shopping with a nice dinner.
The menu is a mix of everything, from sliders to pasta, so it’s absolutely a crowd-pleaser.
And a great option for a simple date with your partner.
Location: The View Mall
Sushi Library
If you and your partner are the type of couple who likes to share food, this is the place.
It’s fun, colorful, and less intimidating than the high-end sushi spots.
And I’ve personally been here as well with my family.
You can order a ton of different rolls to try together.
It’s a very cheerful vibe, perfect for a casual dining where you want to keep things light and fun.
Location: Park Avenue Mall
White Garden
This place is just pretty.
The decor is very feminine with lots of florals and light colors, but at night, they dim the lights and it becomes quite romantic.
The menu is international and the desserts are fantastic.
It’s a lovely spot for a coffee and cake date that turns into dinner.
Location: ROSHN Front
Hidden Gems & Traditional Dining Experiences
If you want to skip the candles and do something memorable and authentic, you can try these with your partner.
Just Oven
When I say it’s a hidden gem, this place truly is.
It is tucked away from malls or busy roads. Yet it serves the most authentic Italian pizza you will ever find in Saudi Arabia (or Riyadh).
The place is not very big but cozy enough for you and your partner to try out their super delicious and authentic pizza.
I lowkey hope this place doesn’t go viral. BUT, I also want them to get more recognition because their pizza is just out of this world!
Location: Just Oven
Najd Village
For a true cultural experience, you have to take your partner here.
The restaurant is designed like a traditional mud-brick village.
You sit on the floor in private majlis-style nooks (which is actually very private and romantic in its own way 🥰) and share big platters of Kabsa or any traditional Saudi cuisine.
Also, don’t forget to order traditional Saudi sweets for dessert as this is the best place for it!
It’s an experience I bet your partner won’t forget.
Location: Najd Village
Freej Swaeleh
If you want to impress your date but still spending within an affordable range, take her (or him) here!
This is by far the biggest restaurant I’ve ever seen in my life. And when you stepped inside, it feels like entering a big 5-star hotel lobby.
They offer a variety of Kuwaiti cuisine at a very affordable price.
The place is often packed with families and couples, so it’s great if you want to be somewhere with a lot of life and noise rather than a quiet whispery room.
Location: Freej Swaeleh
I hope this list helps you plan the perfect evening.
Whether you go for a luxury fine dining or the cozy spot at any hidden gems I shared, the most important thing is the company you’re enjoying it with ❤️
Social Etiquette for Couples in Public
Riyadh is a city that beautifully balances modern luxury with deep-rooted traditions.
To ensure your date night is memorable for all the right reasons, here are a few social cues to keep in mind while you are out and about.
Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
One thing to look out when you’re on a date night with your partner is PDA as it is quite sensitive here.
Saudi culture very much values privacy and modesty.
While holding hands with your partner is totally fine (many couples do), but hugging or kissing in public is an absolute no and considered disrespectful to the local norms.
Dress Code for Men and Women
For men, most fine dining spots in Riyadh have a strict no shorts/no open shoes policy.
A crisp shirt and trousers are your safest bet. Or another safe option is the traditional wear by Saudi men: thobe.
As for women, while the Abaya is not legally mandatory, it is still the most culturally respectful and effortless option.
If you choose not to wear one, you just have to make sure your outfit is modest (covering chest, shoulders and knees).
Photography in Public
The restaurants listed above are absolutely stunning, and you’ll definitely want photos!
However, always be mindful not to photograph other diners especially local women without their permission – as privacy and consent are highly valued here.
