Let’s talk about Argentinian restaurants in Riyadh because the city doesn’t just serve Indian, Italian, and American food.
The options for cuisines are endless If you’ve been dreaming of smoky steaks, cheesy empanadas, and desserts so good that you will want to keep eating them then Argentinian restaurants here will be top picks for you.
Believe me, you will not only love the food here but also the whole atmosphere.
Well, I definitely loved it!
We’re talking about three amazing places:
- The Pampa Grill
- Brute
- Fogón
These places will let you experience Argentina without leaving your comfort zone (minus the travel to restaurant). Each place has its own specialty, vibe and top notch food.
Feeling hungry? I am!
Let’s get started then.
1. The Pampa Grill
First on our list is this beautiful and authentic Argentinian restaurant located at the 9th floor of Narcissus Hotel in Olaya, Riyadh.
The restaurant is known for its relaxing and modern rooftop vibes that made me feel like a billionaire for a few hours. The low lights and expensive furniture makes everything look VIP but make sure your wallets are full when visiting this place.
The traditional décor around the restaurant will make you feel like you are enjoying a meal in Buenos Aires.
And how can I forget?
The view of the city will make you say “WOW” even if you don’t want to say it (you got the point).
Whether you’re there for a romantic date or a casual dinner with friends, the vibe is all about relaxed luxury.
You can enjoy the rooftop breeze in that plush seating, or if you’re in the mood for a more intimate dinner, there are plenty of cozy corners.
What’s on the Plate
You are here for the food so let me explain it in one single sentence.
AUTHENTIC AND DELICIOUS!
The menu has all the Argentinian classics and my vote goes to their juicy steaks and the signature asado. I will also recommend going for the appetizers because each of them is quite unique.
My top picks in this restaurant are:
- Signature Asado: A mix of grilled meats which is more like an all in one. If you want to try all the tastes in one go then order this one.
- Empanadas de Carne: Crispy and golden on the outside and are filled with tender and juicy meat. I could eat this everyday and still not get bored.
- Provoleta Cheese: Melted, cheese with herbs all the way from Argentina.
- Chimichurri Ribeye: Tender ribeye steak topped with a zingy chimichurri sauce that’s full of flavor.
2. Brute
This is the kind of Argentinian restaurant that will make you and your partners feel special thanks to its great interior and exterior design.
Located in the luxurious Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences, it has a vibe that will impress your crush and ex.
So, don’t forget to put it on Instagram!
I really loved the tall windows as they flood the whole dining area with tons of natural light and that dark ceiling paired with red sofas makes the place a bit dramatic and romantic at the same time.
Oh and yeah!
You can pick between three different dining options. If the weather calls for it I will recommend the outdoor space. It’s open, clam and those green flowers add a touch of freshness.
You can also grab a seat by their bar and watch those bartenders do their work but I would recommend that only when you are solo.
The last one is my favorite and its those giant sofa seats with a view of the open kitchen.
Let me watch my steak get cooked!
The Feast
Every dish here is worth the hype and I could talk about them for hours. Let me give you my picks so you don’t sit there scratching your head.
- Beef and Cheese Empanadas: Well, this one is a mix of crisp and cheese and once finished you will wish you ordered extra.
- Smoked Burrata Salad: For my health conscious gang this salad is the best option. I tried this two times and loved it. The ingredients include things like greens, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil. Healthy and delicious!
- Ancho Rib-Eye: Love steak? It’s time to update your favorites list with this one. Cut from premium beef, it’s marinated with ancho chili and grilled to perfection. The result? A juicy and tender steak with a hint of spice that makes the overall flavor stand out.
These are just the tip of the iceberg and there are plenty of other dishes like:
- Crispy Asian Chicken
- Braised Beef Back Ribs
- Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche
- Watermelon Salad
If you love Argentinian cuisine then Brute will not disappoint you not even a tiny bit. So head over before the place is all reserved.
3. Fogón
The last but surely not the least is this beautiful restaurant located in As Sahafah, Riyadh. This is my go-to restaurant for a quick Argentinian cuisine fix. The atmosphere here is relaxing and upscale.
When you walk in the first thing you will notice is the beautiful combination of brick walls and wooden floors. The dining area is open and spacious which makes the whole place ideal for any kind of dinner or lunch.
They also have a small outdoor dining area but I wouldn’t really recommend it because usually, it’s too noisy.
The Food
The only thing I can say about their food is that they know exactly what they are doing. They have kept their menu small and really focused on things they can do best.
One dish I can’t stop thinking about is the Sourdough Philly Steak. I mean, what’s not to love?
The steak is tender, perfectly seasoned, and paired with their delicious cheese, all packed into freshly baked sourdough bread that has just the right amount of tang.
I also tried the Buffalo Chicken Bites, and let me tell you!
I haven’t had such good wings in a while in Riyadh. The crispy coating, the perfect level of heat in the buffalo sauce, and the juicy chicken inside make them impossible to put down.
If you’re into salads, the Feta Cheese Salad is a must. It’s light and refreshing, with crisp greens, creamy feta, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together. I usually skip salads when I’m out, but this one had me hooked.