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If you’re having trouble finding the best Lebanese restaurant in Riyadh, I’m here to guide you.
Riyadh is home to different types of cuisines such as Pakistani, Indian, Italian, and Korean foods.
BUT
Lebanese food has been popular in Riyadh for decades now and it has actually merged into the lifestyle and culture of Saudi Arabia.
Lebanese food came into Riyadh when people moved to Saudi Arabia and started sharing food with their friends and neighbors.
One of the oldest restaurants Burj Al Hamam started in Riyadh back in 1979. This gives you an idea of how long Lebanese restaurants have been operating in Riyadh.
BUT
Not all restaurants are the best. You have to try many restaurants to find the best and I am here to make it easy for you.
I tried over 50 Lebanese cuisines in Riyadh and found my top 3 favorites that I am going to share today. These restaurants are:
I’ll provide all the details you need, so you can easily decide which restaurant to try next time you’re craving Lebanese food.
So why are we still waiting? Let’s get started.
Loris – A Fine Dining Lebanese Experience
Named after the daughter of a prominent textile merchant in Lebanon this restaurant started in 2015 in Lebanon and then expanded to Egypt, Qatar and Riyadh.
This is one of the best Lebanese restaurants in Riyadh known for both it’s food and classic ambiance.
Their cozy and luxury environment makes this restaurant ideal for special occasions like celebrations or just a nice calm dinner with family.
Loris combines traditional Lebanese food with modern dishes to give you Lebanese food like never before.
Their menu features a mix of traditional Lebanese dishes, like hummus and grilled meats, with a fresh and innovative touch with their special sauces and masalas.
Location:
This Lebanese food place is located atطريق الأمير تركي بن عبدالعزيز الأول, Umm Al Hamam Al Sharqi, Riyadh 12321, Saudi Arabia.
Must Try Dishes At Loris
I tried multiple dishes and most of them from their Lebanese menu because that I what I was there for. The dishes I would say are a must try are:
- Hummus with Lamb: A creamy hummus topped with tender pieces of lamb.
- Grilled Kafta: Tender and cooked perfect.
- Stuffed Vine Leaves: Vine leaves filled with a tasty mix of rice and herbs.
Positive Reviews About Loris Riyadh
The restaurant has over four thousand reviews on google and have a mix of both positive and negative reviews.
Positive reviews covered different aspects of the restaurant. People acknowledged the dim lighting in the restaurant which makes it feel relaxing and vintage.
Lebanese customers specifically mentioned that the food at this restaurant is just as good as what you’d find in Lebanon.
People also really liked the basement parking as this is usually a big issue in Riyadh. With dedicated basement parking customers do not have to worry about finding a spot to park their cars.
Some dishes that got a lot of positive reviews were:
- egg with Sojok
- Hallomi cheese
- sambosa
- batata harra
- hummus with mini kebbe
- egetables chicken with cheese plate
The waiters also received positive reviews for their friendliness and attentiveness in resolving issues and supporting customers.
Negative Reviews About Loris Riyadh
I have to say that the negative reviews covered some very specific topics and were mentioned again and again by different customers.
The first and probably the most important negative reviews were about people getting sick after eating at this restaurant. I went through over 500 negative reviews and this specific thing appeared like fifty times in those reviews.
The next thing was that their prices are high compared to the amount of food they serve. The price of their large tea bariq is SAR 36 and is not even enough for two people.
Their Tabbouleh and shish tawook also got a bit of hate from people.
Customers mentioned that the dishes taste average but are priced higher, making the cost unjustifiable.
My Experience At Loris Lebanese Restaurant
Before walking into this restaurant I realized that the basement parking is a huge plus because the roads were really busy.
When I entered into the restaurant I found out exactly why people were talking about the ambiance so much it really was amazing.
I tried a few different dishes which included hummus with lamb and stuffed vine leaves, both of which were flavorful and fresh. They never felt like they were frozen or old.
For sides I tried the batata harra and sambosa. These had a nice taste and had some mix flavors that really made you feel like you were eating at a premium place.
Overall from service to food to ambiance everything was just perfect except for a few things.
First thing of course was the serving to price ratio. The prices can be decreased or the serving can be increased to balance things out.
Another thing that I noticed was that the chefs would take their masks off when talking to people or others in kitchen which I think is a bit unhygienic and should not be done.
Overall I would rate this place 8.5 out of 10 for it’s food, ambiance and service.
Naya Lebanese Restaurant
This restaurant may not be as popular as the others on this list, but it’s just as good as the rest.
This restaurant is mainly focused on preserving the taste of Lebanese food and preparing it without adding any twists.
Although their food is traditional, their décor is modern and top-notch. This makes it an ideal spot for family dinners and gatherings with friends. You can also enjoy an outdoor meal with a pleasant view and a pool.
This Lebanese restaurant in Riyadh has a diverse menu and offers everything from classic hummus to Fattoush to fried kibbeh.
Location:
This restaurant is located in voco Riyadh, an IHG Hotel at King Fahd Rd, An Namudhajiyah, Riyadh 12731, Saudi Arabia.
Must Try Menu Items At Naya Lebanese Restaurant
The restaurant has a big menu and can be confusing if you are trying Lebanese food for the first time. I would personally recommend trying these dishes:
- Kafta Khashkhash
- Cheesy Pistachio Kafta
- Lamb Chops
- Chicken Shish Tawook
- Halawat EI Jibn
- Fatouch
Positive Reviews
Having a dinner or lunch besides a pool is not common in Riyadh but this Lebanese restaurant has done it. Most positive reviews mention that this is something unique and fun and they visit the place just to enjoy meal by the pool.
Some people mentioned that the waiters are cheerful and you will feel a positive vibe when talking to them.
Their Shish Tawouk by far is the most favorite dish of the customers and 60% of the reviews mentioned that.
The indoor seating is comfortable and elegant and people mentioned again and again that this is by far the best and most underrated Lebanese restaurant in Riyadh.
Another notable point in the positive reviews is the restaurant’s high standard of hygiene, with all facilities and furnishings maintained and in excellent condition.
Negative Reviews
Negative reviews are always over the place so I have to find patterns to understand the pros and cons of the restaurant.
One common theme of the negative reviews is the slow service. You have to wait for quite some time before you main course arrives which can disappoint a lot of people especially those who are in a rush.
Most reviews mentioned that even though the place is beautiful the food is just not up to the mark and could be improved by a lot.
Many customers mentioned that the hummus tasted like it was purchased from some store and then directly served to the customers.
My Experience At Naya Lebanese Restaurant
When I visited the restaurant, I decided to try the Kafta Khashkhash and Chicken Shish Tawook. Both dishes were flavorful, especially the Shish Tawook, which was juicy and tender. The Fatouch salad was fresh, and the Halawat EI Jibn was a sweet way to end the meal.
The setting by the pool was a unique and relaxing experience, something you don’t usually find in Riyadh. However, the service was a bit slow, and I had to wait longer than expected for my main course. Overall, it was a pleasant visit, but the food could use some improvement.
I would give this place a 7.5 out of 10 rating for food and service while 9 out of 10 for their ambience.
Mama Noura
This is one of the oldest Lebanese restaurant in Riyadh started in 1989 and now has branches in every corner of Riyadh.
This is not like your typical Lebanese or Arabic restaurant. This restaurant takes a unique approach by having open kitchens are the place and dine in in the middle. You can see your food being prepared in front of you.
This restaurant is famous for its shawarmas and fast service. If you are in the mood for a casual dine in or want a takeaway urgently then this Lebanese restaurant is for you.
Mama Noura has normal prices and is usually really busy during lunch and dinner times because people from offices want to have a quick meal and get back to work.
Location:
This Lebanese restaurant is located at prince faisal, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia.
Must-Try Dishes at Mama Noura
- Chicken shawarma
- Falafel
- Manakish
Positive Reviews
Positive reviews are mostly from returning customers who have been visiting the place for quite a while. People frequently mentioned that their shawarma is one of the best in Saudi Arabia and they just don’t have any competition.
Their fresh juices which are prepared right in front of you also get a lot of praise from customers and is a must try for sure.
The restaurant’s quick service is admired by people and the ability to order through a machine is also very convenient for most people.
Negative Reviews
Many people mentioned that the cashier in the specific branch is rude and takes time unnecessarily.
A few reviewers mentioned that the staff is rude when you are giving them specific instructions regarding your order. They want to cook the same way as they do for others.
Several customers noted that the amount of extra mayonnaise provided is the same for both small and large plates. When requesting more, they were informed there would be an additional charge of SAR 3.
Some customers mentioned that the facility is too small to accommodate a large number of guests, and during peak hours, orders may not be served on time.
My Experience At Mama Noura
I never had the opportunity to visit this Lebanese restaurant so it was my first time trying out their food.
I order a chicken shawarma which was just beyond my expectations. From the smell of it I could tell that all ingredients used were fresh. The bread was soft and the chicken was really tender.
I also tried their falafel and in first impression it looked like it wont taste good but I have to say it was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I will definitely come back for that again.
The seating felt a bit uncomfortable due to overcrowding, as there were too many people in the space but I think the tasty food makes up for that.
Overall I would rate their food 10 out of 10 and their ambience and service 8.5 out of 10.
Conclusion
So there you go the best Lebanese restaurant in Riyadh for you guys with detailed review and experience from my side.
Try out these Lebanese food places and let me know which one was your favorite.
