Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene. Among the numerous cuisines that are popular in the city, French cuisine stands out for its unique flavors and exquisite presentation. If you are on the hunt for the best French restaurants in Riyadh, look no further! In this article, we dive deep into the history of French cuisine in the city, explore the top French restaurants, highlight signature dishes, and guide you through French dining etiquette.
Best French Restaurants in Riyadh
Riyadh is a city that is known for its diverse dining scene, with a wide variety of international cuisines available to suit every taste. Among the many options available, French cuisine stands out as a popular choice for those looking for a sophisticated and refined dining experience. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, there are several French restaurants in Riyadh that are worth checking out.
1. Paul Bakery & Restaurant
Paul is a genuine French bakery and restaurant offering a wide variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, main courses, and mouthwatering desserts, all in signature French style.
- Address: Paul Bakery & Restaurant, طريق الأمير محمد بن سعد بن عبدالعزيز, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12222, Saudi Arabia
- Paul Bakery & Restaurant Website
- Phone number: +966 11 416 9125
- Paul Bakery & Restaurant Instagram Account
2. Le Relais de l’Entrecote
Because of the high quality of the meat and the distinctive sauce, steak enthusiasts prefer the French restaurant Le Relais de l’Entrecote. On busy days, sit back, relax, and chat with your party, as the cuisine slowly prepares your meat to the point of perfection.
- Address: Le Relais de l’Entrecote, PP32+GWW, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, Sulaimaniyah، Riyadh 12223, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 11 461 5058
- Le Relais de l’Entrecote Instagram Account
3. Le Grenier à Pain | لو غرونييه أبان
The legendary original crusty baguette and welcoming and real environment of “Grenier a Pain,” the true French restaurant, are the keys to its success. The place also has great and lovely things on display. All of these things can be found at any meal served at Le Grenier à Pain.
- Address: Le Grenier À Pain, Parklands/Highridge 9 Riverside Dr, Kenya
- Le Grenier à Pain | لو غرونييه أبان Website
- Phone number: +254 799 848118
- Le Grenier à Pain | لو غرونييه أبان Instagram Account
4. LPM Restaurant & Café
French Mediterranean cuisine is only served at LPM Restaurant & Café in Riyadh. It is a chic location that serves French-Mediterranean cuisine in a refined setting with a terrace.
- Address: LPM Restaurant & Café, Al Motassem Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, Saudi Arabia
- LPM Restaurant & Café Website
- Phone number: +966 9200 11794
- LPM Restaurant & Café Instagram Account
5. Oplaisir
Oplaisir, a chic bakery, and restaurant, replicates the lavish atmosphere of a Parisian café. Breakfast, afternoon tea, and fine-dining experiences are offered in a beautiful setting, complete with French pastries and a menu for every occasion. Whether you are dining with friends, searching for pastries to celebrate, or incorporating French flavors into your events, our crew would be happy to cater to you.
- Address: Oplaisir, شارع التخصصي الفرعي، Al Mohammadiyyah, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 11 812 2420
- Oplaisir Instagram Account
6. Entrecôte Petit Louis انتركوت بتي لوي
Recently introduced in Riyadh, Entrecôte Petit Louis Jeddah is a major hit with fans of quality French food. You are welcome to join us for a relaxed French experience to sample their unique entrecote sauce and their unique cuisine.
- Address: Entrecôte Petit Louis انتركوت بتي لوي, 8156 King Abdulaziz Rd, As Sahafah, 4391, Riyadh 13321, Saudi Arabia
- Website: N/A
- Phone number: +966 50 558 3558
- Entrecôte Petit Louis انتركوت بتي لوي Instagram Account
7. Chalmont
Every dish on the menu at Chalmont is a hero dish, inspiring conversations and amazing evenings while being accompanied by genuine house drinks and specialties. Chalmont is a pleasant and merry French restaurant. Their enthusiasm for what they do shows in every service. Each time you visit Chalmont, it’s like embarking on a fragrant journey with flowers, candles, and exquisite table settings and decorations, which create a dreamlike environment for all of your senses. As two-time Michelin-starred Chef Jacques Ruivo brings his savoir-faire to the kingdom and infuses the cuisine with French flair, you will also get the opportunity to witness his talent.
- Address: Chalmont, QJ6Q+MJC, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, Saudi Arabia
- Chalmont Website
- Phone number: +966 9200 66011
- Chalmont Instagram Account
8. NAC Riyadh
In Riyadh’s Laysen Valley, the premium bistro NAC Riyadh established its first overseas branch. The restaurant is renowned for its classic French-inspired menu of dishes with original twists. Small appetizers on the menu include cherry tomatoes, smoked salt, crumbled burrata, and popcorn chicken with spicy mayo. Fill your boots with the zaatar salmon with coriander salsa, rigatoni with pink sauce, and the truffle burger with Monterrey Jack and truffle mayo for the main course.
- Address: NAC Riyadh, King Khalid Rd, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh 12329, Saudi Arabia
- NAC Riyadh Website
- Phone number: N/A
- NAC Riyadh Instagram Account
9. Eloge
To offer customers warm, laid-back French cuisine, Éloge built its first informal restaurant. It is a stylish café with four distinct businesses inside of it: a bakery, a confectionery, a cantina, and a bar that creates the romantic atmosphere of a café in Paris. Breakfast, brunch, and French pastries are available in an elegant setting with menu options for any event.
- Address: Eloge, Ar Rabi، طريق الثمامة، حي, Riyadh 13315, Saudi Arabia
- Eloge Website
- Phone number: +966 50 559 0011
- Eloge Instagram Account
10. SO. Fleur
The French-Mediterranean fine-dining establishment SO. Fleur is located in the center of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and it celebrates the epicurean voyage. It’s a place where people can get together and engage in enlightening conversation while enjoying the finest tea and coffee surrounded by flowers, the finest food and pastries, master courses, activities, and much more. Every time you visit, SO. Fleur takes you on a sensual gastronomic adventure through France.
- Address: SO. Fleur, Hittin, Pr. Turki Alawwal St, Riyadh 13512, Saudi Arabia
- SO. Fleur Website
- Phone number: +966 9200 12896
- SO. Fleur Instagram Account
11. Cafe De L’ Esplanade
The Cafe de l’Esplanade is a popular and stylish cafe in Paris that is open from breakfast until late at night. It is well-known among politicians and celebrities and is currently open in Riyadh.
- Address: Cafe De L’ Esplanade, 13711،،, 3205 طريق الملك فيصل، 7295، البجيري، الرياض, Diriyah 13711, Saudi Arabia
- Cafe De L’ Esplanade Website
- Phone number: +966 56 886 8900
- Cafe De L’ Esplanade Instagram Account
12. La Brasserie لابراسيري
La Brasserie, which is known for its elegant ambiance and classic French dishes. Another popular option is La Patisserie, which specializes in French pastries and desserts.
- Address: La Brasserie لابراسيري, King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, Saudi Arabia
- La Brasserie لابراسيري Website
- Phone number: +966 11 273 2005
- La Brasserie لابراسيري Instagram Account
Closing Thoughts on the Best French Restaurants in Riyadh
Overall, the growth of French restaurants in Riyadh is a testament to the enduring popularity of French cuisine in the city. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or a casual meal, there are plenty of options available to satisfy your cravings for French food.
From fine dining to casual cafes and bakeries, Riyadh’s French culinary scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply looking to explore new flavors, you’ll find a range of options to choose from. Be sure to try some of the signature French dishes, explore the non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverage options, and appreciate the formal traditions of French dining. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best French Restaurants in Riyadh
Is French cuisine popular in Riyadh?
France’s culinary heritage has been a long-standing influence in the Saudi Arabian food scene. The fusion of Arabic and French flavors has given birth to a new type of cuisine that draws on both cultures. In Riyadh, the French culinary tradition has been embraced by locals and expats alike. This has led to an influx of French restaurants in the city and a growing interest in French gastronomy.
French culture has been deeply embedded in Riyadh’s social fabric, from the art to the language. This cultural influence has extended to the city’s culinary scene, as well. Many native Saudis appreciate the fine dining experience and highlights of French cuisine, such as fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and elegant presentation. Furthermore, the popularity of French culture in recent years has led to an increased interest in French cuisine, leading to several restaurants and cafes opening up around the city to cater to this growing demand.
One of the most significant ways in which French culture has impacted Riyadh’s culinary scene is through the use of high-quality ingredients. French cuisine is renowned for its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients. This has led to a renewed focus on the importance of using fresh ingredients in Riyadh’s culinary scene, with many restaurants now sourcing their produce from local farms and markets.
Another way in which French culture has influenced Riyadh’s culinary scene is through the emphasis on presentation. French cuisine is known for its elegant and artistic presentation, with dishes often being served in a visually stunning manner. This has led to a renewed focus on the importance of presentation in Riyadh’s culinary scene, with many restaurants now placing a significant emphasis on the visual appeal of their dishes.
The popularity of French cuisine has led to a proliferation of French restaurants in the city. In the following sections, we’ll explore the top French restaurants in the city, as well as casual French eateries and cafes. From fine dining options to cozy cafés, Riyadh has something for every taste and budget.
What are the must-rry French dishes in Riyadh?
If you are looking for a taste of France in Riyadh, then you are in luck. The city has a vibrant French food scene, with many restaurants offering classic French dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some of the signature French dishes you must try when in Riyadh.
- Appetizers and Starters: Start your meal with some classic French appetizers, like escargots, which are served in garlic butter sauce. These tender snails are a delicacy in France and are a must-try for any foodie. Another popular starter is pâté served with cornichons and pickled onions. This creamy spread is made from liver and is often served with toast or crackers. If you are in the mood for something light, then the salad niçoise is a great option. This salad features tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and various vegetables, including green beans, tomatoes, and olives, and is a refreshing way to start your meal.
- Main Courses: Traditional dishes like boeuf bourguignon, a beef stew cooked in red wine, and coq au vin, chicken cooked in red wine sauce with bacon and mushrooms, are always popular. These dishes are slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender meat that falls off the bone. Fish dishes like bouillabaisse, a hearty fish soup with vegetables, and Salade Nicoise are great options for seafood lovers. The bouillabaisse is a flavorful soup that is made with a variety of fish and shellfish, while the Salade Nicoise is a refreshing salad that is perfect for a hot day.
- Desserts and Pastries: Try the quintessential French pastry, the croissant, which is a flaky, buttery delight that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. If you are in the mood for something a little more decadent, then crème brûlée is a great option. This creamy dessert is made with vanilla custard and is topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. Chocolate lovers can indulge in a rich chocolate mousse, which is a light and airy dessert that is perfect after a heavy meal. For fruit fans, the tarte aux fruits is a great option. This fruit tart is filled with custard and is topped with glazed fruit, making it a refreshing and delicious way to end your meal.
How many French restaurants are in Riyadh?
There are more than 30 amazing French Restaurants in Riyadh. All of them offer distinctive service and signature dishes making them a must-try. From these eateries, you will find a list below of only the best French Restaurants in Riyadh.
What is the oldest French Restaurant in Riyadh?
A long-lasting institution, Paul Bakery & Restaurant has been around in Riyadh for a while. This sophisticated eatery and place for fine patisserie are deeply regarded by locals and visitors. In our list below, you will find further details on this restaurant as well as other hot French spots.
