Bianca, Gymkhana, Joan’s On Third, Madeo, Scott’s and YAKINIKUMAFIA are joining the fun.
Via Riyadh is the new luxury destination that keeps on giving. The venue boasts celebrity chefs, state-of-the-art cinemas, world-famous fashion brands, and a five-star hotel. Translated: that’s 23 shops, 17 restaurants, seven cinemas and one hotel.
Restaurants have flocked from London, Los Angeles, Paris, and Tokyo to be a part of Via Riyadh, where the streets are adorned with a feast for the senses, inviting you to savour the finest gastronomic delights. So, pull up a seat at Hisato Hamada’s Wagyumafia or London’s MICHELIN-lauded Gymkhana.
Madeo Ristorante: 25 May
Hyperlocal cuisine is trending, so if you want a taste, book yourself a table at Madeo Ristorante. The famed West Hollywood dining destination will open in Jeddah following the launch of this flagship in Via Riyadh. Owned and operated by Alfio Vietina along with his wife, Elvira Buffoni, and sons Gianni Vietina and Nicola Vietina. This is not just Italian cuisine or Tuscan cuisine, but Forte dei Marmi cuisine. The restaurant prides itself on its locally sourced ingredients and its family’s traditional dishes. Expect a warm colour palette with brass and wood accents, curved booths, and a semi-open kitchen.
GO: Follow @madeoristorante.sa on Instagram for more information.
Bianca: 15 June
Big up the grandmothers. The beloved LA-based restaurant and bakery has made its way to Riyadh. Bianca gets its name from the chef’s grandmother Bianca, nicknamed Nonna Tina. Stepping inside the venue, you’ll be surrounded by comfort food. The beautiful bakery is home to breads and pastries. Plus, the restaurant fuses Argentinian, French and Italian food. If you try one thing, make it the Rigatoni all Bolognese, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes.
GO: Follow @bianca.saudi on Instagram for more information.
Joan’s On Third: 15 June
Come for the all-day breakfast, and stay for the coffee. Created by entrepreneur, tastemaker and chef Joan McNamara, Joan’s on Third is one of LA’s most beloved institutions. The Via Riyadh outlet will reflect the LA outpost’s most distinctive features, including the neighbourhood-friendly atmosphere, communal tables, and charming decor. The café serves wholesome food, think sandwiches, salads and oh-so-cute picnic hampers. Popular items from the original menu include the Breakfast Burrito, Chinese Chicken Salad and Turkey Club Sandwich. Don’t leave without trying dessert – a Nutella Loaf slice, anyone?
GO: Follow @joansonthird_sa on Instagram for more information.
YAKINIKUMAFIA by WAGYUMAFIA: 15 June
Roll up, roll up, as you’ll have a front-row seat to theatrical dining at YAKINIKUMAFIA by WAGYUMAFIA. The concept upgrades the age-old Japanese technique of grilling meat over a fire. The cuts include sustainably raised single-breed wagyu and uses butchery techniques that minimise waste. The menu not only features a wide range of wagyu cuts but also centres on customisable offerings. The show stealer is the rare cut wagyu paired with signature wagyu bone broth. Depending on the availability of the meat, a different rare cut is offered every day, adding an element of surprise. Plus, it comes from the same team behind Wagyumafia – the squad just keeps expanding.
GO: Follow @yakinikumafia.sa on Instagram for more information.
Gymkhana: 18 June
Inspired by the elite clubs of India where members of high society socialise, eat, drink, and play sports, Gymkhana has become synonymous with classic and contemporary boldly spiced Indian cuisine since its 2013 opening in London’s Mayfair. All the restaurant’s signature dishes will make the trip to Riyadh, like Chettinad Duck Dosa with Coconut Chutney, Kid Goat Methi Keema with Salli and Pao, Wild Muntjac Biryani and Duck Egg Langoustine Bhurji with Malabar Paratha. Plus, it boasts fans ranging from celebrities (including Taylor Swift and the Beckhams) to FACT’s editor-in-chief.
GO: Follow @gymkhana.sa on Instagram for more information.
Scott’s: 25 June
Amongst the five oldest restaurants in London, Scott’s was originally opened as an oyster warehouse in 1851 by a young fishmonger named John Scott. When Scott’s moved to its current Mayfair location in 1968, it was one of the most glamorous seafood restaurants in town, boasting legendary customers such as James Bond creator Ian Fleming. Scott’s in Via Riyadh will pay homage to the Mayfair flagship with a timber-panelled dining room, burgundy leather banquettes, silver-leaf mirrored screens and a stingray-fronted bar. The menu will offer traditional fish and seafood dishes alongside meat and seasonal game favourites. Drool alert: it has a dedicated shellfish, oyster and caviar menu.
GO: Follow @scotts.saudi on Instagram for more information.
