The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with Hejazi influences.
Riyadh has been upping its culinary game when it comes to restaurant openings. A plethora of celebrity chefs and international brands have set up shop in the capital, including Akira Back Riyadh, Café Boulud, and SUSHISAMBA Riyadh. And now, we’re about to witness the arrival of yet another culinary maestro: Chef Michael Mina, who will make his debut in the Kingdom with Taleed by Michael Mina.
Located in historical Diriyah on the outskirts of Riyadh, Taleed by Michael Mina is now open inside the Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah. This restaurant promises to celebrate Mediterranean flavours infused with Hejazi influences.
Rooted in the rich tapestry of Saudi culinary heritage, Taleed by Michael Mina’s menu harmonises locally sourced ingredients with globally inspired techniques. Each dish celebrates flavour and tradition, from the Jeddah Red Sea Lobster Salad with golden mango and saffron labneh to the Hijazi Fish Fry served alongside aromatic hassawi rice sayadeya. A standout creation is Michael Mina’s Crispy Falafel, which reimagines a Middle Eastern classic with the addition of big-eye tuna, offering a contemporary twist on a beloved favourite.
Desserts such as the Passion Fruit Labneh Cheesecake with basbousa crumble, Brown Sugar Banana Bites with knafeh crunch, and a decadent Dark Chocolate Cake Parfait infused with Arabic coffee caramel provide a fitting finale to a memorable meal.
Taleed’s beverage program features an elegant selection of handcrafted mocktails. Highlights include the Passionisté, a vibrant fusion of Lyre’s Italian spritz, passion fruit, and ginger beer, and the Cocorito, a refreshing medley of fresh basil, coconut water, and a hint of lime.
Inspired by the storied heritage of Diriyah, the interiors embrace the timeless beauty of 300-year-old Najdi architecture, seamlessly interwoven with contemporary design elements and intricate Arabian details and artworks. Designed to resemble a traditional home with rooms, nooks and terraces, Taleed caters to a range of occasions, from intimate gatherings to corporate dining and grand celebrations. For a truly exclusive experience, the private dining room is where guests are guided through a personalized menu crafted by Chef Mina’s esteemed culinary team.
For those unfamiliar with Michael Mina, the chef was born in Egypt. As a teenager, he moved to the US, where he quickly became a kitchen king. In 1987, he opened his first restaurant, Aqua, in San Francisco. Currently, he oversees several restaurants across America, including Bourbon Steak and Stripsteak.
While Taleed by Michael Mina is the chef’s first restaurant in Saudi Arabia, it’s not his first foray into the Middle East. He made his international debut with MINA Brasserie in 2018, located at the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre in the UAE. Last year, when Riyadh was announced as the host city for Expo 2030, he catered to dignitaries in Diriyah.
GO: Follow @taleeddiriyah on Instagram for more information.
