15 Best Italian Restaurants in Riyadh

From pizzas to pastas, here’s where to grab a slice or three.

Whether you’re craving pizzas from Naples or gelato from Florence, there’s a restaurant in Riyadh to suit your needs. The capital is packed with global and homegrown brands, which serve top-quality Italian food. So, leave room for tiramisu – here are the best Italian restaurants in Riyadh.

Agio – The Canopy

Riyadh, it’s time to say ciao to a new Italian restaurant. Located in The Canopy, Agio draws inspiration from the Amalfi Coast and is a sophisticated spot to indulge in Italy’s finest food. Created by Modern Food Company, Agio is a homegrown concept. The menu from Chef Filippo Pagani spans pasta, pizza, fish and meat dishes and includes a wood fire oven. Plus, a range of classic desserts, from gelato to tiramisu. The smart spot includes white tablecloths, rattan-style chairs, soft sofas and statement chandeliers.

GO: Follow @agiosaudi on Instagram for more information.

Altopiano – Bujairi Terrace

We love homegrown concepts at FACT. So, we were excited to hear about the Saudi Arabian-born brand Altopiano. The chefs embrace fresh, quality ingredients and go the extra mile to produce dishes evoking an authentic taste of Southern Italy but with a Middle Eastern twist. The restaurant even uses Saudi ingredients to bridge the gap between Italy and Saudi Arabia worlds.

GO: Follow @altopiano.sa on Instagram for more information.

Azzurro – The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

Located inside the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Azzurro serves Italian food with finesse. The fine dining experience is open to hotel guests and the public. The dining room includes plush pillars, marble features and overlooks an indoor swimming pool. The menu is inspired by dishes from Sardinia and offers authentic flavours with a modern twist.

GO: Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information.

Carbone – Mansard Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel

Carbone at Mansard Riyadh, a Radisson Collection Hotel, pays homage to the timeless charm of mid-20th-century Italian-American restaurants in New York. The restaurant was created by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick and its New York outpost has attracted A-list diners including Adele, Barack Obama, Jennifer Lopez, the Kardashians and Travis Scott. In Riyadh, diners can expect expertly-crafted Italian dishes served in an elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere.

GO: Visit www.sevenrooms.com for reservations and more information.

Cipriani – Hittin

Cipriani is an institution. The brand is known across the world for its famous Venetian fine dining. The family motto is “to serve is to love”, and they’ve brought a piece of that passion to Hittin in Riyadh. The décor includes the signature nautical colours, which range from blue sofas to white tablecloths. Plus, the menu prides itself on using simple ingredients to a high-quality standard and offering signature dishes from Harry’s Bar in Venice.

GO: Visit www.cipriani.com for more information.

Il Baretto – KAFD

At Il Baretto, you can eat like a prince for the price of a pauper. If you’re after pizzas, pastas and risottos, then you’re looking at a starting price of SAR 52. The menu ranges from Margheritas to Mushroom Fettuccine, and Spicy Chicken Rigatoni to Saffron Shrimp Risotto. The décor oozes old-school pizza house vibes, as there are black and white photos on the wall.

GO: Follow @oulu.sa on Instagram for more information.

Il Morini – Jareed Hotel

In 1992, Il Morini opened in Birmingham, England. Today, it can be found in Bristol, Leicester, Manchester and across the globe. The restaurant can also be found in Jeddah and Riyadh. Great for groups, the menu draws inspiration from Cicchetti bars in Venice, which serve small plates for sharing. The specials range from an Italian Mac N Cheese to Goccia Di Ricotta.

GO: Follow @ilmorini.sa on Instagram for more information.

Oulu – As Sulimaniyah

At Oulu, you can eat like a prince for the price of a pauper. If you’re after pizzas, pastas and risottos, then you’re looking at a starting price of SAR 52. The menu ranges from Margheritas to Mushroom Fettuccine, and Spicy Chicken Rigatoni to Saffron Shrimp Risotto. The décor oozes old-school pizza house vibes, as there are black and white photos on the wall.

GO: Follow @oulu.sa on Instagram for more information.

San Carlo Cicchetti – As Sulimaniyah

In 1992, San Carlo Cicchetti opened in Birmingham, England. Today, it can be found in Bristol, Leicester, Manchester and across the globe. The restaurant can also be found in Jeddah and Riyadh. Great for groups, the menu draws inspiration from Cicchetti bars in Venice, which serve small plates for sharing. The specials range from an Italian Mac N Cheese to Goccia Di Ricotta.

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GO: Visit https://sancarlocicchettisa.redro.menu for more information.

San Marzano – Laysen Valley

Created in 1984 by Gino Santin, San Marzano is one of London’s oldest family-run restaurants. Now, it has made its way to Leysan Valley in Riyadh, and already made a big impression. The menu covers Crab Salad, Homemade Fettuccine Lobster, Milanese Santini and Truffle Mushroom Lasagne. The décor has drawn its inspiration from an unlikely source – the artichoke. The humble ingredient has been elevated, and can be found throughout the interiors.

GO: Follow @sanmarzanosa on Instagram for more information.

Santini – Laysen Valley

Created in 1984 by Gino Santin, Santini is one of London’s oldest family-run restaurants. Now, it has made its way to Leysan Valley in Riyadh, and already made a big impression. The menu covers Crab Salad, Homemade Fettuccine Lobster, Milanese Santini and Truffle Mushroom Lasagne. The décor has drawn its inspiration from an unlikely source – the artichoke. The humble ingredient has been elevated, and can be found throughout the interiors.

GO: Follow @santini.riyadh on Instagram for more information.

Signor Sassi – As Sulimaniyah

If you’re after opulence, then head over to Signor Sassi in As Sulimaniyah. The restaurant is already popular with A-listers in London, as it has served celebrities from Rihanna to Lionel Richie. The menu is oh-so expansive that it includes more than one hundred dishes and generous portions. Leave room for the signature Spaghetti Lobster.

GO: Follow @signorsassiriyadh on Instagram for more information.