Reviews

Riyadh Spa Reviews: 

SPA REVIEW: MAISON JOELLE- A LAVISH EXPERIENCE

Riyadh Restaurant Reviews:

TOP TEN RESTAURANTS IN RIYADH

THE TOP 14 MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN RIYADH

BREAKFAST IN RIYADH: PAUL'S RESTAURANT AND BAKERY

Maya La Chocolaterie

Centro Restaurant And Lounge

Trader Vic's

Coco's Restaurant And Bakery

Il Terrazo Brazilian Restaurant

CEnto Per CEnto

set Al-sham

Tango

Cafe bateel

Fairouz garden

anatolia turkish grill

Al-mayass

Najdi village Restaurant

Piatto
I had wanted to try out this Italian restaurant located on the Northern Ring Road for a long time because of its inviting appearance. What especially sparked my interest was the outdoor area adorned with a large fountain and a lovely terrace. I could not wait to be able to sit outside by the fountain listening to the water flowing. In my mind I had pictured this restaurant as a romantic restaurant for couples. Finding such a pleasant family section area outdoors in Riyadh seemed too good to be true.

To my great disappointment, it was too much to ask for. The outside seating area is not in use for dining, it only serves its purpose as a waiting area for people when the restaurant has closed its doors for prayer.  I had a feeling the "no eating outside" rule might have something to do with the religious cops aka muttawa.

Despite the initial disappointment and my wrong expectations of the venue, our dining experience was very positive. The inside area was equally attractive with a large courtyard and more fountains. There is no music but happy chatter and sounds of children filled the restaurant. This is definitely a restaurant designed for families. There is even a large play area complete with computer games and a ball pit on the second floor of the restaurant

.

When we were there with our baby the restaurant was very full and the waiters were busy but nevertheless remained very friendly, considerate and professional.  You can choose between sitting in the lovely "Piazza" among the fountains or in one of the more private booths in the family section. There were plenty more tables on the second floor overlooking the Piazza but unfortunately they did not serve to those tables.

For starters we ordered the meatball sliders which any kid would love! These mini burgers were very

appetizing and well presented. The restaurant offers a complimentary garden salad and a delicious bread basket. The kids get their own menu which is also an activity booklet they can keep.

The menu has a long list of creative pasta dishes to choose from. I loved the broad pizza menu even more. So many interesting toppings to choose from such as wild mushrooms, smoked salmon, rosemary potatoes, goat cheese and arugula. We ordered their most popular pizza, sundried tomato, pesto and goat cheese pizza.

The pizza was amazing, the crust was thin and crispy and the taste was perfect. Would have ordered another one straight away if we weren't already bursting from all the different foods we tried! The pastas were delicious, although to my taste a bit too salty. Another positive surprise was how many healthy food choices were on the menu such as the grilled chicken and salmon dishes.

For dessert the restaurant offers a variety of Gelato, Italian ice cream. The only problem was choosing which one to try from all the wonderful flavors! The coffee ice cream was divine and we also tried their crème brulee which was fab and had a very authentic Italian feel to it.

This place has the genuine Italian family-oriented feel and warmth to it. I would highly recommend it for families with small children or for a group of friends.