Some of the biggest names in the word of F&B will open at Saudi Arabia’s latest restaurant hib Via Riyadh. The area, near the city’s Diplomatic Quarter, opens on Thursday May all, with the first phase of restaurants accepting bookings from the following day. There will be a St. Regis hotel and a cinema, as well as the 20 restaurants and cafés setting up in the area.

Chi Spacca

Los Angeles-born Chi Spacca is coming to the city for the first time. The name means “he or she who cleaves”, and the restaurant is inspired by how an Italian butcher might cook, focusing on open-fire grill and wood oven cooking, from American chef Nancy Silverton.

Ferdi

A casual eatery from London, Geneva and Paris, Ferdi has cosy and eclectic decor elsewhere. The menu focuses on French and Spanish cuisine, with an emphasis on sharing dishes.

Gymkhana

A popular Indian restaurant, which began life in London and has a branch in Doha, here in the Middle East. The brand is inspired by the elite clubs of India where the members of high society used to socialise, eat and play sport.

Joan’s on Third

Named after founder Joan McNamara, it is so called as its original location was founded in 1995 on Third Street, Los Angeles. The menu at the first spot changes daily and focuses on homely, crowd-pleasing all-day dishes.

Les Deux Magots

One of Paris’ most famous restaurants, Les Deux Magots will serve classic French cuisine. The restaurant first opened in 1885 and has played host to the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso.

Madeo Ristorante

Another Los Angeles import, Madeo Ristorante has 35 years of experience serving Italian dishes from Tuscany. There was a pop-up at Riyadh Season 2019.

Over Under

Orginally from London, the casual venue is a New York-inspired coffee shop. Over Underp is inspired by café culture in the Big Apple. The Riyadh branch marks the brand’s first international outpost.

Raoul’s

This restaurant dates back to 1970s New York and is a French-American serving the likes of steak frites and oysters.

Scott’s

Dating back to 1851 in London, Scott’s of Mayfair is another of the England capital’s most well-known restaurants. This time it’s seafood on the menu.

Sexy Fish

One of the most hyped restaurants in London when it opened in 2015, Sexy Fish has since expanded to Miami and, now, Riyadh. Anyone who remembers the kind of crowd that Nobu and Zuma used to attract when they first opened will know what to expect. Similarly, the menu won’t be unfamiliar with sushi, sashimi and tiraditos.

Spago

One of the most famous restaurant names in the world, Spago has been at the top of its game for more than 20 years. From chef to the stars Wolfgang Puck, Italian restaurant Spago has been in Riyadh before, for various Riyadh Season pop-ups.

Wagyumafia

A new concept focusing on all things wagyu, created by self-taught chef and self-taught wagyu expert Hisato Hamada and entrepreneur Takafumi Hori.