Riyadh’s food scene is booming, and Italian cuisine has become one of the most popular choices in the city. From traditional wood-fired pizza to luxurious fine-dining Italian menus, the capital has something for everyone.
In this August 2025 update, we’ve listed the top Italian restaurants in Riyadh, with details on their specialties, addresses, timings, and why they stand out.
At a Glance: Top 7 Italian Restaurants in Riyadh
- Serafina – Stylish New York-based Italian eatery
- IL Baretto – Elegant Italian dining at King Abdullah Financial District
- Azzurro – Luxury Italian at The Ritz-Carlton
- Bal’harm – Casual modern Italian with creative dishes
- Eataly – Famous global Italian chain serving classics
- La Rustica – Riyadh’s first certified Napoletana pizzeria
- Roma Restaurant – One of Riyadh’s oldest Italian institutions
IL Barretto
📍 Location: KAFD 5.08 KAFD, 2822 – 6591
🕒 Timings: Daily 12:30 pm – 11:20 pm
Located in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, IL Baretto offers authentic regional Italian dishes in an elegant setting. Diners can enjoy the refined ambiance of the main dining area or the outdoor terrace.
⭐ Why visit: Perfect for business dinners or romantic nights out.
Image Source: IL Barretto(Google Reviews)
The restaurant offers a menu of authentic regional dishes that can be enjoyed in the main dining area or on the outdoor terrace.
Azzurro
📍 Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh
🕒 Timings: Daily, 7:00 pm – midnight
Led by an Italian chef from Sardinia, Azzurro combines modern Italian cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients. Dishes like balsamic pappardelle with lamb jus or the indulgent Royal Pizza (SAR 700) make it one of Riyadh’s most luxurious dining spots.
⭐ Why visit: True Italian fine dining with a five-star atmosphere.
Image Source: Azzurro Riyadh(Google Reviews)
Try the balsamic pappardelle with lamb jus and foie gras, or splurge on the Royal Pizza for SAR700.
Bal’harm
📍 Location: King Mohammed V Street, As Sulimaniyah
🕒 Timings: Sat–Wed 1:00 pm – 1:00 am, Thu–Fri 1:00 pm – 2:00 am
Bal’harm brings a laidback, casual Italian experience with creative menu highlights like Penne Arrabbiata, Ravioli Di Cammello, and signature mojitos like Rise of Etna.
⭐ Why visit: Great for groups, modern vibe, and affordable options.
Image Source: Balharm(Google Reviews)
You can also enjoy mojitos like Rise of Etna and Mix Berry.
Eataly
📍 Location: Al Malik An Nasir, As Sulimaniyah
🕒 Timings: Daily, 8:00 am – midnight
Eataly, the global Italian food giant, offers cheesy pasta, pizzas, fried bites, and hearty Italian mains. Since opening in Riyadh in 2016, it has remained a family favorite—one of the best-known and most popular Italian restaurants in Riyadh and worldwide.
⭐ Why visit: Internationally trusted Italian chain with variety and consistency.
Image Source: Eataly Riyadh(Google Reviews)
The menu features cheesy pasta dishes, pizzas, and Italian favorites made with meat, fish, and vegetables. It also serves delicious fried treats.
La Rustica
📍 Locations: Al Olaya & Diplomatic Quarter
🕒 Timings: Sun–Wed 1:00 pm – 12:30 am, Thu–Sat 1:00 pm – 1:00 am
La Rustica is Riyadh’s first certified Napoletana pizzeria, serving classic pizzas like Margherita, Burrata, and Bresaola. Desserts like Cannoli and Tiramisu complete the experience.
⭐ Why visit: Best authentic pizza in Riyadh.
Image Source: La Rustica Riyadh(Google Reviews)
Roma Restaurant
📍 Locations: Multiple branches – The Boulevard, Al Olaya, Hittin
🕒 Timings: Varies by branch
Established in 1991, Roma Restaurant is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Riyadh, famous for its homemade pasta, tortellini, and pizza.
⭐ Why visit: A classic Riyadh dining spot with a nostalgic Italian touch.
Image Source: Roma Restaurant Riyadh(Google Reviews)
Address:
Branch# 1: Prince Turki Bin Abul Aziz Road The Boulevard Riyadh, First Floor, Office No:4, حطين، الرياض 13513 Saudi Arabia
Branch# 2: Shubah Ibn Al Hajjaj, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241, Saudi Arabia
Branch# 3: No. 28, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12211, Saudi Arabia
Serafina Italian Restaurant
📍 Location: The Esplanade, King Saud University
🕒 Timings: Sat–Wed 1:00 pm – midnight, Thu 1:00 pm – 1:00 am, Fri 1:30 pm – 1:00 am
Originating from New York, Serafina offers Northern Italian cuisine with a trendy and casual vibe. Known for its cheese-wheel pasta, it’s a favorite among younger diners.
⭐ Why visit: Fun, modern Italian dining with New York flair.
Image Source: Serafina Italian Restaurant Riyadh(Google Reviews)
Address: The Esplanade, King Saud University.
Opening hours: Sat to Wed 1 pm to midnight, Thu 1 pm to 1 am, Fri 1.30 pm to 1 am.
Quick Comparison Table: Italian Restaurants in Riyadh 2025
| Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range | Ambiance | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IL Baretto | Regional Italian, upscale | $$$ | Elegant, formal | KAFD |
| Azzurro | Luxury Italian fine dining | $$$$ | Ritz-Carlton | Diplomatic Quarter |
| Bal’harm | Casual Italian, fusion | $$ | Modern, casual | As Sulimaniyah |
| Eataly | Pizza, pasta, fried bites | $$ | Family-friendly | As Sulimaniyah |
| La Rustica | Napoletana pizza | $$ | Authentic, cozy | Olaya, DQ |
| Roma | Classic pasta & pizza | $$–$$$ | Traditional | Multiple branches |
| Serafina | Cheese-wheel pasta, trendy | $$–$$$ | Casual-cool | The Esplanade |
Whether you’re craving wood-fired pizza, authentic sushi, flavorful pad Thai, or spicy tacos, there’s always a restaurant in Riyadh ready to satisfy your appetite. The city’s culinary landscape is constantly evolving, with exciting new spots opening and long-time favorites continuing to impress diners.
FAQs – Italian Food in Riyadh
A: Azzurro at The Ritz-Carlton is perfect for fine-dining Italian in Riyadh.
A: La Rustica is Riyadh’s first certified Napoletana pizzeria and a top choice.
A: Roma Restaurant, opened in 1991, is one of the oldest Italian spots in the city.
A: Eataly is popular with families thanks to its variety and casual vibe.
Conclusion
Riyadh’s Italian food scene is thriving, from elegant fine dining at Azzurro to casual bites at Bal’harm and authentic pizza at La Rustica. Whether you’re looking for luxury or laid-back dining, these restaurants bring the flavors of Italy to the heart of Saudi Arabia.
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Faisal Malik is an accomplished author and the Chief Editor at Saudi Scoop. With a passion for delivering insightful and engaging content, he leads the editorial team, covering diverse topics that resonate with readers. His expertise in journalism and storytelling ensures high-quality, well-researched articles that inform and inspire.
