Best Indian Restaurants in Riyadh 2026: Top 15 Spots for Every Occasion Restaurants in Riyadh You Must Try

Why Riyadh Has One of the Gulf’s Best Indian Food Scenes

Riyadh’s Indian food scene benefits from a structural advantage that few cities outside the subcontinent can match: a genuinely massive resident Indian population numbering in the hundreds of thousands, whose demand for authentic, regional, and diverse Indian cuisine has created a restaurant ecosystem that far exceeds what you find in most Western capitals.

The population driving this demand is not homogeneous. South Indians (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh) want idli, dosa, sambar, and filter coffee. North Indians want butter chicken, dal makhani, biryani, and paratha. Hyderabadis want dum biryani. Gujaratis want thali and khichdi. Pakistani and Bangladeshi residents share much of the same palate. Collectively, these communities have supported hundreds of Indian and South Asian restaurants across Riyadh, from tiny five-table biryani joints in Batha to Michelin-starred fine dining at Via Riyadh.

Then, since 2022 to 2023, something happened that changed the conversation entirely. International fine dining brands began choosing Riyadh for regional debuts, and India was represented. Gymkhana Riyadh opened in 2023 and brought Mayfair-level Indian dining to Saudi Arabia for the first time. Vision 2030’s transformation of the hospitality sector created the infrastructure and the audience for it.

In 2026, the best Indian food in Riyadh can match the best Indian food in London, Dubai, or New York at the premium end, while the mid-range and budget Indian restaurants continue to deliver the honest, affordable, community-feeding cuisine that has always been the backbone of the South Asian expat dining experience in Saudi Arabia.

The Fine Dining Tier

1. Gymkhana Riyadh

The Best Indian Restaurant in Riyadh, Officially

Gymkhana is a Michelin-starred London institution from Mayfair that has been attracting the British capital’s elite since 2013. When it opened in Riyadh at Via Riyadh in 2023, it marked the first time Gymkhana had traveled outside London. The result has exceeded expectations: Gymkhana Riyadh won Best Indian Restaurant at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2025 for the second consecutive year.

When Gymkhana opened in 2023, it stayed true to its original London menu. The Riyadh menu has since developed to cater to local tastes, especially when it comes to spice levels. What you get overall are standout menu items you likely will not come across elsewhere in the city: rich kid goat keema salli with pao, and complex achari paneer tikka with fig and cashew nut.

The interior is precisely as you would expect from a restaurant inspired by elite old-time Indian social clubs: dimly lit, calm, deliberate, and visually considered. Dining at Gymkhana is an experience in every sense: the food is excellent by any standard, the service is polished, and the occasion-worthy atmosphere elevates the meal.

Must order: Kid goat keema salli with pao, achari paneer tikka, tandoori prawns, Raan (slow-cooked lamb), and any of the chef’s signature desserts.

The vibe: Sophisticated, old-club-India, moody and refined. Perfect for business dinners, special occasions, or any meal where the experience matters as much as the food.

Location: Via Riyadh, Al Hada Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 6pm to midnight; Thursday to Saturday 1pm to midnight Contact: 013 663 7000 | @gymkhana.sa Price range: Fine dining (SAR 200 to 400+ per person) Reservations: Strongly recommended

2. RUHI Indian Cuisine

A Journey Through India’s Rich Heritage

RUHI is one of Riyadh’s most celebrated Indian fine dining experiences, located at The Zone, an open-air commercial complex in Al Mohammadiyyah. RUHI pays tribute to India’s rich heritage across the whole dining experience from the music to the decorations to the menu. India is a foodie’s destination with a 5,000-year culinary history, and RUHI explores it all at one location.

The setting is distinctive: industrial elements juxtaposed with traditional Indian paintings, and a kitchen behind glass walls where the brigade is visible in full swing, with chefs working the tandoor and stirring large pots of stew. The food is North Indian with careful attention to spicing that respects natural flavors without overwhelming them.

The butter chicken is a consistent crowd-pleaser, but the prawn starters and biryanis are what regulars talk about. The kulfi is the dessert to order. The setting blends traditional touches with a modern vibe: warm lighting, charming decor and a laid-back energy that is ideal for families, friends or date nights.

Must order: Butter chicken, prawn starters, biryani, kulfi.

Honest note: Some TripAdvisor reviews mention inconsistency in food quality across visits, though the majority of reviews are strongly positive. First visits are almost universally excellent; regulars occasionally report a less consistent experience.

Location: The Zone, 7236 Al Takhassousi, Al Mohammadiyyah Hours: Daily 12pm to 1:30am Instagram: @ruhi.ksa Price range: Fine to mid dining (SAR 120 to 250 per person)

The Contemporary Indian Tier

3. Zafran Indian Kitchen

Award-Winning, Five Locations, Consistently Excellent

Zafran is the contemporary Indian restaurant chain that Riyadh’s food community returns to most consistently. Award-winning Zafran Indian Bistro is high on the list for best Indian in Riyadh. The menu highlights include oven-roasted seabream marinated with zaatar and sumac for a blend of Indian and Middle Eastern flavors, as well as new varieties of kebabs. Vegetarians can look forward to the distinct flavors of the Lucknowi Beetroot Tikki and Achari Paneer Tikka.

Zafran Indian Kitchen is part of a chain with five locations in Riyadh, offering contemporary Indian cuisine that combines classic dishes with innovative twists. The menu features vibrant and elegant options. The Turki Square flagship is the most-visited location; branches also operate at Levels Mall, Nakheel Mall, and others.

Service is noted as genuinely warm and helpful across all branches, which is not always a given in Riyadh’s Indian restaurant sector.

Must order: Oven-roasted seabream, any biryani, Lucknowi Beetroot Tikki, Achari Paneer Tikka, butter chicken.

Location: Multiple Riyadh locations, including Turki Square, Levels Mall, Nakheel Mall Hours: Daily 1pm to 1am (most branches) Price range: Mid (SAR 80 to 160 per person)

4. Kumar

Where India Meets the World

Why choose between curry and tacos when you can have both at Kumar? The menu is a greatest-hits tour of India: think fragrant biryanis, buttery curries, pillowy naan and a few international touches along the way. Everything arrives beautifully plated and full of spice, but not too heavy-handed. Service is smooth and helpful.

Kumar positions itself at the junction of contemporary Indian cuisine and international comfort food, making it approachable for mixed-group dinners where not everyone is a dedicated Indian food enthusiast but everyone still leaves satisfied.

Must order: Biryani, butter chicken, naan, any of the international fusion specials. Location: Al Sulaymaniyah, Riyadh (multiple branches) Price range: Mid (SAR 70 to 140 per person)

5. Babulal

Street Food Soul in a Restaurant Setting

A street food concept in the heart of Riyadh, Babulal has outposts in both Jeddah and Riyadh. Popular menu items include tikka masala, butter chicken, biryani rice, fries, mixed grill, and chicken 65. The venue is decked out in Indian-inspired decor and has an unrivaled ambiance.

Babulal is the restaurant that feels like eating on a vibrant Indian street despite being a fully-seated restaurant. The energy is lively, portions are generous, and the pricing is mid-range rather than the premium of Gymkhana or RUHI.

Must order: Chicken 65, biryani, butter chicken, tikka masala. Location: Anas Ibn Malik Road, Al Malqa Hours: Saturday to Wednesday noon to 1am; Thursday noon to 3am; Friday 1pm to 3am Instagram: @eatbabulal Price range: Mid (SAR 60 to 120 per person)

6. Anjappar Chettinad

Authentic South Indian Non-Vegetarian

Anjappar is a South Indian restaurant chain specialising in Chettinad cuisine from Tamil Nadu, which is some of the most intensely spiced and aromatic food in all of India. For residents who want genuine South Indian non-vegetarian cooking with its distinctive use of black pepper, kalpasi, star anise, and marathi mokku spices, Anjappar is the specialist.

The crab masala, prawn dishes, and Chettinad chicken curries are what draw dedicated followers. This is not mild Indian food. Anjappar serves its cuisine at authentic South Indian spice levels with very little concession to non-South-Indian palates, which its fans consider the highest form of respect for the cuisine.

Must order: Chettinad chicken curry, crab masala, idiyappam, parotta. Location: Multiple Riyadh locations including mall branches Price range: Mid (SAR 60 to 120 per person)

The South Indian Vegetarian Specialists

7. Saravanaa Bhavan

The Global Institution for South Indian Vegetarian

Saravanaa Bhavan is the most famous South Indian vegetarian restaurant chain in the world, with hundreds of branches globally. The Riyadh location serves the large South Indian expat community in the city and consistently receives strong reviews for authentic dosas, idlis, and thalis.

Saravanaa Bhavan stands as a hallmark of authentic South Indian cuisine in Riyadh, attracting food enthusiasts with its vibrant and extensive menu. Known for its impressive variety of dosas, idlis, and thalis, this purely vegetarian restaurant offers a delightful experience for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The ghee roast dosa is particularly celebrated for its rich flavor and crispy texture, while the accompanying chutneys elevate every dish.

The Murabba Avenue Mall location is the primary Riyadh branch. Weekend crowds are consistently high and wait times during prime dining hours can be significant. Visit on a weekday to get seated quickly.

Must order: Ghee roast dosa, idli sambar, Mysore masala dosa, thali, Mysore pak (dessert), badam halwa, filter coffee.

The honest note: The dosas are excellent and among the best in Riyadh. North Indian dishes are reportedly less consistent than the South Indian specialties. Stick to the South Indian menu.

Location: Murabba Avenue Mall, Prince Faisal Ibn Turki Street, Al Murabba, 1st floor Hours: Daily 8am to midnight Price range: Budget to mid (SAR 30 to 70 per person)

8. New Anarkali

Cozy South Indian Home Cooking

New Anarkali is a neighborhood South Indian restaurant in Al Wurud known for warm, home-style cooking and consistently good South Indian classics at accessible prices. It is a community restaurant in the truest sense: regular customers, familiar menu, reliable quality.

Must order: Masala dosa, fish fry, chicken tikka masala (hybrid), idli sambar. Location: Engineer, Al Anjari Street, Al Wurud, Riyadh Price range: Budget (SAR 25 to 60 per person)

The North Indian and Biryani Specialists

9. Taste of Dilli

Delhi Street Food and North Indian Soul

Taste of Dilli brings the vibrant street food flavors of Delhi’s legendary eating culture to Riyadh. The chaat section is the standout feature: samosa chaat and papdi chaat are consistently praised as some of the best versions in Riyadh. The North Indian curry selection is broad and the spice levels are adjustable.

Must order: Samosa chaat, papdi chaat, biryani, paneer butter masala. Location: King Abdul Aziz Road, Riyadh Price range: Mid (SAR 50 to 100 per person)

10. Zafran Malaz

The Heritage Zafran Branch

Zafran Malaz is one of the original Zafran branches and maintains a strong reputation for prawn curry and traditional North Indian curries in a slightly more traditional setting than the newer contemporary Zafran outlets.

Must order: Prawn curry, butter chicken, biryani, dal makhani. Location: Al Malaz, Riyadh Price range: Mid (SAR 70 to 140 per person)

11. India Gate Restaurant

Riyadh Since 1977

India Gate has been serving Riyadh for nearly five decades, making it one of the oldest continuously operating Indian restaurants in the city. West Coast-style flavors with stacked presentations and a heritage that new concepts cannot replicate.

Must order: Butter chicken, biryani, any tandoori platter. Location: King Fahad Road area Price range: Mid (SAR 50 to 90 per person)

12. Sholay Indian Restaurant

The Budget Favorite for Authentic North Indian

Sholay is consistently mentioned by Riyadh’s Indian expat community as the best-value authentic North Indian restaurant in the city. Large portions, correct spicing, and pricing that allow families to eat well without spending a premium.

Must order: Biryani, any curry of the day, roti. Price range: Budget (SAR 30 to 65 per person)

13. Biryani Palace

When You Specifically Want Biryani

Biryani Palace is a dedicated biryani specialist serving multiple varieties: Hyderabadi dum biryani, Lucknowi biryani, chicken, mutton, and prawn versions. For anyone whose primary requirement is the best biryani in Riyadh without distraction, Biryani Palace is the focused choice.

Must order: Hyderabadi dum biryani, any protein version with raita. Price range: Budget to mid (SAR 35 to 75 per person)

14. RUHI Delivery (via HungerStation and Jahez)

Fine Indian at Home

For those who want RUHI-quality Indian food without leaving home, RUHI is available for delivery via HungerStation and Jahez in Riyadh. The delivery menu covers the main RUHI signatures. Quality is good for delivery, though the glass-kitchen-ambiance element is obviously not replicable at home.

15. Farzi Cafe

Modern Indian Fusion

Farzi Cafe is an internationally known concept bringing molecular gastronomy and modern interpretations of Indian classics to Riyadh. For diners who want Indian food that plays with format and presentation rather than sticking to traditional service, Farzi is the creative end of the spectrum.

Must order: Any of the fusion signature dishes; ask your server for the chef’s current specialties. Price range: Mid to premium (SAR 100 to 200 per person)

Indian Restaurants in Riyadh by Category

Best for a Special Occasion or Business Dinner

Gymkhana, RUHI

Best for a Family Dinner

RUHI, Zafran, Kumar

Best for South Indian Vegetarian

Saravanaa Bhavan, New Anarkali, Anjappar (non-veg)

Best for Biryani Specifically

Biryani Palace, RUHI, Zafran

Best for Authentic Street Food Vibes

Babulal, Taste of Dilli

Best Budget Indian Meal in Riyadh

Sholay, New Anarkali, Saravanaa Bhavan

Best for Delivery

Zafran (multiple branches), RUHI (HungerStation/Jahez)

Best for Non-Indians Trying Indian Food for the First Time

Kumar (approachable fusion), Zafran (contemporary, familiar), Gymkhana (refined)

Indian Restaurants by Neighborhood

Practical Tips for Indian Dining in Riyadh

Spice levels: Most Riyadh Indian restaurants calibrate spice for a mixed audience. If you want authentic Indian heat, ask specifically for “Indian spice level” or “full spice.” Many restaurants, including Gymkhana, have adjusted their default spicing downward for the broader Saudi audience.

Vegetarian options: Every restaurant on this list has a substantial vegetarian menu. Saravanaa Bhavan and New Anarkali are fully vegetarian. All other restaurants have dedicated vegetarian sections.

No alcohol: All restaurants in Saudi Arabia are alcohol-free. Non-alcoholic drinks, mocktails, fresh juices, lassi, and Indian soft drinks like jeera soda and rose sherbet are widely available.

Prayer times: All restaurants in Riyadh briefly close during the five daily prayers. If you arrive during prayer time, wait at the entrance and stores reopen within 20 to 30 minutes.

Reservations: Gymkhana and RUHI require reservations for dinner, especially on Thursday and Friday evenings. Zafran takes walk-ins but can have waits at peak hours. Saravanaa Bhavan does not take reservations and is best visited on weekday lunches.

Delivery: Zafran and RUHI are both available on HungerStation and Jahez. For the full restaurant experience, in-person dining is strongly recommended at Gymkhana, where the setting is integral to the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best Indian restaurant in Riyadh in 2026? Gymkhana at Via Riyadh is the best Indian restaurant in Riyadh in 2026 by critical consensus, winning the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards Best Indian Restaurant title for two consecutive years. It is a Michelin-starred London import that opened in Riyadh in 2023 and has maintained outstanding quality since. For fine Indian dining without quite the same occasion-level premium, RUHI at The Zone is the strongest alternative.

Q: Where can I find South Indian food in Riyadh? Saravanaa Bhavan at Murabba Avenue Mall is the best South Indian vegetarian restaurant in Riyadh, serving authentic dosas, idlis, and thalis. New Anarkali in Al Wurud is a solid neighborhood alternative. For South Indian non-vegetarians, Anjappar Chettinad specializes in Chettinad cuisine from Tamil Nadu, with crab masala and prawn dishes as the highlights.

Q: Where can I get the best biryani in Riyadh? Biryani Palace is the dedicated biryani specialist. RUHI’s biryani is consistently praised. Zafran serves an excellent biryani across all five locations. For authentic Hyderabadi dum biryani specifically, Biryani Palace and Sholay are the closest to the original style.

Q: Which Indian restaurants in Riyadh offer delivery? Zafran Indian Kitchen (all five Riyadh locations) and RUHI are both available on HungerStation and Jahez for delivery. Babulal, Taste of Dilli, and most other Indian restaurants in this list are also available on at least one major delivery platform.

Q: Are there vegetarian Indian restaurants in Riyadh? Yes. Saravanaa Bhavan is Riyadh’s best fully vegetarian restaurant, serving only South Indian vegetarian cuisine. New Anarkali is another vegetarian-focused South Indian option. All other Indian restaurants in this list have substantial vegetarian menus covering paneer dishes, dal, vegetable curries, and dosas.

Q: How much does it cost to eat at an Indian restaurant in Riyadh? Costs range widely. Budget options like Saravanaa Bhavan, New Anarkali, and Sholay cost SAR 30 to 70 per person. Mid-range restaurants like Zafran, Kumar, and Babulal cost SAR 70 to 150 per person. Fine dining at Gymkhana and RUHI ranges from SAR 150 to 400+ per person, depending on what you order.

Q: Is Gymkhana Riyadh as good as Gymkhana London? The Riyadh menu has been adapted to cater to local tastes, particularly around spice levels. Many reviews from British diners who know the London original describe the Riyadh version as excellent in its own right, with standout versions of signature dishes like the kid goat keema and tandoori prawns. It is the most consistently reviewed fine dining Indian restaurant in Riyadh with a near-unanimous positive critical reception.

Conclusion

Riyadh’s Indian restaurant scene in 2026 spans every register from Michelin-starred fine dining to honest neighborhood biryani. The presence of Gymkhana alone has changed the conversation about what premium Indian cooking looks like in the Gulf, and RUHI, Zafran, and RUHI’s consistently high standards ensure there are multiple excellent choices at every price point.

For the ultimate Riyadh Indian food sequence: start at Saravanaa Bhavan for a South Indian breakfast or lunch, experience the contemporary side at Zafran for dinner, and save Gymkhana for the occasion that deserves a genuine dining memory.

Related guides on Saudi Scoop:

• Best Breakfast Places in Riyadh 2026 for broader Riyadh dining recommendations
• Best Food Delivery Apps in Saudi Arabia 2026 for ordering Indian food at home
• Life in Saudi Arabia for Expats 2026 for the complete guide to Living in Riyadh

DISCLAIMER: Restaurant hours, menus, and availability change frequently. Saudi Scoop is not affiliated with any restaurant in this guide. Always verify current hours via the restaurant’s official Instagram or Google Maps listing before visiting.

Anum

Anum is a passionate writer with a love for storytelling and creativity. With a keen interest in exploring various topics, she crafts engaging content that resonates with her readers.