Where We Are Going Today: ‘Blanca Pizzeria’ restaurant in Riyadh
Blanca Pizzeria, which won the 2024 Caterer Saudi award, also offers a full menu of non-pizza items
Updated 30 August 2024
Jasmine Bager
Blanca Pizzeria is an award-winning restaurant with outlets in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar and Tabuk.
It offers about 20 varieties of pizzas, including garlic shrimp, pumpkin, meat, as well as regular options.
If you dine at the eatery, there is complimentary flatbread to start the meal.
Blanca Pizzeria, which won the 2024 Caterer Saudi award, also offers a full menu of non-pizza items.
Soups, several fresh salad options and other dishes are available. The pasta selection is extensive, and includes an oven pasta dish.
Arab News enjoyed the spaghetti eggplant for SR46 ($12).
For drinks, Blanca serves a classic mojito, a passion fruit version and a berry option, for SR35 each. We opted for the berry mojito, which was highly recommended by our waiter. Sparkling or still water bottles are also available, as well as sodas.
There are dishes designed for sharing, such as the bruschetta, truffle risotto and the popular “In Parmesan” option, or pasta alla ruota, which has chefs prepare a pasta or risotto dish in a hollowed-out cheese wheel.
Diners can also enjoy the popular creme brulee for SR33.
For those seeking a traditional Saudi breakfast, Abuzaid delivers classic flavors at reasonable prices all around the Kingdom. With a menu rich in foul, masoub, mutabbaq and arika, the restaurant has built a reputation for homemade-style comfort food that resonates with locals.
One of the standout dishes is the royal masoub for SR21 ($5.60), a creamy banana-and-bread dish that balances sweetness and richness. For a more indulgent twist, the masoub cocktail with cheddar cheese adds a savory depth. Another fan favorite is the mutabbaq with vegetables and cheddar cheese, known for its crispy, flavorful filling. Those who prefer spicier options should request green chili in the mutabbaq for an extra kick.
Abuzaid’s foul dishes, a staple of Saudi breakfasts, come with different toppings, such as olive oil. The foul with cheese offers a mildly creamy and tangy variation. Other popular breakfast choices include the shakshouka and eggs with melted cheese, perfect for those craving a warm, filling meal.
Though the portion sizes and flavors are widely praised, it feels that certain items, such as the foul and areek, are slightly overpriced for a casual breakfast spot. However, the quick service and ample parking space make up for it, giving diners a smooth and hassle-free experience.
For more information, check Instagram @abuzaidrest.
Chef Michael Mina opens his first restaurant in Saudi Arabia
The acclaimed chef on the launch of Taleed and getting back to his Middle Eastern roots
Updated 13 February 2025
Hams Saleh
RIYADH: Egyptian-born American celebrity chef Michael Mina has brought his culinary expertise to Saudi Arabia with the opening of Taleed by Michael Mina in Diriyah.
Located in Bab Samhan hotel, the restaurant, which opened this month, marks a long-desired expansion for the celebrated chef, who has been eager to build on his presence in the region.
“I really have wanted to be more present in the Middle East because this is very much tied to my roots and what I grew up with and what I grew up eating,” Mina told Arab News. “When this opportunity came, it just felt new and fresh, especially given where I’m at in my career.”
Located in Bab Samhan hotel, the restaurant, which opened this month, marks a long-desired expansion for the celebrated chef, who has been eager to build on his presence in the region. (Supplied)
Mina, who was born in Cairo and raised in the US, recalled growing up in a household filled with the aromas of Middle Eastern cuisine. “My mother had eight aunts and uncles,” he said. “Every weekend there’d be 30 people at a home, and the table would be filled with food.”
This early exposure led him to discover his passion for cooking.
“My first job was in a restaurant. I started as a dishwasher and then started cooking and I fell in love with it,” he said. “I really enjoyed everything from the creative part to the hospitality part. And as I started to understand it a little bit more, by the time I was 16, I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Charcoal grilled Australian tamohawk. (Supplied)
“But it took two years to explain that to my parents,” he added with a laugh. “It was doctor, lawyer, engineer... A cook wasn’t one of the choices. So it took two years and then I finally convinced them.”
It hasn’t worked out badly so far. Mina’s eponymous flagship San Francisco restaurant has earned a Michelin star, he’s cooked for three US presidents, and he is a multiple James Beard award winner.
Chef Alex Griffiths, vice president of culinary for Mina Group, played a key role in shaping the concept for the Riyadh restaurant, ensuring it reflects both the Mina Group’s expertise and traditional Saudi flavors.
Passion fruit labneh cheesecake. (Supplied)
“We came to Saudi more than 55 times in the past four or five years to really understand the food heritage,” Griffiths told Arab News. "One of the things we wanted to focus on was how to represent both Mina Group and Chef Mina, while incorporating influences from the Hijazi side of the Kingdom.”
The menu at Taleed features dishes that reflect this fusion, including shrimp kabsa, spice-marinated yellowtail, and a unique tuna falafel inspired by Mina’s mother’s recipe.
“We’re using sushi-grade tuna and almost treating it like nigiri, where the falafel is at the bottom and the tuna is dressed on top with Egyptian salad,” explained Griffiths.
Taleed by Michael Mina in Diriyah. (Supplied)
Looking ahead, Mina sees Taleed as part of Saudi Arabia’s growing culinary movement. “I think the Saudi food scene is going to explode,” he said. “You start to see more and more innovation, but that innovation stays rooted here as well as (in the) different cuisines coming in.”
For now, his focus is on establishing Taleed as a must-visit dining destination. “It’s always important to get yourself established before looking at doing more,” Mina said.
When asked what he hopes guests will feel when they visit Taleed, he said: “I think when you do a restaurant right, the thing that I love the most is when you sit at a table and everyone looks around the table and says, ‘I’ve got to come back and have that dish.’ That is the best form of flattery that you can ever get.”
Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Heritage Village’ restaurant in Dammam
Updated 12 February 2025
Waad Hussain
More than just a restaurant, The Heritage Village in Dammam offers a cultural and culinary journey through Saudi Arabia’s past.
The destination combines a museum filled with historical artifacts and a traditional restaurant serving Saudi cuisine, making it an ideal place to experience both heritage and flavor.
The restaurant features a diverse menu of traditional dishes. A standout is the asida broth with baladi meat for SR54 ($14.40), a comforting dish made of white and brown flour dough served with slow-cooked meat and rich broth.
Another popular choice is the chicken madhbi for SR24, where grilled chicken is served over fragrant rice, offering a simple yet satisfying taste. Those craving charcoal-grilled meat can opt for the kebab or the mixed grill, both offering a smoky aroma and bold seasoning.
Beyond the dining experience, visitors can explore the on-site museum, which showcases Saudi artifacts, historical items and displays reflecting the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.
It is a place where the past meets the present, offering guests the chance to learn about Saudi traditions while enjoying a meal.
While the food is authentic and well prepared, the restaurant and museum could benefit from some updates. A refresh to the interior design and facilities would enhance the visitor experience, making it more engaging while preserving its cultural charm.
For more information, check Instagram @heritage.vlg.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘The Flower Cup’ cafe in Jeddah
Beyond its romantic flower-themed service, The Flower Cup offers celebration packages ideal for gatherings, birthdays, work meetings, and special occasions
Updated 11 February 2025
Nada Hameed
Coffee has always been the go-to choice for a quick pick-me-up, but if you want to add an extra touch of joy to a loved one’s day, flowers make the perfect pairing.
At The Flower Cup, a cafe in Jeddah’s Al-Hamra district, you can send a cup of coffee accompanied by flowers to someone special.
The cafe serves a wide selection of drinks, including classic and specialty coffees, Saudi coffee, iced coffee, mojitos, hot chocolate, matcha, and tea.
Their dessert menu is equally tempting, featuring delights like the marshmallow flower, rose cake, ice cream cookies, and a variety of cheesecakes including basbousa, mango, pistachio and strawberry, and San Sebastian.
I tried the marshmallow flower. It was soft, warm, and irresistibly fluffy, and it melts beautifully as rich Belgian chocolate is poured over it, adding layers of sweetness.
I also tried their V60 brew, which was expertly prepared, offering a well-balanced cup with bright acidity and deep, nuanced flavor notes.
Beyond its romantic flower-themed service, The Flower Cup offers celebration packages ideal for gatherings, birthdays, work meetings, and special occasions.
One standout option is the VIP celebration package for SR 300 ($80), perfect for a romantic date or a birthday surprise.
It includes a dessert from the menu, a candle, table decorations, two roses, a champagne-style drink, and two helium balloons.
For a more private experience, the private celebration room priced at SR 500 provides an exclusive setting with room decorations, a 6-inch cake, starry night lights, a flower bouquet, helium balloons, private speakers, soundproofing, and a personal screen. The room accommodates up to 12 guests.
The cafe also offers a variety of customizable flower bouquets, allowing you to personalize your gift for any occasion. For more information, visit @theflowercup_sa on Instagram.
The main course is the highlight, featuring a selection of three premium beef cuts — ribeye, tenderloin, and short ribs, each cooked to perfection and served with a baked potato and a selection of rich sauces
Updated 09 February 2025
Waad Hussain
For those looking for a smokehouse experience, 300F Smokehouse in Riyadh offers a curated set menu that showcases the best of slow-cooked, high-quality meats.
With a refined ambiance and a focus on premium ingredients, this spot is a top choice for steak lovers and barbecue enthusiasts.
The set menu is for SR580 ($154) for two and includes a variety of appetizers and mains, starting with the shrimp bites, a crispy and flavorful seafood option, followed by the burnt ends volcano, a smoky and tender bite packed with rich barbecue flavors — which is my absolute favorite.
The caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast before the tacos, offering bold, well-seasoned fillings that add a unique twist to the experience.
The main course is the highlight, featuring a selection of three premium beef cuts — ribeye, tenderloin, and short ribs, each cooked to perfection and served with a baked potato and a selection of rich sauces.
The meat is juicy, tender, and carries a deep smoky aroma that reflects the restaurant’s expertise in slow-cooking techniques.
The meal ends with a decadent brownie, served warm with a rich, gooey texture, making for a decent dessert. Two mocktails are also included, adding a refreshing balance to the meal.
While the flavors, presentation, and quality are undeniably top-notch, the price is on the higher side, making it more of a special-occasion restaurant than an everyday dining spot.
For those looking to experience expertly smoked meats in a sleek and upscale setting, 300F Smokehouse is a solid choice — just be prepared for the premium price tag.
For more information, check their Instagram @300f.ksa.
