Arabic
Enjoying the Saudi Coffee
The Arab countries have always been known for their unique “Arabic” coffee, starting with the roasting process through the choice of additives, but what is served in the city of Riyadh is a distinct Saudi coffee, coloured with saffron and flavoured with cardamom. Many people have their first memorable experience of it on their flight into the Kingdom, and it is with no surprise that it has been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
The Al-Merkaz café
The Al-Merkaz café in the An-Nakheel mall, is one of the most popular cafés in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with branches that serve truly authentic Arabic coffee, down to its well-known traditional flavours with flawlessness and proficiency. In addition to its offerings of flagship delicious dates and sweets, the Al-Merkaz café features a quiet environment suitable for those who enjoy peaceful reading and contemplation.
Opening hours: From 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Friday: From 01:30 PM to 11:30 PM
The Bateel boutique & café
One of the kingdom’s oldest and most prestigious coffee chains, with the elegant Arabic coffee pots, circled over its tables coupled with the succulent dates from the region of Al-Ghat. The Bateel boutique & café is well-known for the quality of the Arabic coffee it offers to guests.
Opening hours: From 7:30 AM to 12:30 AM
Thursday and Friday: From 7:30 AM to 01:00 AM
Phone: 00966550010366
The Toqa café
The Toqa Café, situated in the Prince Abdulaziz bin Musaed bin Jalawi street, As-Sulaymaniyah district, features its wonderful heritage décor and cheerful atmosphere. The café boasts high-quality Arabic coffee that derives its aroma from a long-inherited tradition, with a distinctive flavour topped by the scent of fresh cardamom. The café also offers a variety of sweets and fine dates.
Opening hours: From 04:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Phone: 00966566311101
The Aurora café
The Aurora café, located on the Wejj valley street, popularly known as Wadi Wejj, in the district of Al-Malqa, dazzles you with a beauty that draws on the designs of Greek coastal homes, where the colours are delightful and the stunning Sakura roses thrive. Its international bouquet of different coffees and assortment of sweet and flavours, along with the high-quality Arabic coffee, are some of the main drivers behind the café’s popularity.
Opening hours: From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Friday: From 04:00 PM to 1:30 AM
Saturday: From 04:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Phone: 00966553994222
The Mawtin Zaman Café
The Mawtin Zaman café, located in the Al-Aqiq district in the city of Riyadh, boasts its traditional Najdi designs. The café contains free seating areas and other premium options for reservation, offering authentic Arabic coffee with a delicious mixture of traditional and modern sweets and dates, culminated by the first-class service of its staff.
Opening hours: From 06:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Phone: 00966114993021
The Haleeb and Hail restaurant
The Haleeb and Hail (translates as Milk and Cardamom) restaurant and café is located on the sub-road of the Mecca highway, and is famous for its designs inspired by the beautiful Najdi houses. The café is characterized by its delicious dishes and various drinks, particularly its flagship milk with ginger. Of course, the Haleeb and Hail restaurant and café also boasts authentic Arabic coffee served with cardamom or cloves, together with a wonderful variety of traditional and modern sweets.
Opening hours: From 06:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Friday: From 06:00 AM to 10:00 AM and from 03:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Phone: 00966559354035
The Cookies and Cream café
The Cookies and Cream café, located on the Olaya district’s bustling Takhassusi street, is famous for its servings of Arabic coffee with a creative variety of high-quality flavours that attract visitors throughout the year, along with its finely made sweets and cookies.
Opening hours: From 09:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Friday: From 01:00 PM to 12:30 AM
Phone: 00966112936079
The Al-Awaleen café
The Al-Awaleen café, located on the sub-road of the Mecca highway in the Al-Olaya district, takes you back to the Kingdom’s ancestral past with its design that simulates the old Najdi mud palaces, and is full of collectibles that evoke the memories of ancestors. The high-quality dishes made with the exquisite care and attention of local families, in addition to its supreme Arabic coffee and tea truly mark the café as a memorable destination. The shop has affordable private rooms and enjoys a peaceful atmosphere.
Opening hours: From 07:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Thursday: From 07:00 AM to 02:00 AM
Friday: From 12:30 PM to 02:00 AM
Phone: 00966534778999
The Ibtisamat Qahwa café
The Ibtisamat Qahwa café (Translates as ‘A coffee’s smile’) is a two-story café located on the Anas Ibn Malik road in the Al-Sahafa neighbourhood. It is famous for its calmness and tranquil atmosphere, and offers seats for reading and working on laptops. Its magnificent assortment of international and tasteful coffee, fine Arabic coffee, as well as various desserts, make it a fan-favourite in the region. The café boasts delightful decorations and a charming atmosphere, crowned by the wonderful service of its staff.
Opening hours: From 06:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Friday: From 12:01 PM to 12:59 AM
Saturday: From 3:30 PM to 12:00 AM
Phone: 00966533792285
The Majlis café
The Majlis café in the Fawares Square, located on the King Abdulaziz service road in the Al-Sahafa district, is famous for its décor inspired by the old Najdi buildings. The café offers delicious Arabic coffee with distinctive flavours, especially dazzling with cardamom or cloves. The Majlis Café also offers a wonderful variety of sweets and luxurious dates, served in an atmosphere of tranquillity with great care and attention from its staff.
Opening hours: From 06:00 AM to 01:00 AM
Friday: From 01:00 PM to 01:00 AM
Saturday: From 09:00 AM to 01:00 AM
Phone: 00966566655021
