Where We Are Going Today: Level 23 dinner club

1 / 6
Photo/Supplied
2 / 6
Photo/Supplied
3 / 6
Photo/Supplied
4 / 6
Photo/Supplied
5 / 6
Photo/Supplied
6 / 6
Photo/Supplied
Short Url
Updated 27 November 2022
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: Level 23 dinner club

The Level 23 dinner club is a recently launched fine dining experience located on the 23rd floor of the King Abdullah Financial District complex in Riyadh.

Every Friday, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., a chef from a Michelin-starred eating establishment serves up a diverse selection of dishes.

Chef Jesse Blake’s offering consisted of five courses starting with a leaf wrap, stuffed local chicken wing, black cod, curry leaf bearnaise, semi-dried tomato, and beef ribs.

The next course consisted of a buttermilk flatbread with cheese curds and rinds with white truffle.

His third dish was a local spotted grouper served with cucumber vinegar and cultured cream.

This was followed by ox cheek and loin with date molasses and burnt eggplant, served with fried garlic grains and greens with a hot bone marrow vinaigrette.

For dessert, Blake, who runs the Lowe restaurant in Dubai, provided local fig leaf with burnt rice and pressed coconut milk.

Dining outdoors, customers can walk pathways overlooking the city of Riyadh and can interact with the chefs working in an open kitchen space.

Tickets cost SR1,000 ($266) per person and must be purchased in advance.

 


Where We Are Going Today: La Haut Maison et Ciel

Photo/Supplied
Updated 15 December 2025
Follow

Where We Are Going Today: La Haut Maison et Ciel

  • One of the evening’s highlights was the passion fruit carpaccio salmon

La Haut Maison et Ciel, located in Via Riyadh, is a carefully curated experience.

The interior is warm and refined, defined by rich brown tones, polished marble, and brass accents. During the day, sunlight filters through a wooden sunroof, while evenings bring mood lighting and a softly lit bar that creates a more intimate atmosphere.

The menu is where La Haut makes its strongest impression. Drawing from North African and Mediterranean influences, the dishes blend familiar flavors with thoughtful, restrained twists. Presentation and seasoning feel deliberate without veering into excess.

The tomato goat cheese salad was fresh and well-balanced, with acidity cutting through the creaminess of the cheese. The harissa shrimp salad stood out among the starters, offering a gentle, layered heat that relied more on aromatic spices than intensity.

One of the evening’s highlights was the passion fruit carpaccio salmon. The subtle sweetness and acidity of the passion fruit created a dish that felt clean, elegant, and perfectly balanced. It was as enjoyable to look at as it was to eat.

Among the mains, the slow-cooked, tender asado short ribs were comforting without feeling heavy. The Tunisian lamb offered a warmer, more rustic contrast, with tender meat, fragrant spices, and fluffy couscous creating a deeply satisfying dish.

The Algerian rechta was another standout, particularly for those drawn to comforting homemade pasta, with silky noodles that absorbed the sauce beautifully.

There are, however, minor drawbacks. Portions lean toward the refined side, which may leave one wanting more, especially given the premium pricing. Service was attentive and friendly, but felt slightly stretched during peak hours, with longer pauses between courses.

Desserts are lighter in style, a welcome finish after a flavorful meal, though those seeking indulgent sweets may find the selection limited.

The drinks menu is solid, featuring both well-executed classics and house signatures that complement the food and setting.

Overall, La Haut Maison et Ciel delivers a well-curated dining experience that balances atmosphere, flavor, and creativity.

While pacing and portion size could be refined, it remains a strong addition to Riyadh’s evolving dining scene.