Where We Are Going Today: Sol Olas in Riyadh 

What makes Sol Olas stand out as one of the most popular coffee shops in Riyadh is that it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving specialty coffee and breakfast throughout. (Supplied)
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Updated 28 April 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: Sol Olas in Riyadh 

RIYADH: Located in Ghadir district, Sol Olas coffee shop provides the perfect view of King Abdullah Financial District while serving up an assortment of coffees and creative takes on the classic French toast.

The coffee shop quickly became a local favorite during the Riyadh Season celebrations with its strategic location directly across from the Winter Wonderland.

What makes Sol Olas stand out as one of the most popular coffee shops in Riyadh is that it is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving specialty coffee and breakfast throughout.

During the winter season, Sol Olas had a pop-up booth that served a hot chocolate drink covered in whipped cream and fluffy marshmallows that quickly became a crowd favorite.

One tip to keep in mind is it gets crowded on weekend evenings, especially during the peak of Riyadh Season’s celebrations.

For those that visit the restaurant early in the morning, you cannot go wrong with the avocado toast — simple yet flavorful with a sourdough base and a thin layer of pesto and avocado on top.

Some of the must-try options on the breakfast menu include croissant egg’s Benedict and the pesto halloumi sandwich.

On the dessert menu, we recommend trying the salted caramel french toast and the classic french toast for those that like it a bit less sweet.

The coffee menu is very standard with the traditional selections of black coffee, Americano, V60, and sweeter options of Spanish lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites.

The menu also features some non-coffee options including the Sol mojito, orange juice, and raspberry iced tea.

The coffee on the menu is average and very similar to other cafes in the city but what makes this cafe stand out is the view of KAFD.

Although there are indoor seats that have windows that open up it is recommended to sit in one of the outdoor seating areas, but keep in mind that they do fill up quickly.

The best time to go to the location is at sunrise or sunset to view the rays of sun peaking through the KAFD building skyline.


Where We Are Going Today: Makbous Express in Riyadh

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Updated 08 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Makbous Express in Riyadh

  • Each option complements the dish in its own way, though the mandi rice seems best suited to absorb the savory depth of the sauce

Sometimes comfort arrives in a takeout box. Makbous Express in Riyadh brings the warmth of home-style cooking to your doorstep, offering familiar Gulf flavors designed for casual indulgence rather than fine dining.

Even without the dine-in experience, the food travels well, retaining much of its authentic charm. The tabolah stands out immediately. A bright mix of parsley, bulgur, tomato, and onion, it tastes crisp and refreshing, cutting through richer dishes with balance and simplicity. It is a welcome palate-cleanser.

The Makbous meat, the restaurant’s bestseller, shows why it carries that title. Tender meat cooked in aromatic saffron sauce arrives perfectly seasoned, with your choice of biryani, mandi, or plain rice.

Each option complements the dish in its own way, though the mandi rice seems best suited to absorb the savory depth of the sauce. This plate captures the essence of Kuwaiti soul food: generous, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.

Less exciting was the shrimp pasta, tossed in Makbous hot sauce. The shrimp were well-cooked, but the overall dish felt predictable, with the sauce adding heat but not much complexity.

The jareesh, made from crushed wheat groats simmered in chicken stock and cumin, then topped with butter or wild ghee, is pure comfort food. Warm, wholesome, and nostalgic, it delivers understated satisfaction rather than surprise. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home cooking done right.

The potato stew was runny for my taste and lacked the richness needed to tie its flavors together. A thicker texture or deeper spice could have made it more enjoyable, especially if it had more body.

Despite a few uneven dishes, Makbous Express succeeds in delivering the homely warmth of Kuwaiti cuisine, one that speaks of tradition, spice, and generosity. It may not dazzle at every turn, but for days when you crave hearty, unpretentious comfort food, this express route hits close to home.