Ensalada in Riyadh is a refreshing destination for those who appreciate variety in healthy eating, offering an extensive salad bar with options for every taste.
The concept focuses on freshness, with ingredients that are always crisp and vibrant, making each bite a healthy delight.
You may try the crab salad, which combines a satisfying texture with a blend of flavors that help bring a unique twist to the typical salad options.
Ensalada’s smoothies are also worthy of investigation, each prepared to offer both flavor and nutrition, catering to those looking for a complete, wholesome meal.
The ambiance at Ensalada is cozy and inviting, exuding a simple yet warm vibe. There’s no excessive decor or flashy details, which adds to the charm and aligns with the restaurant’s healthy, no-fuss philosophy. This minimalist approach creates an atmosphere that encourages relaxation to make it an ideal spot for a quick lunch or a casual dinner without unnecessary frills.
One minor drawback for protein-focused eaters is the limited amount of protein in the salads compared to the abundance of vegetables. While this may suit those on a plant-forward diet, it could leave some diners wishing for more balance in their meal. Nevertheless, the variety of vegetables and the ability to customize salads to personal preference make it appealing, particularly for those looking to make healthy choices without sacrificing flavor.
Ensalada’s focus on freshness, simplicity, and a welcoming environment makes it a wonderful option for a nutritious meal in Riyadh. Whether you are a salad enthusiast or just looking to incorporate healthier options into your diet, Ensalada delivers a satisfying experience that celebrates the joys of healthy eating.
While staying at Dar Tantora: The House Hotel in AlUla recently, I kept coming back for seconds at the establishment’s restaurant, Joontos, awarded a Bib Gourmand distinction in the Michelin Guide 2025.
If you are also staying at the hotel, this is the breakfast option that is conveniently provided — with no buffet in sight.
On my first breakfast there, on a crisp cool morning, I overheard several guests ask if there was a buffet and each was told no, it was a la carte.
That special attention to each plate made sense moments later when my selection arrived. I did not need to be distracted or stuff my plate with a mismatch of items but focus on one decadent dish at a time.
Even if you are not a hotel guest, you can — and perhaps should — also dine there. Seating is limited, so it is best to book ahead.
Joontos is deliberately kept exclusive to AlUla with no other branches, ensuring high quality and a unique experience. (AN photo)
You can enter either from outside the building or via the labyrinth within the hotel. Like in life, the path there seems complicated at first, but very easy once you know where to go.
The aptly-named Joontos derives from the Spanish word “juntos,” meaning “together.”
While the staff told me they tend to skirt around using the overused word fusion, the food is indeed a tasty mix of this and that.
It serves what they call “modern Saudi cuisine” from chef Jaume Puigdengolas, using local ingredients from nearby farms, with a menu medley full of international favorites.
The outdoor seating in the fresh air is spacious and offers sweeping views of the ancient rock formations. But the main view will be your beautifully curated dishes, bursting with vibrant color and even brighter flavor.
Joontos is deliberately kept exclusive to AlUla with no other branches, ensuring high quality and a unique experience. (AN photo)
There are limited semi-indoor tables, which usually need to be reserved.
Since oranges were in season, I had freshly squeezed juice and indulged in the mascarpone croissant with berries that they recommended, both highlights. I also could not resist the plate of homemade baked bread with various sauces for dipping.
One morning, I ordered the Moroccan eggs bowl, made with freshly poached eggs — I asked for mine medium — served with roasted cherry tomatoes, olives, whipped labneh and chili oil.
I returned for several days and also for a group lunch — everything was excellent. It was consistently good.
My food arrived on time, and the service was attentive; friendly without being overbearing.
Joontos is deliberately kept exclusive to AlUla with no other branches, ensuring high quality and a unique experience. (AN photo)
That said, on one visit, my friend ordered a granola yogurt bowl and an egg dish — the granola arrived instantly, and she raved about it, but the eggs never came.
Despite asking multiple times, they did not arrive, and we eventually had to rush out, so the rest of the order was canceled.
Joontos is deliberately kept exclusive to AlUla with no other branches, ensuring high quality and a unique experience.
It is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a smart-casual dress code.
Joontos is deliberately kept exclusive to AlUla with no other branches, ensuring high quality and a unique experience. (AN photo)
If you travel by car, there is free parking available at Old Town South Parking, making it easy to pop in and enjoy a meal, as many locals did.
While the Dar Tantora hotel is named for the tantora atop its building — the triangular stone sundial whose shadow across the space below historically signaled the start of the farming season — perhaps the truest marking of time is one’s grumbling stomach, signaling that it is time to eat.
