Where We Are Going Today: ‘Beefbar’ Restaurant in Riyadh

The Croque Sando at Beefbar — golden, crisp, and topped with a rich green sauce. Visually impressive, but taste-wise? A bit too safe for the hype. (Supplied)
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Updated 20 April 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Beefbar’ Restaurant in Riyadh

  • Overall, the ambiance is impressive and the concept has potential, but most of the food was forgettable

Beefbar, originally from Monte Carlo and known for its elevated take on street food, is one of the most talked-about steakhouses in Riyadh.

The space itself is beautiful — tall ceilings, dark tones and elegant interiors that give it a regal, high-end atmosphere.

But my experience did not live up to the hype.

We started the meal with what was supposed to be a Caesar salad, but it was watery and completely underwhelming. The croque sando sounded promising, but the flavor was flat — nothing more than an ordinary sandwich with fancy presentation.

The spicy pasta was perhaps the biggest letdown of the night.

The only standout dish for me was the wagyu tacos. The shells were perfectly crisp and the wagyu was cooked just right — juicy, flavorful and balanced.

We also tried the New York striploin, which came with a great sauce and was cooked well, but for SR355 ($95), it did not feel special or memorable enough to justify the price.

For dessert, we went with their signature marble chocolate, which was good and warm.

Overall, the ambiance is impressive and the concept has potential, but most of the food was forgettable. The biggest downside? The prices are extremely high for what you get. It’s a one-time visit for me.

For more details, check their Instagram @beefbar_riyadh.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Cocina La Cantina

Updated 15 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Cocina La Cantina

Mexican restaurant Cocina La Cantina — on Sari Road in Jeddah’s Al-Zahra district — offers a menu focused on traditional flavors with contemporary twists.

I started with three salads, including maiz del fuego and verde brasa. The charred corn and kale were well prepared, and the dressings reflected traditional Mexican flavors.

The seafood dishes — lamica roja and aguachile de camaron — were fresh and retained their natural texture and taste. Guacamole served with crispy plantain provided a simple balance to the spiced dishes. 

The tostadas, especially the salmon and smoked crab versions, were well executed, with each ingredient distinct and flavors authentic. The menu offers a variety of options.

I also tried the birria quesadilla, featuring slow-cooked beef with Oaxacan-style cheese in a blue corn tortilla, and the ribotes — charred corn ribs topped with cotija, lime, tajín, and smoky morita mayo. Totopos with guacamole and pico de gallo completed my round of starters. 

For mains, I had pollo enmolado, with 48-hour marinated chicken in chintextle mole served with XO rice; pipian del mar, featuring salmon with molokhia pipian and macha oil; and carne asada suprema, a 24-hour marinated Wagyu 5+ striploin with guacamole and salsa verde.

The proteins were fresh and cooked to order, with sauces and marinades complementing the dishes as described.

The menu uses Mexican-style names but includes clear descriptions, and the staff are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. For more information, visit @lacantina.ksa.