RIYADH: As the sun sets behind the date palms of Wadi Hanifa and the air cools, NAC Winter Garden welcomes diners with soft lighting, the scent of wood smoke, and the glow of outdoor heaters.

Set within Aseel Resort in Diriyah, a short drive from central Riyadh, this seasonal extension of the NAC brand is designed to make the most of the city’s winter months.

It promises outdoor dining, a relaxed atmosphere, and a sense of escape, and, in many ways, it delivers. Unlike NAC’s main branch in Laysen Valley, which operates as a traditional brasserie, the Winter Garden presents a looser, more atmospheric format, positioned somewhere between a cafe and a restaurant. 

The menu leans on familiar NAC dishes with a seasonal touch. Popcorn chicken arrived hot and crisp, complemented by a spicy mayo that added warmth without overpowering the dish.

A rigatoni in pink sauce was comforting and reasonably balanced, though it lacked the kind of memorable detail that makes a dish worth returning for. The standout was a halloumi dish drizzled with honey and sriracha, offering a satisfying mix of sweet, salty, and mild heat with contrasting textures. 

Prices fall in the mid-to-high range for Riyadh. Portions are reasonable, but not all dishes feel like strong value. 

Service was polite but occasionally slow, with noticeable gaps between ordering and delivery. The setting itself was thoroughly arranged, with greenery, warm lighting, and a sense of distance from the bustle of the city.

Within Riyadh’s evolving dining scene, NAC Winter Garden feels like an experiment in seasonal, outdoor dining. It adds interest to the winter landscape and offers a pleasant evening out, but more consistent execution in both the kitchen and service would help it stand out in an increasingly competitive market.