Where We Are Going Today: Paolo restaurant in Riyadh

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Chicken shawarma. (Supplied)
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Fet-okra salad, consisting of crispy okra, salty feta, and tart pomegranate. (Supplied)
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Grilled chicken club. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 August 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Paolo restaurant in Riyadh

  • The halloumi club highlights Mediterranean flavors, with salty cheese balanced by pickled eggplant and tomato jam

Located in Riyadh, Paolo restaurant offers a diverse menu that blends Mediterranean classics with contemporary twists. While some dishes shine, others miss the mark.

I began with the fet-okra salad, featuring crispy okra, salty feta, and tart pomegranate for contrast. The okra should be perfectly fried, but my takeout version arrived limp and lost its appeal.

The grilled chicken club works best with light sauce, but the chicken shawarma is the star. Tender, spice-marinated chicken wrapped in fresh saj with garlic sauce is lean, flavorful, and not greasy.

The halloumi club highlights Mediterranean flavors, with salty cheese balanced by pickled eggplant and tomato jam. The textures were well-handled, making it enjoyable.

Among the signature items, the shrimp tacos have potential, but bland seafood makes them forgettable. I would not reorder the taco cheese burger because its spices and guacamole-beef mix clash rather than blend.

Paolo’s shawarma is a standout for those seeking a lighter, healthier option. Avoid over-sauced sandwiches and forced fusion dishes — the kitchen shines when focusing on authentic flavors.

For more details, visit @paolo.rest.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Bait Al-Raha – authentic Egyptian and Arabic cuisine

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Updated 03 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Bait Al-Raha – authentic Egyptian and Arabic cuisine

Bait Al-Raha in Riyadh is a caterer that delivers an experience that goes beyond expectations, offering authentic Egyptian and Arabic cuisine that genuinely reflects the warmth and flavor of home cooking.

The dishes capture the essence of traditional family meals, making it an ideal choice for  iftar and special gatherings, particularly for those seeking comforting flavors reminiscent of home.

The buffet arrangement and table setup were executed with notable precision and professionalism.

Service was punctual, organized and attentive, contributing to a seamless hosting experience. 

Equally important is the refined manner of communication and the prompt responses to inquiries, which reflect a high level of professionalism and respect for customers. 

Among the highlights were kibbeh, jareesh and rice with chicken, all of which were flavorful and well-prepared.

Traditional favorites such as marqooq, stuffed vegetables, and chicken in cream sauce  particularly stood out.

However, the bechamel pasta, as well as the white and red pasta dishes, were noticeably higher in salt than expected.

The white and red pasta had a very strong garlic flavor that dominated the overall taste, to the extent that they could almost be described as “garlic pasta.” 

A point to mention is that the chicken meatballs contained limited visible chicken pieces, which may matter to some diners. 

Overall, Bait Al-Raha offers consistently delicious food and is my first choice for the gatherings I host. The standard remains steady and the presentation is elegant. Most importantly, the courteous treatment and quick communication make the entire experience reassuring and dependable.

Also available for online orders via Keeta.