RIYADH: Ferdi, the Parisian bistro named after the owners’ son, brings its quirky charm to Via Riyadh.
Since 2004, the original Paris location has blended French and Latin American comfort food amid eclectic decor, where vintage toy trucks share shelves with flea-market trinkets and velvet banquettes.
The Riyadh branch faithfully recreates this playful aesthetic, complete with intimate lighting.
My meal began with Cecina de Leon, thinly sliced cured beef — a savory and solid starter. The cod ceviche, however, was disappointing: fresh fish undermined by a timid lime marinade, with red peppers and onions failing to add enough punch.
For mains, the Mexican beef enchiladas were satisfying, featuring well-spiced shredded beef in soft tortillas under melted cheese.
The Mac Ferdi cheeseburger lived up to its reputation but was overwhelmed by excessive special sauce and mustard. Adding beef bacon gave it some crunch.
The macaroni and cheese stood out — creamy but light, with crispy baked edges and a balanced cheese sauce; optional cecina topping added a salty depth.
I recommend the rich macaroni, satisfying enchiladas, and Mac Ferdi cheeseburger. Service is attentive but not exceptional, and the ceviche can be skipped. Check @ferdi.saudi on Instagram.













