Where We Are Going Today: Maison Assouline Cafe

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Updated 29 September 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Maison Assouline Cafe

  • An open-air terrace inspired by Eastern aesthetics overlooks the historic fortress and palm-lined park, while the rooftop provides one of Riyadh’s most romantic backdrops — ideal for a proposal or simply a memorable evening under the stars

Nestled in the heart of Bujairi, Maison Assouline is a cultural experience that blends European sophistication with Arabian warmth. The venue, part book cafe and part fine-dining destination, offers visitors an atmosphere where elegance and heritage coexist seamlessly.

The space is divided into distinct zones, each with its own character. On the ground floor, a relaxed book cafe invites guests to linger over titles while enjoying specialty coffee.

Upstairs, a cabaret-style lounge sets the scene with crimson velvet seating and a grand piano, evoking the glamour of older European salons.

An open-air terrace inspired by Eastern aesthetics overlooks the historic fortress and palm-lined park, while the rooftop provides one of Riyadh’s most romantic backdrops — ideal for a proposal or simply a memorable evening under the stars.

Adding to the cafe’s unique identity is its vintage-style elevator, reminiscent of 20th-century grand hotels.

Unlike many fine-dining venues, reservations at Maison Assouline are both simple and free, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The culinary offering is just as impressive. Menu highlights include fresh salmon, endive salad, and perfectly crisp French fries — dishes that showcase both refinement and flavor.

Even on fully booked evenings, the staff remain attentive, professional, and genuinely warm. With its cozy yet elegant ambiance, the cafe is suitable for casual visits as well as special occasions.

With an average cost of SR100–120 ($30) per person, Maison Assouline offers a luxurious yet accessible dining experience.

A visit here leaves more than just a good impression; it captures the essence of Riyadh’s evolving dining scene— sophisticated, welcoming, and culturally rich.

For more details, check Instagram @maisonassoulineriyadh.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Le Fournil

Updated 11 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Le Fournil

JEDDAH: La Fournil in Jeddah is a bakery that prioritizes wholesome and healthy ingredients.

The bakery’s name comes from the French word for “oven,” reflecting the traditional craftsmanship at the heart of its concept.

The speciality provided is natural yeast sourdough bread, offering a variety of shapes and sizes designed to suit dietary needs, including gluten sensitivity.

Among its standout offerings is the San Francisco-style sourdough bread, which takes up to three days to prepare. 

I sampled the sourdough coated with a traditional blend of Saudi grains. The bread stood out for its balanced texture and rich flavor and paired particularly well when served at home with labnah, salmon and olives.

After purchase, the bread is sliced upon request using a slicing machine and elegantly packed in a paper bag.

Founder and baker Abdulmohsen Bai brings more than 25 years of baking experience to the venture. He oversees production and develops new recipes, adding personal touches to each type of bread. 

La Fournil operates a single branch in Mohammadiyyah and does not supply other bakeries.

One of the bakery’s most distinctive features is its custom-built pizza oven that you see when you first enter the bakery, designed and constructed by Bai himself.

La Fournil offers more than 10 varieties of sourdough bread, with prices ranging from SR7 to SR37 ($1.87 to $9.87) depending on the type and ingredients.

For more information, visit their Instagram @lefournilksa.