Tucked between a corporate office building and a coffee shop, The Door reveals itself through an open window, framed flowers, candles and fairy lights. Peek inside and you are transported into a charming slice of the past.

The Door is a chic-casual restaurant offering a blend of international cuisines. It stands out in Riyadh’s dining scene for its flavors, reasonable prices and bistro-style atmosphere.

We started with the glazed shrimp, coated in smoked maple sauce. The dish was good but unremarkable, unlike the tahini cauliflower, which was fried perfectly and served with a rich tahini sauce, though the pieces were cut too small to eat easily with a fork.

For mains, the steak with mushroom sauce was cooked to perfection, and the lemon garlic spaghetti was creamy with a bright, zesty finish.

The seafood spaghetti, made with a tomato base, mussels and shrimp, was the only dish left unfinished and did not land as well. The shrimp tacos — recently added to the menu — were a pleasant surprise, blending Mexican and Asian influences with sweet chili sauce, shimeji mushrooms and baby corn.

We ended the meal with the dream parfait: strawberries in mango cream served with creme caramel. All I can say is, you simply cannot go wrong with strawberries and cream.

What truly elevates the experience is the ambience. Reminiscent of cozy European cafes, its low lighting, rustic decor and homey details create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.

The wood-paneled interior is dotted with retro iron fans, flower-glass lights, handwritten notes, vintage frames, Polaroids and cascading lace curtains — small discoveries that make the space feel intimate and lived-in.

The Door is great for a casual night out with friends or a partner, especially if you are budget-conscious.

The only drawback is the limited seating. While walk-ins are welcome, joining the waitlist ahead of time is wise, as waiting times can be long even on weekdays.