Where We Are Going Today: Maya restaurant in Alkhobar

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Their chicken tikka was perfectly grilled, smoky, and tender — easily one of the highlights. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Tried the butter chicken, biryani, and their famous Delhi salad — crunchy, fresh, and full of flavor. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Updated 27 October 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Maya restaurant in Alkhobar

Located in Shorofat Park in Alkhobar, Maya restaurant offers a modern take on Indian cuisine.

The warm interior — gold accents, patterned walls, and soft lighting — creates a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, suitable for long lunches or casual gatherings.

I started with the Delhi salad, a popular dish that was fresh, crisp, and well-seasoned, providing a light balance to the main courses.

For mains, I ordered butter chicken, biryani, and chicken tikka. The chicken tikka arrived sizzling, charred, and smoky, a well-executed tandoori dish.

The biryani was rich and aromatic, with a comforting depth of spice that paired well with the soft, flavorful garlic naan.

The butter chicken, while creamy and elegantly presented, lacked the richness and punch typically expected, a minor disappointment compared with the other dishes.

Overall, Maya delivers a solid dining experience. The service is attentive, the presentation careful, and the menu blends traditional Indian flavors with modern touches.

Prices are reasonable for the quality and setting. For more, see their Instagram: @flavorsofMaya.


Where We Are Going Today: Circle 3 at Fenna Alawwal

Updated 03 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Circle 3 at Fenna Alawwal

RIYADH: Fenna Alawwal is located in Riyadh’s Al-Safarat neighbourhood, known as the Diplomatic Quarter, and serves as a cultural and creative hub that embraces a diverse community of thinkers and creators.

Connected to the center, Circle 3 by Acoustic is a restaurant and coffee shop that serves a variety of food options and beverages. I tried the lunch menu and coffee during my visit.

The center is spacious, and the interiors have a minimalist touch; the ambient music was soft and soothing. Overall, the vibes at Fenna Alawwal were very relaxing and pleasant. 

Connected to the center, Circle 3 by Acoustic, which is a restaurant and coffee shop that serves a variety of food options and beverages, where I tried the lunch menu and coffee. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

For SR130 ($35), I ordered the eggplant fattah, the baked lasagna, and coffee after my meal. The cost was understandable, considering the restaurant’s location, and the food was good overall.

One of the services provided by the center was the “short stories” station for visitors interested in reading, along with a mini art gallery in the center’s outdoor area, and a library and bookshop. 

Fenna Alawwal is located in the Al Safarat neighbourhood, known as the diplomatic quarter. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

Yet, I would have liked Wi-Fi, as the center is an excellent option for people looking for a private, quiet spot in Riyadh to enjoy a cup of coffee and work.

Fenna Alawwal also has its own parking lot, which is an advantage considering the low chances of finding an empty parking space near the center.