Where We Are Going Today: Julius Meinl: A taste of Vienna in Riyadh

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It's a good place to visit and enjoy a coffee time with a friend, perhaps once in a while. I think a coffee that is rich in flavor is worth the visit, nonetheless. (AN Photo/Haifa Alshammari)
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It's a good place to visit and enjoy a coffee time with a friend, perhaps once in a while. I think a coffee that is rich in flavor is worth the visit, nonetheless. (AN Photo/Haifa Alshammari)
3 / 3
It's a good place to visit and enjoy a coffee time with a friend, perhaps once in a while. I think a coffee that is rich in flavor is worth the visit, nonetheless. (AN Photo/Haifa Alshammari)
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Updated 01 November 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Julius Meinl: A taste of Vienna in Riyadh

Founded in Vienna, Austria, in the 19th century, Julius Meinl is well known in Europe as a coffee and tea supplier, and the company has just recently opened a shop in Riyadh.

You will surely enjoy their V60 Colombian coffee beans and desserts, such as the Gers Ogaily — or traditional Kuwaiti sponge cake with saffron and cardamom — covered in chocolate.

While the Kunafah bites leave something to be desired, the coffee is flavorful; every sip is simply delicious.

Overall, the prices at this coffeehouse are high. One cup costs SR17 (approximately $5). The chocolate bites are worth SR7 each.

If you’re eco-conscious, the decor and overall aesthetics will capture your attention. The walls are covered with recycled wood, the espresso cups are all biodegradable, and, according to the coffee house, the tools they use are all sustainable.

While the coffee and tasty sweets at Julius Meinl are high-quality, the location may not be the best. Situated in Riyadh’s far north, in the Al-Narjis neighborhood, it is pretty far from the city center.

The seating is slightly uncomfortable as well.

Despite these setbacks, Julius Meinl is a good place to enjoy a coffee time with a friend, perhaps once in a while. Its rich, flavorful brews and attention to sustainability make it worth the occasional visit.


Where We Are Going Today: Yawmiyat in Riyadh

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Updated 23 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Yawmiyat in Riyadh

  • When moving on to the main dishes, Yawmiyat takes you on a journey that reflects the warmth of the authentic Levantine table

The first thing you notice when experiencing Yawmiyat is the feeling of going back to the roots, but with a touch of quiet luxury.

In the midst of Riyadh’s fast-paced bustle, this kitchen offers an experience that feels like a sanctuary for the senses, far from the usual commercial fast foods.

Our eyes are immediately drawn to the geometric precision of the presentation; the dishes here are not scooped randomly, but carefully arranged in a way that reminds us of miniature museum displays.

Warak enab or stuffed grape leaves, which is often served as a simple side dish, appears here as the essence of the experience. The compactly stacked pieces gleaming with virgin olive oil promise a taste that cleverly balances the acidity of lemon with the sweetness of the rich filling, reflecting hours of slow cooking.

When moving on to the main dishes, Yawmiyat takes you on a journey that reflects the warmth of the authentic Levantine table.

Here, the grills go beyond being traditional items; the kofta and lamb chops saturated with the aroma of charcoal grilling, characterized by exceptional tenderness and a rich flavor of special spices that melt in the mouth.

For lovers of complex flavors, the fattet makdous stands out as an artistic masterpiece presented as a symphony of harmonious textures, where the crunch of bread embraces the tenderness of eggplant and the freshness of yogurt, creating a melodic balance that evokes immediate nostalgia for intimate family gatherings.

What truly distinguishes this experience is that rare blend of authenticity and modernity; while the kitchen adheres to traditional recipes, modernity appears in the style of presentation and packaging that makes each order a “gift” worthy of presenting.

Behind this inspiring Saudi brand stands a deep belief that local cuisine is the richest and finest that can be offered to the world.

For more information, check their Instagram @yawmiyatbydalal.