To all Italian food lovers living in the north of Riyadh, Potenza Italiano is going to be a new favorite of yours. If you are looking to avoid the Riyadh traffic to get to the downtown Italian restaurants, take a lovely stroll after dinner, and enjoy a soft ambience, Potenza is a great new spot for you.
Located in the Jazly Center of restaurants and cafes, among an Indian restaurant, Greek cafe, Sushi spots and a burger joint, Potenza has an open air patio, decorated neatly for Ramadan.
While quaint, the restaurant is nicely decorated, with classic Italian tiles, umbrellas outdoors, and lanterns and crescents for the Ramadan spirit. Outdoors, the patio offers a view to the rest of the center, which is softly lit with space to take strolls and explore all restaurants. Indoors, the restaurant is compact but nicely lit with large windows and Italian decoration.
When it comes to ordering, Patenzo offers a classic Italian experience with the main portion of the menu reserved to pasta and pizza options.
The prices on the menu are moderate to high. For example, I opted for the classic pink penne with added chicken, which costs SR60 ($16). The table also ordered the baby rocca salad (SR47) and truffle balls (SR35) for appetizers.
You may also order a burrata pizza (SR69), and the chicken mushroom Italian for a main course, which also costs SR69.
The portions work for both sharing, and for personal orders. The appetizers options we chose were nicely balanced between fresh greens and the fried truffle balls.
The penne pasta and the chicken were both the right amount of creamy, while the pizza was a classic burrata, perfect for all burrata fans.
The menu also offers a variety of drinks, ranging from soft drinks to mojitos, to coffee and tea options. During Ramadan, we were presented with water, Saudi coffee and fresh dates to break fast with.
Dessert options are limited between the San Sebastian (SR28) and the tiramisu (SR24); the latter was a light and tasty option.
Some options on the menu were unfortunately unavailable, such as the lasagna truffle. I would also advise ordering early, as the food does take a bit of time to arrive, especially if you are going during Ramadan.
Overall, Potenza is a great option for those living in the north of Riyadh and craving cozy Italian food on a nice patio. The menu options are affordable and diverse for all.
