Leila Min Lebnen

Rating: 10
Author: Gault&Millau

Amr Aldamri St, Al Safarat

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Location: Riyadh
Cooking: Lebanese
Services: Terrace
Style: Elegant, With family, With friends

Gault&Millau's review 2026

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Tucked inside the city's heavily secured diplomatic quarter, getting to this restaurant feels more like attending a consular appointment than grabbing a bite to eat. My Uber driver was stopped twice and questioned (no green cabs allowed inside it seems). That said, the area is well-kept and quiet - all palm trees, fountains and tidy landscaping. Inside, things lighten up. The space is airy and calm, with floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable spacing between tables, and simple, modern decor with a nod to tradition (floral wall accents to match the logo). It's bright, pleasant and well suited to a relaxed family lunch - plenty of room, easy-going service and a calm atmosphere. If only the traditional Arabic music weren't quite so loud and insistently nostalgic. The food leans traditional and safe. Freshly baked bread - including mini za'atar rolls and pillowy loaves - arrived warm and fragrant. The moutabbal was smoky, tangy and just textured enough, topped with fresh tomato and scallion for contrast. The tabbouleh was equally solid: fresh, well-balanced not overloaded with bulgur. The taouk platter was less exciting. Fries on one side, chicken hidden under a piece of flatbread - visually uninspired, although at least the chicken was juicy and the garlic paste added flavor. It filled the plate, but not the imagination. Dessert brought things back to life: a whimsical cloud of mastic ice cream and pistachios that was both nostalgic and satisfying. A light, sweet finish that stood out. All in all, a pleasant option, especially for a calm, no-pressure family lunch. Just don't expect anything groundbreaking. And make sure you plan it in advance, especially your exit!