Monday December 23rd, 2024
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Riyadh Rooftops: The Capital’s Best Open-Air Lounges

Rise above the heat of street-level spots at these breezy food and drink destinations.

Patrick Davies

Riyadh Rooftops: The Capital’s Best Open-Air Lounges

Even if you’re only one storey up, there’s something about being on top of the world that just feels good. A false sense of superiority to the people ‘below’? No, it couldn’t possibly be that. We’re sure it’s something far more mystical and spiritual, speaking to a closer connection to the sky and the stars. That must be it. Psychological ramblings aside, the Saudi capital is home to some gorgeous open air spots, ranging from a few flights of stairs to many storeys up. But all of them offer the same thing, a breath of clean air and open sky complimented by an immaculate atmosphere (we all know we want to say ‘vibes’, but we shall refrain). The air is always cooler up there, so where better to be when the heat rolls in.

Check out our list of Riyadh’s best rooftop lounges and cafes, many of which also serve cracking food. Summer is coming, so prepare to enjoy breezy evenings after scorching days…

African Lounge

Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah Gate
Chic Afro Glam

Celebrating the glamour of luxury African decor, as well as food from the continent and beyond, Bujairi Terrace sits on Riyadh’s western edge near Diriyah, offering something of an escape from the city skyline.

Anghami Lab

Huqqa

Cenomi U Walk, An Nakheel
Trendy Turkish Rooftop

A trendy Turkish eatery with a real connection to the outdoors, seating in Huqqa’s outdoor area centres around a large water feature wreathed by greenery. They also have a *proper* dessert menu - as befits any Turkish restaurant - as well as all sorts of shisha flavours.

Iris Café

Ramla Terazza, As Sahafah
Sip Mocktails atop the Skyline

Enjoy a cool breeze as it ripples through this decidedly unstuffy cafe-lounge’s overhead canvas, with views over the city and a DJ-produced soundtrack to your day, evening, or night.

Robata

The Canopy, Hittin 
Fiery Japanese Al Fresco

The terrace at Japanese restaurant Robata is a hit year-round, with space heaters for winter and plenty of cool air in the summer thanks to its elevation above ground. The food is the star of the show at this East Asian Eatery, but that’s no disparagement to the lush rooftop setting.

Stella Sky Lounge

Third Floor, The St. Regis Riyadh
Sleek City Setting

Tucked away on the third floor of the St. Regis Riyadh, the Stella Sky Lounge offers a sleek city rooftop feel from which to enjoy the twinkling lights of the city laid out below you. With live DJ tunes and an accompanying saxophonist playing six nights a week, there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy alongside mocktails, sliders, and shisha.

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