The first time we tried to eat out in Riyadh, Jake (then 3) threw a piece of bread at a waiter and Emma refused to eat anything that "looked weird." We've come a long way since then. Here's our honest guide to family dining in Saudi Arabia — the wins, the disasters, and everything in between.
Understanding Family Sections in Restaurants
Okay, first things first: most restaurants in Saudi Arabia have separate family and singles sections. Some have completely separate entrances. Some just have partitions. The level of separation varies wildly.
The good news? As a family, you get the better deal. Family sections are typically:
- Quieter and more private
- Better equipped with high chairs and kids' amenities
- Staffed with servers who expect (and tolerate) children
- Often have slightly better decor (though not always)
The trade-off is that you sometimes feel like you're eating in a separate restaurant entirely. Some places handle this elegantly; others make you feel like you're in exile.
Our Disaster Story (Learn From Our Mistakes)
About six months after we arrived, we decided to try this highly-rated restaurant everyone was recommending. Fancy place, supposedly "family-friendly." We made reservations, got the kids excited about a "special dinner."
What nobody mentioned: the family section was upstairs, accessed by a narrow staircase with no elevator. I carried Jake, Sarah held Emma's hand, and we arrived at our table already exhausted. The menu had zero kid options. The lighting was so dim Emma complained she couldn't see her food. And the servers, while polite, clearly weren't used to small children.
Jake had a meltdown over "scary" mashed potatoes (they had herbs he didn't recognize). We ended up leaving before dessert, embarrassed and frustrated.
Lesson learned: "Family section" doesn't automatically mean "family-friendly." Now I always call ahead and ask specific questions.
Restaurants That Actually Work
After three years of trial and error, these are our go-to spots. Not fine dining, but places where we can actually relax:
Applebee's (Multiple Locations)
I know, I know — we moved to Saudi Arabia to eat at Applebee's? But hear me out. The family sections here are actually great. Booth seating, kids' menu with actual options, crayons provided, and staff who've seen it all. When Jake threw up after eating too fast last year, they handled it without making us feel terrible.
It's not exciting, but sometimes you just need predictable.
The Globe (Kingdom Centre)
Okay, this one's pricier, but it's where we go for special occasions. The view from the skybridge is spectacular, and surprisingly, they're well-equipped for families. The family section has proper private dining rooms if you want them.
Emma's 8th birthday lunch here was perfect. They even brought a complimentary cake. Book the family room in advance — it fills up fast on weekends.
Nando's (Various Locations)
This became our weekly regular. The kids love the chicken, I love the peri-peri sauce, Sarah loves that we can be in and out in 45 minutes. Family sections are consistently clean, and the staff at our regular branch (Granada Mall) know us by now.
Pro tip: Order at the counter, then find your seat. It's faster than waiting for table service.
Mama Noura (Multiple Locations)
For authentic local food with excellent family sections, Mama Noura is hard to beat. The shawarma is genuinely good, the hummus is fresh, and the portions are enormous. Kids get their own small plates, and there's enough familiar stuff (chicken, rice, bread) that even picky eaters find something.
This is where we take visitors who want "real Saudi food" without going full traditional. The Tahlia Street location has the best family area.
Real Pricing: What to Expect
Restaurant prices in Saudi Arabia are all over the place. Here's what we actually spend:
No tipping required (it's not expected), though rounding up is appreciated. VAT (15%) is included in menu prices.
The Atmosphere Factor
Something I didn't expect: dining here is slower. People linger over meals. There's no rush to flip tables. For families, this is actually wonderful — nobody's giving you the stink-eye for taking 90 minutes.
But it also means:
- Service can feel slow if you're used to American-style urgency
- Getting the check requires asking (they won't rush you)
- Popular restaurants during peak hours = long waits without reservations
We've adapted by going slightly off-peak (6:30 PM instead of 8 PM) or making reservations when possible.
What the Kids Actually Eat
Real talk: my kids didn't immediately embrace Arabic cuisine. Here's what worked for getting them to expand their palates:
Kid-Friendly Arabic Foods (Emma & Jake Approved)
- Shawarma: It's basically a fancy wrap. Both kids love it.
- Chicken kabsa: Rice and chicken. Familiar enough to not seem scary.
- Hummus with bread: Emma calls it "the yummy dip."
- Falafel: Took some convincing ("it's like chicken nuggets but better").
- Kunafa: Arabic dessert with cheese and syrup. Jake's absolute favorite.
- Fresh juices: Mango, strawberry, mixed fruit — way better than boxed juice.
We also learned to always have backup snacks in Sarah's bag. Just in case.
Places We Avoid
Not every restaurant works for families, even with a family section:
Super-trendy cafes: The kind with Edison bulbs and avocado toast. Often have tiny family sections squeezed in as an afterthought. Staff aren't prepared for kids.
Traditional Arabic restaurants without AC: Sounds authentic, but 40°C+ with kids = misery. We learned this the hard way.
Hotel buffets: Expensive, overwhelming for kids, and the family sections are often far from the buffet itself. More hassle than it's worth.
Practical Tips We've Learned
- Call ahead about family sections. Ask: Is it on the same floor? Is there a play area nearby? High chairs available?
- Prayer times matter. Most restaurants stay open but won't take new orders during prayer. Plan around it.
- Request a corner booth. More space, less chaos, and easier to contain flying food.
- Bring entertainment. Tablets aren't ideal, but neither is a meltdown. We bring coloring books as a middle ground.
- Thursday nights are crazy. It's the weekend. Every family is out. Book ahead or go early.
- Delivery is excellent. When dining out isn't worth the effort, apps like HungerStation and Jahez deliver from almost everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Dining out in Saudi Arabia with kids took adjustment. The family section system seemed odd at first, but now I appreciate having a dedicated space where kids being kids is expected and accepted.
Our best experiences haven't been at fancy restaurants — they've been at neighborhood spots where the staff know us, the food is consistent, and nobody bats an eye when Jake decides he needs to walk around the table three times before sitting down.
Give yourself time to find your spots. And remember: even disasters make good stories later.
Questions about specific restaurants or areas? Get in touch — I'm happy to share more detailed recommendations.