The 15 best shawarma spots in Riyadh, Riyadh is a city that takes its street food seriously, and shawarma holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. From classic chicken and beef wraps to gourmet variations with unique sauces and spices, the city offers an impressive array of options. Whether you’re craving a quick bite on the go or a sit-down meal with family and friends, Riyadh’s shawarma spots deliver fresh, flavorful, and satisfying experiences. Many of these eateries are celebrated not just for their taste, but also for their warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere. Exploring these top shawarma spots is a delicious way to experience the rich culinary culture of the Saudi capital.
Top best parks and gardens in Riyadh
Riyadh is home to a variety of beautiful parks and gardens that offer residents and visitors a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. These green spaces feature lush lawns, scenic walking paths, and vibrant flowerbeds, making them perfect for relaxation, picnics, and outdoor activities. Many parks also include playgrounds, jogging tracks, and sports facilities to cater to families and fitness enthusiasts. From large, iconic parks with fountains and lakes to smaller, serene gardens tucked away in neighborhoods, Riyadh provides a diverse range of spots to enjoy nature. Whether you’re looking to spend quality time with family, exercise, or simply unwind, the city’s parks and gardens offer a refreshing retreat for everyone.
1: Mama Noura
Mama Noura, located on King Abdullah Rd in Ar Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh 12343, Saudi Arabia, is a popular fast-food destination with seven branches across the city. For over three decades, it has been serving classic shawarmas, breakfast favorites like omelettes, and traditional Middle Eastern comfort foods. Guests can enjoy fresh juices, appetizers such as baba ghanoush and tabbouleh, as well as hearty plates featuring falafels and grilled meats. Mama Noura is open daily, offering late-night dining from 12:00 PM–3:00 AM and 5:30 PM–3:00 AM, making it an ideal spot for both lunch and late-night meals.
2: Shawarma House
Shawarma House, located on Prince Mamduh Bin Abdulaziz St in As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12245, Saudi Arabia, is a casual eatery specializing in Middle Eastern favorites. The menu features classic shawarma, falafel, and assorted grill plates, alongside burgers for those seeking something different. Popular options include their grill boxes with chicken, beef, or mixed selections, as well as burger boxes. Shawarma House is open daily from 12:00 PM–4:00 AM and 5:00 PM–4:00 AM, making it a great choice for both lunch and late-night cravings.
3: Shawarmer
Shawarmer | شاورمر, located in Rakaa Plaza on King Abdullah Rd, Al Raed, Riyadh 12355, Saudi Arabia, offers a delightful dining experience with a focus on Middle Eastern favorites. The restaurant is known for its friendly and attentive staff, including standout team members like Alfredo, who enhance the overall experience. Guests enjoy high-quality meals served promptly in a welcoming atmosphere. Shawarmer | شاورمر is open daily, from 12:00 PM–4:00 AM and additional morning hours on some days, making it a perfect spot for both lunch and late-night cravings.
4: Shawarma Jalila
Shawarma Jalila, located on Abdulrahman Al Ghafeqi St, Ar Rawdah, Riyadh 13213, Saudi Arabia, is a popular eatery renowned for its flavorful Jalila shawarma. Open daily from 11:00 AM–4:00 AM and 12:00–4:00 AM, the restaurant serves a wide variety of shawarmas and refreshing juices. Diners love the generous portions, fresh ingredients, and consistently delicious taste, making it a favorite spot for quick, satisfying meals. Its friendly atmosphere and speedy service add to the overall enjoyable experience.
5: Assaraya Turkish Restaurant
Assaraya Turkish Restaurant, located on Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12221, Saudi Arabia, is a popular spot for Turkish cuisine lovers. Open daily from 10:30 AM–2:00 AM (with slight variations), it serves generous portions of shawarma, mixed grills, and fresh flatbreads. Known for its flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere, Assaraya also stands out for its community contributions, providing meals to those in need while offering diners a satisfying culinary experience.
6: Allo Beirut – Olaya Street
Allo Beirut Restaurant, located in Al Olaya, Riyadh 12222, Saudi Arabia, is a charming Lebanese eatery serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired design and authentic Arabic music, it offers a welcoming atmosphere. The menu features classic Lebanese dishes such as stuffed lamb, vine leaves, shawarma, hummus, salads, and grilled items, along with burgers. For hookah enthusiasts, there’s a separate smoking area, making it a perfect spot for both dining and socializing.
7: Faredah Hanim shawarma
Faredah Hanim, located on Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13522, Saudi Arabia, is a cozy shawarma spot renowned for its flavorful chicken shawarma. The eatery bakes its own bread in-house and offers a focused menu featuring classics like the Arabia Shawarma and the Special Faredah Shawarma. Guests rave about the unique sauces, ranging from spicy to the signature Faredah sauce, which elevate the taste and make each bite memorable. The restaurant is open daily from early afternoon until late at night, making it perfect for shawarma cravings any time.
8: Lusin Restaurant – Diyafa Plaza
9: Burj Al Hamam – Orouba
Burj Al Hamam – Orouba, located at PM9Q+G6M, Al Urubah Rd, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia, offers an authentic Lebanese dining experience. Guests can enjoy traditional Arabic delicacies, Mediterranean-inspired main courses, and decadent Levantine desserts. The restaurant combines elegant presentation with a casual, inviting ambiance, making it a perfect spot for both family meals and social gatherings.
10: Mareez
Mareez, located on Prince Abdulaziz Ibn Thunayyan St, An Nakheel, Riyadh 12393, offers a gourmet take on classic street food, especially shawarma. The menu includes kebabs, fries, and flavorful dips, along with shawarma bites, saj, and sandwiches. Guests praise the tasty offerings and quick, friendly service, making it a popular spot despite minor drawbacks like the absence of restroom facilities.
11: Yilmaz Restaurant
Yilmaz Restaurant (مطعم يلمز), located on Umar Ibn Abdul Aziz Br Rd, Az Zahra, Riyadh 12812, is a top destination for shawarma lovers. Known for its spicy and flavorful shawarma, the restaurant serves juicy, well-seasoned meat with rich garlic sauce. Guests praise its fast service and delicious offerings, making it a popular spot for casual dining any time of day.
12: Shawarma Abu Rayan
Shawarma Abu Rayan, located on King Fahd Branch Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13521, is a must-visit for shawarma lovers. The restaurant offers flavorful chicken and beef shawarmas, with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen area for safe dining. Guests appreciate the friendly service from Chef Saied, Salah, and Yamen, making every visit a welcoming and delicious experience.
13: Shawarma Plus
Shawarma Plus, located on King Abdulaziz Rd, Al Ghadir, Riyadh 13311, is a top spot for shawarma lovers. Offering seven flavorful varieties, including chicken, Arabic chicken, and beef Iskender, each dish is elevated by the restaurant’s signature seasoning, making it a must-try in Riyadh.
14: Mahboob
Mahboob, located on Prince Saad Ibn Abdulrahman Al Awal Rd, Riyadh 14251, is a must-visit eatery known for its delicious meals and exceptionally friendly staff. Open 24 hours daily, it offers a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit enjoyable, making it a top choice for food lovers seeking both quality cuisine and warm hospitality in Riyadh.
15: Shawarma Classic
FAQs
Q1: What is the best time to visit shawarma spots in Riyadh?
A1: Most shawarma restaurants in Riyadh open from afternoon until late night, making evening hours ideal for a visit. Some are open 24 hours.
Q2: Are there vegetarian shawarma options available?
A2: Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian alternatives like falafel wraps and salads alongside traditional shawarma.
Q3: Do these shawarma spots offer delivery services?
A3: Most popular shawarma restaurants in Riyadh provide delivery through apps like HungerStation, Talabat, or in-house delivery.
Q4: Are the shawarma portions suitable for sharing?
A4: Yes, many eateries serve generous portions, making it easy to share with family or friends.
Q5: Can I find halal shawarma in Riyadh?
A5: Absolutely, all shawarma restaurants in Riyadh serve halal meat in accordance with local regulations.
Final Thoughts:
Riyadh’s shawarma scene is a culinary delight, offering a mix of traditional flavors and modern twists. From quick bites at casual spots like Mama Noura to gourmet experiences at Mareez and Assaraya, there’s something for every palate. Whether you prefer classic chicken, spicy beef, or vegetarian options, these 15 restaurants deliver quality, flavor, and an authentic taste of Middle Eastern street food culture. Exploring them is not just a meal, it’s a flavorful journey through Riyadh’s vibrant food landscape.
