Best Coffee in Riyadh: A Guide to the City's Top Cafés

 Riyadh has emerged as one of the most exciting cities for coffee lovers in the Middle East. With a growing number of specialty coffee shops, traditional cafés, and innovative spaces, the capital offers a rich variety of coffee experiences for every palate. From artisanal espressos to the much-loved Saudi Qahwa, here’s a guide to the best coffee spots in Riyadh that are perfect for any caffeine enthusiast.

1. Camel Step Coffee Roasters

Camel Step Coffee Roasters stands out as one of Riyadh’s premier specialty coffee spots. This café is renowned for its dedication to high-quality single-origin beans, roasted in-house to perfection. With a focus on flavor complexity and a minimalist design that lets the coffee shine, Camel Step is the place to go if you’re serious about your brew. Their skilled baristas are known for their attention to detail, ensuring that each cup is prepared with precision.

Must-Try: Ethiopian V60 pour-over for a light, fruity experience or their espresso for a strong, bold taste.

2. Overdose Café

Overdose Café is where style meets substance. This trendy café, with its monochrome design, is popular among Riyadh’s young and hip crowd. It offers a range of creative and bold coffee drinks that attract both locals and expats. Overdose is known for its espresso-based beverages, served with a unique twist, blending art and flavor into every cup. It’s a perfect place for those who want to enjoy good coffee in a stylish setting.

Must-Try: Spanish latte for a smooth and sweet drink, or the iced caramel macchiato for something refreshing.

3. Brew92

Brew92 is a Jeddah-born café that has successfully made its mark in Riyadh. Known for its in-house roasted beans, Brew92 prides itself on serving high-quality coffee in a chic, modern environment. This café offers a variety of brewing methods and is perfect for those who like to explore different flavors. Whether you’re a fan of cold brew or a traditional espresso, Brew92’s attention to detail and quality will not disappoint.

Must-Try: Nitro cold brew for a velvety, chilled experience or their flat white for a creamy espresso drink.

4. Dose Café

Dose Café offers a sleek and contemporary coffee experience. Known for its creative latte flavors and aesthetically pleasing interiors, Dose has become one of Riyadh’s go-to spots for coffee and relaxation. The café’s minimalist design makes it a great place to work or meet friends, while its coffee menu caters to those looking for unique flavors. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys sweet, flavorful lattes alongside traditional espresso drinks.

Must-Try: Pistachio latte for a creamy and nutty twist, or their Spanish latte for a classic, sweet delight.

5. The Roasting House

The Roasting House is a cozy and laid-back spot, perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate the art of roasting and brewing. The café takes pride in sourcing top-quality beans and roasting them on-site to produce rich, flavorful coffee Best Coffee in Riyadh. Whether you’re a fan of pour-overs, espresso, or cold brews, The Roasting House provides a calm environment where you can truly enjoy the complexity of your drink.

Must-Try: Cortado for a balanced espresso-based option, or Chemex for a clean, bright coffee flavor.

6. Elixir Bunn

Elixir Bunn is for the coffee purists who love to experiment with different brewing techniques. This café’s industrial-chic design complements its scientific approach to coffee making. Offering methods like AeroPress, siphon, and Chemex, Elixir Bunn stands out for its precision and focus on extracting the best flavors from each bean. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys exploring the subtleties of coffee.

Must-Try: Siphon brew for a visually impressive and flavorful experience, or a flat white for something creamy and rich.

7. Greem Café

Greem Café is one of the most visually striking spots in Riyadh, thanks to its unique black-and-white cartoon-themed interiors. However, this café offers more than just aesthetics. Their menu includes a variety of fun, flavorful coffee drinks that appeal to both casual drinkers and coffee enthusiasts. Greem’s playful atmosphere makes it a great place to hang out with friends or enjoy a laid-back coffee break.

Must-Try: Iced matcha latte for a refreshing green tea option, or caramel latte for a sweet indulgence.

8. Najdi Village Coffee

If you want to experience traditional Saudi coffee culture, Najdi Village Coffee is the place to be. This café specializes in serving Saudi Qahwa, a spiced, lightly roasted coffee that is deeply rooted in local tradition. Paired with fresh dates, Qahwa is an essential part of Saudi hospitality. The café’s ambiance reflects the warmth and heritage of the region, making it a great spot to enjoy authentic flavors.

Must-Try: Traditional Saudi Qahwa served with dates for a true taste of Saudi culture.

9. Cup & Couch

Cup & Couch is a cozy neighborhood café known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious coffee. With its comfortable seating and friendly vibe, it’s an ideal spot for catching up with friends, studying, or simply enjoying a good book. The menu includes a wide range of espresso-based drinks and cold brews, making it a versatile café for all coffee preferences.

Must-Try: Cappuccino for a smooth, balanced drink, or a cold brew for a refreshing caffeine fix.

10. White Foam Café

White Foam Café brings a touch of elegance to Riyadh’s coffee scene. Known for its luxurious interiors and premium coffee selection, this café offers a high-end experience for coffee enthusiasts who appreciate quality and ambiance. White Foam’s menu features a range of expertly crafted espresso drinks and specialty coffees, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy their coffee in a refined setting.

Must-Try: Mocha for a chocolatey treat, or an espresso macchiato for a more intense coffee flavor.

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Conclusion

Riyadh’s coffee scene is diverse, dynamic, and ever-evolving, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From traditional Saudi Qahwa to modern espresso-based creations, the city offers countless options for coffee lovers. Whether you're seeking a trendy café with Instagram-worthy interiors or a quiet spot to savor a perfectly brewed cup, Riyadh has a coffee shop for you. So, explore the city and indulge in some of the best coffee Riyadh has to offer!