Spanish restaurant in Riyadh.
Order: A5 wagyu, entrecote, wagyu empanadas, potatas bravas, chicken croquettes, octopus
Location: I don't know Riyadh very well but it is in a very high end area and valet parking is available. 5/5
Venue: Welcoming decor, very unpretentious and comfortable. 4.5/5
Service: Saudi Arabia sets the bar and gold standard for service in general. Friendly and hospitable. Knowledgeable wait staff. 5/5
Food: The appetizers were a lovely way to start the meal foreshadowing the main dishes to come. Tasty bits to tantalize the taste buds. From the potato bravas, to the croquettes and empanadas, each bite as marvelous.
The octopus was cooked to perfection. My good friend who doesn't enjoy seafood thought it was great. Tender not chewy.
Steaks definitely were among the best I had in recent years. I dine at higher end steak restaurants regularly and frequently. My jaw dropped in amazement of how well prepared the steaks were. A5 wagyu was delightfully succulent. Small explosions of umami pleasure as it melts in your mouth. The entrecote was a very ideal steak. Rich flavor, very well seasoned and addictive delicious. 9.3 Wagyu, 9.1 Entrecote. Unforgettable meal.
Overall: If the steaks are consistently prepared as well as this restaurant, this could be one of the best steakhouses in the world. It may never get the same hype or reputation, but definitely a hidden gem worth visiting if youre in Riyadh. Great first meal in Riyadh for me. I will never forget this meal as it also holds sentimental value. ...
Read moreI just dined at Asador de Aranda and i am thoroughly impressed by the authentic Spanish culinary experience. The meal began with a complimentary serving of fresh Spanish olives, virgin olive oil, and traditional Spanish bread, setting a delightful tone for the evening.
The goat cheese salad stood out with its freshness and vibrant flavors, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheese with crisp greens. The mushroom rice infused with truffle was a harmonious blend of earthy and savory notes, making it a must-try dish.
The highlight of the meal was the lamb shoulder, cooked to perfection. The meat was tender, flavorful, and showcased the restaurant’s expertise in traditional wood-fired cooking methods. This dedication to authentic preparation techniques is evident in every bite.
To conclude the evening, the staff surprised me with a beautifully crafted crème brûlée to celebrate my birthday, accompanied by a cup of rich burtgues coffee. This thoughtful gesture added a personal touch to the dining experience.
A special mention to Jaber, who was incredibly helpful and charming. He served us with such warmth and professionalism, making our experience even more enjoyable.
Asador de Aranda’s commitment to quality and tradition, along with its exceptional service, makes it a standout destination for those seeking genuine Spanish cuisine in Riyadh. Highly...
Read moreWas rejected at the door of our reservation number. (Hostesses need to be replaced or trained in hospitality IMMEDIATELY) They then agreed it was a technical issue on their website. We had to sit for 30 minutes to try to find an alternative place till they decided there was an empty table for us to sit on. Food was very basic. They were overwhelmed even though there was enough staff, and it was very obvious they were just all over the place. 6.their excuse was because it’s NYE - oh please - I’ve been to much bigger places with better organization in such nights. 7.staff were slow and the guy who was preparing the lamb for some reason in the back was yelling the whole time which was extremely uncomfortable. Way too overpriced for something that is not even close to Spanish food. Nothing is fancy about it, music was techno loud and noisy with bad choices of music and did not relate to the restaurants theme whatsoever. Mind you after 20 minutes of us sitting , with no one acknowledging us, we decided to pick and choose what we wanted to order only to be told it was a prepared set menu. The set menu had no variety of drinks whatsoever , it was just water and soft drinks!!
Very disappointing to be honest. The only waiter I liked was the Nigerian one who spoke Arabic. Very sweet...
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