Najd Village — Restaurant in Al Maathar Municipality

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Najd Village, located on Shariah Al-Thakusi in Al Olaya, Riyadh. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality, outstanding and authentic dining experience of traditional Saudi cuisine in a setting that truly honors its heritage. From the moment I stepped in, the ambiance promised a unique and genuine experience, which it absolutely delivered. The restaurant is beautifully decorated in a classic, traditional style, and this commitment to heritage extends to the way the food is served, making you feel truly immersed in the culture. We ordered a feast to sample a variety of flavors: Lamb Madghout, Lamb Maqluba, Lamb Mugalgal, Lamb Hamees with onion and the sweet bread. While the prices are slightly on the higher side, the quality justifies the cost. Every dish was delicious, but the Lamb Madghout was the undeniable standout, absolutely worth it and highly recommended. The experience was so remarkable that I placed a takeaway order for my family, who also loved it. I am already planning my next visit to try more dishes from their extensive menu. The staff were exceptionally kind and attentive. A special mention to the lady who took our order; she was not only efficient but also fluent in English, which made the ordering process seamless and hassle-free. Be aware that parking is charged at 3 SAR per hour. We visited after office hours and found plenty of spaces. However, given the number of restaurants in the area, finding parking during peak lunch or dinner hours might be...

It's a traditional Saudi restaurant that truly captures the essence of old Saudi culture through its ambiance and design. From the inside to the exterior, every detail—from the décor to the staff's attire—reflects a warm and welcoming traditional atmosphere. It really immerses you in the local heritage, making it a great place for family gatherings or casual meetups.

As for the food, it was decent but didn’t quite live up to expectations. The lamb mandi was flavorful, but it came with only four small pieces of lamb, which felt underwhelming for the price of 90 SAR. The chicken mandi was just okay—not bad, but not remarkable either. The potato fries were surprisingly good, and the samosas were average in taste.

The food is definitely rich in spices, which I personally enjoy, but I think the flavors could have been more balanced. This might just be my taste, so if you love spiced dishes, you might find it more to your liking.

While the food didn’t blow me away, the restaurant’s ambiance and family-friendly atmosphere made the experience enjoyable. It’s a great spot for a casual meal with loved ones, but if you're looking for top-tier flavor, it might not be the best choice. Still, it’s worth trying to see if it...

Terrible service at this location. No one came to take my order, despite the party the next table - who were seated after me - having no issue. It was generally very difficult to flag down wait staff (not just me - other parties seated near me who wanted to add something to their tab, too).

Soon after I sat down, before I had even made my first ignored attempt to order, a waiter brought me another party's order - multiple entrees, while I was just one person - and he and nearby staff all seemed extremely confused and disorganised. When he brought the wrong order, he explained the dish and displayed standard waiter politeness. But when he returned with eventual real order, he was silent and brisk. I wonder if he was upset at me for his mistake? Or did a manager scream at him for it?

The food is really average; I've had much better Saudi mains at other restaurants, and often for cheaper. I would only come here if you want to see the decorations and are too limited on time to see them elsewhere.

The toilet was in bad shape by the start of dinner service; no toilet paper to use, but lots of used paper overflowing from the bin to the floor;...