Carbone Riyadh — Restaurant in Municipality of Al Shamal

Carbone Riyadh brings an internationally known brand to the capital with a dining experience that aims to blend sophistication, nostalgia, and high-end appeal. The setting is carefully styled with a vintage Italian-American aesthetic. Dark wood, white tablecloths, and classic lighting create an atmosphere that is undeniably polished. The space feels curated to impress, and it does a good job of setting the scene for an upscale meal.

Service is one of the restaurant’s strong points. Staff are courteous and attentive without being intrusive. The pacing of the meal is smooth and professional, and it is clear that the team is trained to deliver a premium dining experience. From the moment you walk in, everything runs with precision and formality.

However, the food does not fully live up to the expectations that come with the Carbone name. The menu includes several of the brand’s most recognizable dishes, including the spicy rigatoni. While the pasta is cooked to the right texture and the sauce has a touch of warmth, the flavors feel flat. The dish, which in other markets is known for its bold profile, feels muted here. It is worth noting that in Riyadh the dish is prepared without alcohol, in line with local regulations, which may contribute to the difference in flavor.

Other courses were similar in quality. The starters and salads were fresh but lacked depth. Main courses looked appealing but did not stand out in taste or execution. Desserts were simple and limited in variety. While the presentation of each dish was attractive, the overall meal did not deliver a memorable culinary experience.

Prices are consistent with luxury dining, but the value does not quite match. Guests are clearly paying for the branding and ambiance as much as, if not more than, the food. For special occasions or those curious to experience an international name in Riyadh, it might be worth a visit. However, those seeking outstanding Italian flavors or a truly remarkable meal may leave feeling underwhelmed.

In summary, Carbone Riyadh delivers on service and setting but falls short on flavor. It is a beautifully designed space and the experience is polished, but the food lacks the personality and depth that would make the visit...

A Culinary Odyssey at Carbone Riyadh

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Carbone in Riyadh, that prides itself on delivering an authentic Italian dining experience. We ordered the Rigatoni, and the portions, though modest, were meticulously crafted, earning them a commendable three-star rating.

However, the culinary journey took a detour with the Caesar salad, which failed to evoke the expected awe, appearing rather overrated. The salmon dish, unfortunately, suffered from overcooking, resulting in an undesired dryness, exacerbated by an excessive serving of beans, a regrettable addition. The Aglio Olio and shrimp plates left something to be desired, lacking the anticipated culinary finesse.

Despite these culinary missteps, the restaurant's crew exhibited a commendable level of friendliness, offering a compensatory gesture in the form of a complimentary Tiramisu. This classic Italian dessert managed to salvage the meal, striking a delicate balance between moistness and dryness. Notably, the generosity extended to us was in response to the subpar quality of the spaghetti, demonstrating a commitment to customer satisfaction.

In summary, Carbone Riyadh, while showcasing elements of authentic Italian cuisine, falls short of delivering a consistently exceptional experience. The overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 reflects the highs and lows encountered during our visit. Regrettably, based on this experience, I find myself hesitant to revisit Carbone...

I am reviewing directly from the restaurant and you know you got to a perfect place in Riyadh, because of : the quality and efficiency of the greetings, they provided me the ideal table the ambiance and the dinning room that can accommodate a group as well as an individual, with some nicer quiet seating or in the larger dinning area, and even outside if you can enjoy the heat 🥵 😃 the quality of the meals as you are served some rib eye perfectly medium cooked and it's garlic "en chemise" and some nicely grilled asparagus (not adding the huge appetizers, which were not only good but even enough for a dinner 😋), when you need just that to enjoy your dinner... then comes dessert, I know I'm full, what will I choose? Ouh la la let yourself guided to their dessert station and you'll find some space left for one or two of these homemade desserts, trust me. So here I am having a delicious cake a "dark chocolate ouch" yes you read it right and oh ouch delicious with vanilla gelato. Special thanks to Mahamed, Sani and Salah. And to the Chef, so fun to hear you with your team I loved it ! Congratulations great cuisine ! (My pictures will not give justice to this enjoyable moment, you all...