image
Saudi ArabiaFoodRestaurants

by Iffat Nawaz

Brewing Up a Storm: Best Cafés In Riyadh For Coffee Lovers

15 May 2025

Mmm, the rich aroma of roasted beans and the promise of a delightful brew! It sounds like you are diving into the heart of Riyadh's vibrant cafe culture, a perfect complement to Saudi Arabia's deep-rooted coffee tradition. From the energising kick that boosts brain function and productivity to the social connection fostered over a shared cup, coffee truly weaves its way through our daily lives.
In Riyadh, this appreciation for coffee is amplified, blending the time-honoured custom of qahwa — a symbol of Saudi hospitality and generosity, often served with dates in a ritual that strengthens social bonds — with a burgeoning modern cafe scene.
UNESCO recognised in 2015 by adding qahwa to its Intangible Cultural World Heritage list that the preparation and sharing of this traditional coffee, typically made with Arabica beans and cardamom, is an integral part of Saudi culture. While the customary offering of three symbolic cups of qahwa remains a cherished tradition, international brands and local coffee shops in Riyadh are also buzzing with innovative coffee specialities. This contemporary coffee landscape is contributing to a thriving market valued at billions of dollars.
So, as you settle in with your cup, let's journey through the best cafes in Riyadh for genuine coffee lovers.

Brew92 Café: Where science meets coffee snobbery (and wins)

In the ever-competitive coffee scene, Brew92 Café has brewed itself into urban legend status. This café is not so much a pit stop as it is a pilgrimage site for caffeine devotees who believe that temperature, bean, and barista alignment are a spiritual trifecta.
Named after the scientifically correct brewing temperature (yes, they really mean 92°C), Brew92 is a shrine to the gospel of good coffee. The team does not just make coffee; they study it, they travel for it, they quite literally live for it. Armed with beans that are 100 percent speciality-grade Arabica and training from the Specialty Coffee Association (yes, that is a real thing), they take your flat white more seriously than most people take their careers.
Now, while you could order your typical cappuccino here (they do those rather well, by the way), the real fun lies in their “stranger drinks” menu — pistachio lattes, crème brûlée brews, and the mildly unhinged but completely brilliant espresso ice cream sandwich. Vegans, worry not — alternative milks abound, so you can be both dairy-free and excessively caffeinated.
With outposts in Jeddah, Makkah and Al Madinah, Brew92 is less of a café and more of a coffee empire. The only thing missing is an academic journal detailing how to perfectly dunk your biscotti.
Why you will love Brew92 Café
  • Coffee brewed to an obsessive degree of precision — always at 92°C.
  • A menu that goes from classic to wildly creative without missing a beat.
  • Baristas trained to standards higher than your last appraisal.
  • Multiple locations across Saudi Arabia — your addiction can travel with you.

Half Million: Riyadh’s favourite humble-brag in a cup

You may not have been to Half Million yet, but your Instagram feed probably has. With its now-iconic logo clutched by every third passer-by and its reach extending all the way to London’s Oxford Street (no big deal), Half Million has officially transcended café status — it is a lifestyle choice.
Named after the modest little sum that started it all — a tidy 500,000 riyal investment — this homegrown favourite keeps things refreshingly unfussy. No molecular coffee experiments or avant-garde latte art here. Just good, strong brews, cheerful service and the kind of menu that knows exactly what you want before you do.
The coffee is reliably excellent, but let’s talk about the mini caramel bites. Sitting there behind the counter like they are not plotting your downfall — sticky, sweet, perfectly portioned lies. And if you are feeling virtuous, there is a simple falafel bagel that might convince you you are making balanced choices. (You are not, but we admire the effort.)
Swing by any time — literally — since they are open 24 hours a day. Whether it is a midday pick-me-up or a midnight crisis that only sugar and caffeine can solve, Half Million is waiting with open arms and full cups.
Why you will love Half Million
  • A proudly Saudi success story with global ambition (and better coffee than your office).
  • Open 24/7, because your coffee cravings do not check the clock.
  • Mini caramel bites that are neither optional nor resistible.
  • Friendly, no-fuss service that still somehow makes you feel cool.

Andarena Cafe: A nest for coffee lovers in Riyadh

Tucked away in the Ghirnatah neighbourhood, Andarena Cafe is a comfort zone for coffee lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. You will get an inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing, studying or working.
Andarena Cafe shines in its expertly brewed coffee, featuring a range of speciality drinks. Every cup is crafted with care from the rich flavours of their Saudi Coffee Latte to the delightful combination of espresso and Spanish latte. Pair your coffee with their delicious berry beverage and indulge in their scrumptious French Toast and San Sebastian cheesecake.
Andarena Cafe's ambience is warm and welcoming, with a trendy yet cosy vibe. Enjoy the outdoor seating area, perfect for pleasant days, or snuggle by the fireplace on chilly evenings. The cafe offers:
  • Free Wi-Fi.
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, and seating.
  • Gender-neutral toilets.
  • Quiet and romantic atmosphere, ideal for solo dining or working.
  • Speciality coffee drinks, including Saudi Coffee Latte and Cortado.
  • Small plates and quick bites, such as sandwiches and cheesecakes.
  • Delicious brunch options.
  • Desserts, including San Sebastian cheesecake.
Why you will love Andarena Cafe
  • Great coffee and dessert options.
  • Cosy atmosphere, perfect for relaxation or productivity.
  • Outdoor seating and a fireplace add to the charm.
  • Convenient location with delivery and takeaway options available.

Namq Café: Where elegance gets caffeinated

Namq Café is what happens when sophistication puts on an apron and decides to serve coffee. With thirteen branches scattered generously across the Kingdom, Namq has cemented its place as the spot for those who like their caffeine with a side of class (and a cheeky brownie or two).
The concept is as simple as it is charming: coffee, pastries, and a place to sit while pretending to answer emails. The coffee menu swings from no-nonsense Americano to the more ceremonial Saudi coffee, with V60s and mattes thrown in for good measure. Yes, we said matte — no, we are not entirely sure what that is either, but it tastes rather delightful.
And then there are the snacks. Almond, butter, pecan and chocolate — it is basically a tribute to all things that make self-control impossible. The salted caramel brownie is, frankly, a minor miracle, and if you are thinking about skipping the classic chocolate cake… do not. Order both. Life is short and Namq’s pastry shelf is long.
Minimal fuss, maximum flavour, and just enough ambience to feel like you have your life together — Namq is elegance in a cup (and on a plate).
Why you will love Namq Café
  • A refined take on specialty coffee without the snobbery.
  • An expansive menu with something for the purist and the pastry enthusiast.
  • 13 locations, so one is likely near you whether you planned it or not.
  • Desserts so good they will ruin your willpower, and you will thank it for doing so.

9th Street Coffee Roasters in Riyadh: A coffee lover's paradise

In the centre of Riyadh, 9th Street Coffee Roasters has emerged as a favourite among coffee enthusiasts. This charming coffee shop in Riyadh is renowned for its exceptional speciality coffee, healthy food options, and inviting atmosphere.
9th Street Coffee Roasters takes pride in its carefully selected, single-origin, organic beans, which are roasted to perfection to bring out their bold, confident character. The coffee is known for its strong, explosive flavour with layers of nutty and subtle toffee notes. Whether you prefer hot or iced coffee, 9th Street Coffee Roasters in Riyadh has you covered.
In addition to its exceptional coffee, 9th Street Coffee Roasters in Riyadh offers a range of healthy food options to complement your beverage. From sweet treats to savoury bites, options galore to suit all tastes.
This light-filled coffee shop in Riyadh is ideal for working, meeting friends or mellowing out. The atmosphere is always perfect and the temperature is just right. With its simple yet elegant decor, 9th Street Coffee Roasters is a sanctuary for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Why you will love 9th Street Coffee Roasters
  • 9th Street Coffee Roasters is known for its world-class coffee, which many describe as "some of the best you will find."
  • The atmosphere is always perfect, making it an ideal spot to work, meet friends, or relax.
  • A range of healthy food options is available to complement your coffee.
  • 9th Street Coffee Roasters offers street parking options.

Fabrica de Café: Where minimalism meets maximum indulgence

Step into Fabrica de Café and you may briefly forget you are in Riyadh. With its soft Mediterranean charm, ceramic vases, and mood lighting worthy of a lifestyle shoot, this café feels less like a pit stop and more like a Pinterest board that came to life — in the best possible way.
This isn’t the kind of place where coffee comes with a side of chaos. No, Fabrica is calm, composed and just a bit smug about how aesthetically pleasing it is. Every corner is an Instagram opportunity, every table is candlelit serenity. And the coffee? Oh, the coffee is excellent — thoughtfully brewed and offered in every hot-and-cold permutation you could possibly want. The flavours are plentiful, the presentation is chic, and your caffeine fix will feel slightly more sophisticated just by being served here.
Hungry? Good. You are in the right place. Fabrica deals in French pastries so buttery they should come with a warning, cookies that are more “cake” than “snack,” and ice cream that frankly needs no occasion. There is even a waffle and French toast station outside — because sometimes, breakfast deserves a bit of open-air drama.
It is clean, it is calm, and it is very possibly the most relaxed you will feel with a triple espresso in hand.
Why you will love Fabrica de Café
  • A coffee experience that feels like a Mediterranean holiday (passport not required).
  • Sleek, neutral-toned interiors that whisper, “You are doing life right.”
  • French pastries, chunky cookies, and yes — ice cream.
  • An outdoor station for waffles and French toast, because why not.

Dr. Cafe: An ultimate destination for coffee lovers in Riyadh

Nestled in Olaya Street, Dr. Cafe is a gem that shines bright among the best cafes in Riyadh. This aesthetically pleasing coffee shop has a fantastic indoor and outdoor ambience, making it the perfect spot to unwind and socialise with friends.
Dr. Cafe's outdoor seating area features a beautiful patio, comfortable seating, and water mist sprayers that help cool and humidify the surrounding area. The indoor seating area is equally impressive, with a classy, minimalistic design that exudes elegance.
Dr. Cafe has a wide range of signature beverages, coffees and mojitos, all crafted carefully. Their bakery items are freshly baked on the day, and their croissants are particularly noteworthy for their soft and tasty texture. Some popular items recently added to the menu include:
  • Iced Tiramisu Latte: A spring special that is perfect for beating the heat.
  • Iced Dates Latte: A unique and refreshing blend of cream and dates that is perfect for hot summer days.
  • Toasted Halloumi Sandwiches: A delicious and savoury option that's perfect for a quick snack.
Why you will love Dr. Cafe
  • Dr. Cafe's coffee is top-notch, and their beverages are crafted with care and precision.
  • The cafe's design is both beautiful and functional, making it a joy to spend time there.
  • Ample parking is available.
  • Dr. Cafe's prices are reasonable, making it an accessible option for coffee lovers of all budgets.