The story
Maiz is a Saudi restaurant in Riyadh at Al Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah, and Gault&Millau gave it 14.5 in 2026. The dining rooms face the At-Turaif citadel.
The kitchen builds its menu around the 13 regions of Saudi Arabia, with Najd at the centre. The resident chef travelled the country to taste the food and aromas of each culture. A team of international chefs later refined the result. The concept comes from Al Khozama, a Gulf hospitality group, and Michelin lists the restaurant as Recommended for 2026.
Meals open with small bites of tahini, olives, pea purée, and a date-fig purée with honey. The jarji salad of smoked eggplant, herbs and spices is assembled in front of guests. Kubeila, one of the signature dishes, gathers stuffed vine leaves, slices of lamb and potatoes. Mouhalabieh closes the meal, finished with a thin ribbon of fresh fruit.
Guests are welcomed with tea and a date before entering two long, adjoining dining rooms. Large communal tables set the pace, and the table settings use handcrafted pottery. The drinks list leans on mocktails, fruit juices, alcohol-free beers and wines. Themed Saudi music nights are held here too.
Recognition
Ambience
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History
It is one of the most convincing, authentically Saudi dining experiences in the city. In the Bujirai Terrace food hall, facing the magnificent At-Turaif citadel (don’t miss the 7pm sound-and-light show), this spacious venue feels like a private home where you're welcome with a greeting tea and a date before entering two long, adjoining dining rooms. The large communal tables contribute to the festive atmosphere of a cuisine proudly rooted in local tradition, supported by an enthusiastic staff who take pride in their work ; great care is given to presentation, plating, and finishing touches, starting with the thoughtful and flavorful amuse-bouches (tahini, olives, pea purée, date-fig purée with honey). The ingredients of the lovely jarji salad, smoked eggplant, herbs, and spices, are assembled in front of guests, just like the kubeila, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, gets an unexpected final flourish that brings together delicious stuffed vine leaves, slices of lamb, and potatoes in a subtly aromatic ensemble. The final mouhalabieh is technically perfect, adorned with a delicate ribbon of fresh fruit. Every detail counts, from the décor to the table setting, featuring beautifully crafted pottery, and the wide range of beverages, mocktails, fruit juices, alcohol-free beers and wines, caters to nearly every preference.
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