Value-driven, globally inspired, and socially savvy: Careem DineOut data reveals Riyadh's top dining trends

Manal Saleh

-         Foodies in KSA save an average of 71 SAR per transaction when eating out using Careem Dineout

-         From Lebanese feasts to innovative international concepts, Careem DineOut's data offers a glimpse into the diverse and evolving tastes of Riyadh's dining community

Riyadh, KSA – [Monday] 04 August - Serving up a fresh look at Riyadh's dining scene, new data from Careem DineOut offers a glimpse into the evolving tastes of the city’s residents, revealing a value-conscious approach, deep appreciation for both local and international flavors, and the importance of the social dining experience.

Careem DineOut is Careem’s F&B venue discovery and discount platform that helps foodies in Riyadh explore hundreds of the best restaurants and cafes, with Careem Plus subscribers accessing savings of up to 35% on their dining bills at top venues throughout the city through DineOut.

DineOut's data paints a vivid picture of Riyadh’s dining habits, revealing a value-conscious and convenience-driven approach to eating out. The most-used filters in the Careem DineOut app: Offers, Nearby, and Specific Cuisines suggest that customers are actively optimising for savings, proximity, and tailored dining experiences without compromising on quality.

As a result, Careem DineOut users save an average of 71 SAR per transaction, highlighting how these behaviors translate into real savings.

As temperatures soar, Riyadh’s residents adjust their habits. Careem DineOut data shows a consistent dip in dining-out activity during the summer months, alongside a clear preference for closed, air-conditioned dining venues. Restaurants that prioritize comfortable indoor environments during this period saw stronger traffic and customer retention.

DineOut’s top 10 restaurants in Riyadh show:

●       Lebanese Dominance: high bookings for Wafi Gourmet, and Manzoul, suggest a strong and enduring love for Lebanese cuisine in Riyadh, pointing to a preference for familiar flavors, generous portions, and a social dining experience.

●       International Flair: high volume of bookings for BeKaBo, Tilia, Venor, NOZOMI - Century Corner, Gymkhana, Raoul’s, and The Swiss Bistro represent interest in a diverse range of international cuisines, including contemporary, American Southwest, Asian, Indian, iconic SoHo charm, and European.

●       Cafe Culture: With several locations across Riyadh, Sugar Hive exudes trendiness and laidback vibes, boasting dishes like pecan French toast stuffed with cream, and cold iced teas oozing of matcha or hibiscus. Trendy coffee spots are no doubt one of the city’s top draws, where 30% of DineOut users seeking their caffeine fix refill their cup at the same outlet within a month, with the likes of Black Stamp and LIGER repeatedly retaining returning customers. 

The Saudi capital's wider culinary landscape is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, where Careem DineOut diners appreciate the comforting familiarity of traditional Saudi flavors, but also crave innovative culinary experiences – particularly over the weekend, where more than half (55.5%) of all DineOut transactions take place.

In fact, more than 90% of DineOut transactions occur between Turki Alawwal, Al Takhasussi, and Al Tahlia, representing the three busiest streets in downtown Riyadh and where many popular plazas and public squares like U Walk, The Espalande, and The Zone, call home.

Restaurants that can successfully bridge this gap, offering a modern twist on classic dishes, or introducing entirely new concepts while respecting local tastes, are best positioned to thrive, with a desire for both the familiar and the novel coupled with a value-conscious approach.

Beyond local preferences, though, such as peak dinner time between 9 and 11pm, Riyadh's cosmopolitan population is driving a growing demand for international cuisines, reflecting an increasing exposure to global flavors and a willingness to explore diverse culinary traditions, with diners becoming decidedly more globally-minded in their dish decisions.  Add to that the importance of the social aspect of dining, with restaurants that foster a welcoming atmosphere and an ability to cater to group gatherings proving particularly popular, proving the continued value of community and shared experiences in Saudi culture.

To begin your discovery of Riyadh’s top dishes and to start your own tasty trends, simply download or open the Careem app, and navigate to DineOut. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.

-END-

About Careem
Careem is the region’s leading multi-service app, making it easier than ever to move around, order food and groceries, manage payments, and more. Careem is led by a powerful purpose to simplify and improve the lives of people and build an awesome organisation that inspires. Since 2012, Careem has created earning opportunities for over 2.5 million Captains, simplified the lives of over 50 million customers, and built a platform for the region’s best talent to thrive and for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses. Careem operates in over 70 cities across 10 countries, from Morocco to Pakistan.