Restaurant Review: Altopiano, Diriyah

If the enticing, fresh cuisine from southern Italy is on your mind, then Altopiano, one of the latest Italian restaurants to open in Riyadh, is the place to go.

A homegrown Saudi concept, this upscale Italian restaurant is located in Bujairi Terrace, situated in the heart of Diriyah, Riyadh’s historical district and an important place for Saudi heritage.

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The restaurant is inspired by a traditional Sicilian trattoria and features a menu that fuses Sicilian cuisine with Middle Eastern delicacies – two enriching yet diverse gastronomical worlds.

When you enter, you will feel as if you’ve been whisked far away, right into a cosy restaurant in Sicily. The eatery lays claim to a decor that is at one and the same time rustic, elegant, and casual, making it feel ritzy yet warm.

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Diners can watch chefs prepare dishes as they converse and relax over delicious antipasti and mocktails. Those who prefer to sit outside can enjoy enrapturing views of the notable Diriyah, where there are remnants of the original home of the House of Saud, enhanced by dim lights and patio heaters for the cooler months.

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The Altopiano Salad, which comes with rocket, pomegranate, cheese, and dates, mingling Italian flavours with a sweet Saudi touch, is one of the best salads. Another favourite is the Cavolo and Erbette Salad, where the cabbage and herbs are complemented by a smashing lemon-tahini vinaigrette.

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For seafood lovers, the shrimp ceviche, with its popping aromas, and Sicilian sea bass, topped with olives, capers, and fresh herbs and perfected with a lemon-butter sauce, are highly recommended. For something more heavy duty, the stone baked truffle pizza and Pistacia Pasta, with its divinely different creamy pistachio pesto sauce, are not to be missed. (Cheese snobs, take note, the cheese in all the dishes is aged for 18 months.)

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And of course, there’s nothing that complements an espresso like some more coffee infused savoiardi (or ladyfinger sponge biscuits to you and I) in the form of a decadent tiramisu, spooned generously onto a plate.

Another perk of this new Saudi culinary hotspot is the fact that it is open until 1am. For those wishing to indulge in a late bite with taste and class, this is the place!

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@altopiano.sa
Bujairi Terrace, Diriyah 13711
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