A very welcome addition to KAFD, which already feels like a neighbourhood favourite
Our entire job revolves around recommending restaurants, but even we find it a nightmare choosing somewhere that will cater to everyone. You’ve got your gluten-free folk, your vegans, your vegetarians, your spice lovers, your spice haters, and the list goes on
But A.O.K Kitchen, which has recently opened its doors in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), has countless options for all of the above and, importantly, has a vibrant menu that stems from the idea of comfort food.
To endow the KAFD address with the identity of A.O.K, the same tenet and ethos of the original location in London have been created to carry forward the experience and the name
Specialising in dishes free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, Riyadh’s new must-be-seen-in restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can spend an entire day in A.O.K enjoying the stylish and buzzy ambience of the bright and open space, or you can opt to dine alfresco for when the weather gets cooler by the end of the year
Part of the A.O.K experience also includes the restaurant’s chic décor, with a “feel-good fun for all” atmosphere. Guests walk into a dramatic setting of magical mystery thanks to the imposing vine and blossoms trawling across the entire ceiling
Comfortable banquettes line the perimeter of the cosy establishment, complete with neatly arranged tables. The nooks and corners are connected to the central restaurant space, ensuring that every section has privacy while being a part of the main zone
The well-maximised space is tied together by the mirrored bar, surrounded by plush bar stools. Hand-painted silk wallpaper, dark wood tables and leather dining chairs, complemented by earthy hues, are elements that complete the enchanted garden aesthetic
As for the menu It is just as whimsical as its setting, with dishes bursting with vibrant colours and Mediterranean and Californian flavours
We begin our meal with a pair of nibbles: the grilled Padron peppers (SAR32) and the sourdough flatbread, peppered with generous shavings of summer truffle, parmesan and rocket leaves (SAR72), whet the appetite while we await our appetisers
First-time diners to A.O.K should give the lentils and roasted carrots (SAR72) a try – simply seasoned, light, and tasty. The beef tartare served with olive bread crostini (SAR120) is also a good one, particularly with the gooey Onsen quail egg
Onwards to the mains, we sample a few protein dishes. The BBQ lamb chops with piquillo peppers and chimichurri sauce (SAR172) is a generous plate but lacks that punch of a flavour
Meanwhile, on a bed of green beans and watercress, garnished with fresh, bright, and zingy tomatoes and aged Parmesan, a dish of juicy, chargrilled sirloin Tagliata (SAR176) is impressive to behold – and delish, nonetheless
The grilled wild tiger prawns (SAR195) are truly an understatement – the dish pleasantly surprises with a generous serving of three very large prawns cut into halves, well marinated in spicy chermoula. The taste simply grips you right from the get-go – from the tender texture of the prawns to the rich chermoula sauce, it is the perfect indulgence for fans of seafood
Sides of charred broccolini (SAR42) and sauteed potatoes (SAR38) make the perfect accompaniments to our main dishes
After a perfectly round gluten-free baked chocolate mousse served with homemade vanilla ice cream finishes off our lunch, we’re left feeling comfortably full without any sense of over-indulgence, despite eating every morsel on each plate served
Our overall verdict? We’d say A.O.K proves to be just as agreeable as its name would suggest, plus it definitely has a feel-good fun vibe all around
daily 8am to 11.30pm. Tel: 9200 25304. @aokkitchensaudi
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