Riyadh has developed a serious specialty coffee culture over the past five years. Saudi roasters, third-wave concepts, and a population that treats cafe time as prime social and work hours have produced a scene well beyond what visitors expect. This is a city where young Saudis spend Thursday afternoons in coffee shops the way other cities spend them in pubs.
Saudi Specialty Roasters
Kima Coffee
One of Riyadh’s most respected homegrown roasters. Kima sources single-origin beans, roasts in-house, and trains baristas to a consistent standard across multiple Riyadh branches. The Al-Olaya and Riyadh Boulevard locations are the best for working — decent table space, reliable WiFi, and busy enough to work without feeling conspicuous for staying two hours.
Drinks: SAR 18–32 as of 2026. Filter coffee and pourover available alongside espresso. Open from approximately 07:00 to midnight.
Barn Coffee Roasters
Started in Riyadh, now one of the best-known Saudi specialty brands. Barn roasts its own beans and has an international following. The Riyadh branches — particularly the one on Prince Mohammed bin Salman Road in the Diplomatic Quarter area — are popular with both the expat community and young Saudi professionals.
Drinks: SAR 18–35. Consistently good flat whites and cold brew. Gets busy from 10:00 onwards on weekdays; very busy on weekends.
Seven Fortunes Coffee
A Riyadh-native specialty roaster with a strong focus on bean traceability and light roasts. Smaller than Barn, with a more focused menu. The main branch is worth the detour if you’re serious about the coffee. SAR 20–38.
International Chains Worth Knowing
Starbucks
Present across Riyadh at every major mall and many stand-alone locations. Reliable, air-conditioned, and consistently decent WiFi. Better for a quick stop than a working session — the family sections in mall locations often lack power points. SAR 22–40.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Less ubiquitous than Starbucks but a solid alternative. Quieter branches at off-peak times make it a reasonable work option. SAR 18–35.
Cafes for Working Remotely
Urth Caffé (Al-Olaya)
The Los Angeles organic coffee concept has become a Riyadh institution. Spacious interior, good natural light, and fast WiFi make it genuinely good for working. Gets crowded from midday on weekdays and all day on weekends. Arrive before 10:00 for a comfortable work session. SAR 25–45 for coffee and a snack.
Dose Cafe
A clean, minimalist Riyadh cafe concept that attracts a professional crowd. Laptop-friendly layout with enough power points, good WiFi, and staff who understand that some customers are there to work. Multiple branches; the Al-Nakheel location is quieter than Al-Olaya. SAR 18–30.
Raw Coffee (Riyadh Front)
Part of the Riyadh Front development — a large outdoor mall and lifestyle complex in the north of the city. Raw Coffee has an open layout with good airflow from the outdoor terrace. Best on weekday mornings before the lunch crowd arrives. SAR 20–38.
Traditional Arabic Coffee
Al-Maidah Coffeehouse
For a traditional experience rather than a laptop session, Al-Maidah in the old commercial district serves qahwa (Arabic cardamom coffee) in the traditional manner — small handleless cups refilled repeatedly, served with dates. The atmosphere is unhurried and the coffee is made to order. SAR 10–15 for qahwa and dates.
The souks and traditional markets in Batha also have coffee stalls where you can try qahwa standing up for SAR 5–8 per cup.
Practical Notes for Working From Cafes
- Power points: Less common in older cafe formats; new specialty concepts usually provide them at every table or along bench seating. Check before committing to a spot.
- Noise levels: Riyadh cafes can get loud — particularly from 16:00 onwards when schools finish. If you need quiet, go early morning or during prayer times.
- Prayer closures: Traditional cafes close for 5–10 minutes at each prayer time. Most modern specialty cafes in malls and mixed-use developments stay open throughout. Check if your chosen spot enforces closures.
- Ramadan: During Ramadan, cafes are typically closed during daylight hours. They reopen after iftar (sunset) and many stay open past midnight to serve the suhoor crowd.
For a broader look at the city, see the Riyadh city guide and things to do in Riyadh.