Introducing the Kingdom to the rich history and flavours of Anatolian cuisine, Rüya Riyadh opened in the Saudi capital on 11th May. Translating to ‘dream’ in Turkish, Rüya was born from the dream of founder Umut Özkanca, whose passion for keeping alive the cuisine of his homeland and childhood led him to launch the stylish and authentic Rüya brand in London, Dubai, Doha, Cannes, and now, Riyadh.
Spread across two floors and seating 127 people indoors and al fresco on a spacious terrace, Rüya Riyadh will comprise an elegant main restaurant, vibrant lounge and private dining room, where celebrations and sharing are encouraged. Like its global outlets, the space will blend heritage with modernity, with cosy and convivial additions including a roaring bread oven and open kitchen.
Rüya collaborated with Conran and Partners to create the interpretation of Anatolia, with the design inspired by its rich history of Byzantines, Ottoman and modern-day Turkey. Guests dine on the spacious ground floor, indoors with views of the polished open kitchen or outside on the sprawling greenery-filled terrace. The first floor will double as an events area and has a separate terrace available for private celebrations and functions.
Rüya Riyadh will blend organic materials with cutting-edge design touches, such as timber and glass screens, a statement staircase, coloured glass, marble, walnut and intricate detailing. Beautiful and eye-catching design touches like patterned scatter cushions and lanterns will fill the space, while an elegant jewel-tone colour palette of gold, emerald and rose quartz softens the angular design touches. In a nod to the verdant landscape of Anatolia, the bright outdoor terraces will be filled with lush potted greenery.
‘Apart from the incredible food, what sets Rüya apart is that it has a powerful storyline and a lot of passion, and personal passion, behind it,’ said Tina Nordern, director of design firm Conran and Partners on Rüya’s design identity. ‘We spent a lot of time researching Anatolian and Turkish history, which is fascinating and goes back centuries and centuries, and where we’ve arrived at is taking all of that incredible history and culture and interpreting it in a contemporary way,’
The same level of dedication and immersion is alive in the kitchen, and guests can dine on hearty and soulful dishes like the classic pide (a flatbread with bubbling cheeses, melted butter and egg), a mouth-watering selection of hot and cold Turkish meze and lahmacun (delicate flatbread topped with minced meat and herbs). Creative mocktails will infuse Turkish flavours and ingredients such as fragrant hibiscus, rose, pomegranate, honey, spices, and refreshing citrus and mint, and a lively brunch and business lunch will also be available following the opening.
Rüya is founded by Umut Özkanca, the co-creator of renowned concepts like Borsa, Masa, Parlé and Istanbul Modern.
For bookings & reservations please call 9200 10692 or email enquiries@ruyariyadh.com
