Dolce & Gabbana Opens Its First Café and Restaurant in Saudi Arabia: Executive Chef is Italian
Dolce & Gabbana has opened its first café and restaurant in Saudi Arabia, following its locations in Milan and Shanghai. This marks a bold new chapter for the Italian maison, which, after gastronomic collaborations with the Fiasconaro pastry shop, Bialetti, Donna Fugata winery, and Di Martino pasta brand, now lands in the "City of Earth" — the "new" Diriyah neighborhood. This new 1,500-square-meter space fits perfectly into an environment of absolute prestige, located in the district, which is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. Since its launch in 2016, this vision has projected the country into a new era of development and innovation. Diriyah, home to the ancient Al-Turaif Palace, symbolizing the power of the first Saudi dynasty and included on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010 for its historical significance and unique Najdi architectural style, stands as a symbol of both heritage and modernity, blending its glorious past with a future marked by style and refinement, now also crowned by the Italian brand.
The birthplace of the Saudi dynasty and today the epicenter of a colossal $63 billion development project, Diriyah spans 14 square kilometers dedicated to residences, culture, hospitality, and shopping. This destination will host over 100,000 people, including residents, workers, and visitors, solidifying its status as the new epicenter of luxury in the Middle East.
The Dolce & Gabbana boutique is part of the Vision 2030 plan supported by the Saudi government, located in the magnificent Bujairi Terrace, destined to become the new mecca of shopping and lifestyle in the Middle East. The boutique features tailored clothing – including a sophisticated collection of abayas – accessories, sparkling jewelry, luxury watches, enveloping fragrances, and products from the Home Collection.
The First Dolce & Gabbana Café in Saudi Arabia
Leading the culinary experience is Italian chef Alex Simone, head chef of Il Baretto, one of the top Italian restaurants in Riyadh, whose talent is already recognized in the international gastronomic scene. The entire project is orchestrated by the MJS group, led by operation manager Jon Gomez, who also manages icons of the restaurant scene such as the French brand Assouline’s collaboration, Il Baretto, Zuma, and Mr Chow. The goal? To offer a refined dining experience where Italian know-how meets Saudi traditions.
The Dolce & Gabbana menu pays homage to the most iconic Italian flavors with a contemporary twist. Unmissable dishes include truffle sandwiches, caprese salad, margherita pizza by the slice, and club sandwiches. Fresh salads are complemented by traditional Italian pasta dishes, such as penne all'arrabbiata and rigatoni cacio e pepe. To end on a sweet note, classic tiramisu and mini Sicilian cannoli are a must-try. Light bites and Mediterranean finger foods, perfect for a chic aperitif, are complemented by a selection of Dolce & Gabbana chocolates, which are true works of art to savor. Many of the Italian products found in Saudi Arabia come from Sitaf Food.
For Those Who Want a Restaurant Managed by the Same Group as Dolce & Gabbana Café
In parallel with the opening of Dolce & Gabbana’s restaurant, another high-end culinary name has made its way into Diriyah, just a few months ago and only 200 meters away from Dolce & Gabbana Café: Assouline. This concept features the collaboration of chef Nicholas Mataragkas, a Greek-born chef with a refined and international culinary vision. "Our menu is a tribute to the fusion of French heritage and Saudi flavors," says Mataragkas. "We adapt classic French ingredients to the local palate, creating a unique blend between two cultures. An example? Our Endive Salad with Roquefort Cheese, which has an intense taste but is revised to suit the Saudi audience."
The venue also offers a rich selection of refined desserts and an innovative Afternoon Tea experience, designed for those who enjoy relaxing with exclusive Assouline books and gourmet dishes. "We want Assouline to be the perfect meeting point between heritage and modernity, just like Diriyah itself," concludes the chef.
