Everything’s A-Okay in Riyadh: Inside A.O.K Kitchen at KAFD
A restaurant where Mediterranean warmth meets Californian cool, with a dash of London sophistication and a sprinkle of Middle Eastern elegance.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a restaurant where Mediterranean warmth meets Californian cool, with a dash of London sophistication and a sprinkle of Middle Eastern elegance—A.O.K Kitchen in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is exactly that.
Founded on the vision of Kelly Landesberg, A.O.K Kitchen first opened its doors in London in 2019, making waves for its inclusive, stylish, and health-conscious dining. In 2022, the concept crossed continents to Saudi Arabia, with the Riyadh location beautifully designed by HRH Anoud Mishal Al Saudi—a timeless yet creative space where floral details and textured finishes create an atmosphere that’s both exclusive and welcoming. Think “elegant dinner party” meets “happy gathering.”
The Team Making It Happen
At the helm in Riyadh is General Manager Jon Gomez alongside Nicholas Mataragkas, a Greek-born chef whose refined and international culinary vision brings an elevated edge to the menu. Together, they lead a team dedicated to quality, sourcing many premium ingredients from Sitaf Food—including fresh burrata, aromatic truffle, semolina, feta, extra virgin olive oil, dried porcini mushrooms, aged Grana Padano, and silky balsamic vinegar. These ingredients aren’t just impressive on paper—they shine on the plate.
The Concept: Healthy Indulgence
The A.O.K menu was crafted by some of London’s finest chefs, with an ethos that good food should make you feel good. That means dishes are free from refined sugars, low in dairy and gluten, yet bursting with flavor. It’s a culinary balancing act—healthy enough to satisfy the wellness crowd, indulgent enough to keep the foodies coming back.
From Sunrise to Dessert
With seating for 70 indoors and 20 outdoors, A.O.K Kitchen is an all-day dining space where breakfast seamlessly rolls into brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Morning visitors might start with a vibrant acai bowl or fluffy gluten-free blueberry pancakes. Later in the day, seabass ceviche, homemade gluten-free gnocchi, or truffle-laced specials take center stage. Every bite feels thoughtfully sourced, seasonally fresh, and plated with care.
More Than a Restaurant
A.O.K Kitchen Riyadh isn’t just about eating—it’s about belonging. It’s a place where design, service, and food work together to make guests feel both special and at home. As their motto goes: “Everything is A-Okay at A.O.K Kitchen.” And here in Riyadh, with its mix of Mediterranean charm, Californian freshness, and Saudi elegance, that promise rings deliciously true.
