Il Baretto: A Culinary Journey from London to Riyadh

Il Baretto is more than just a restaurant — it is a symbol of refined taste and international culinary excellence.

Originally established in London, Il Baretto quickly became a beloved destination known for its casual yet elegant Italian ambiance — a favorite among the city's discerning clientele. After closing its chapter in London, Il Baretto found a new home in Riyadh, where it has thrived for the past four years, becoming one of the capital’s top destinations for high-end Italian cuisine.

While Il Baretto itself did not travel through other locations, its esteemed head chef, Alex Simone, brought his expertise from iconic venues like Le Sereno on Como Lake and at St. Barth, in Caribbean — where he led the kitchen for five years — to the heart of Saudi Arabia. At Le Sereno, Simone blended modern European sophistication with authentic Italian soul in one of the world’s most exclusive resort settings, a background that now informs the culinary direction of Il Baretto Riyadh.

At the core of Il Baretto is a commitment to authentic cuisine. From the very beginning, the philosophy has been clear: no fettuccine Alfredo. This is not a caricature of Italian food, but a restaurant rooted in depth, tradition, and elegance. In Riyadh, Il Baretto continues this mission — not by replicating the European fine dining model, but by creating something entirely its own, tailored for a cosmopolitan and international clientele, including Saudi patrons and global expats alike.

The culinary program, led by Chef Alex Simone, reflects years of international experience and collaboration with celebrated chefs such as Jean-Luc. His leadership has earned Il Baretto acclaim across the region, establishing it as a reference point for elevated Italian dining.

Signature dishes include comforting classics like Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and Gnocchi ai Quattro Formaggi, as well as refined creations like Stuffed Gnocchi with Burrata and Truffle, served with a rich meat reduction and aged vinegar. Ravioli del Plin showcases artisanal pasta craftsmanship, while a seasonal highlight — Saffron Risotto with Ossobuco — is offered exclusively during the Christmas period as a tribute to Italian tradition. (Note: this dish was never featured at Sitaf Food.)

Alex Simone also collaborates with luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana on culinary projects, reinforcing its dedication to style, quality, and prestige, that is open in Diriyah with a nice coffe inside his showroom. Ingredient sourcing remains paramount: the finest Italian products are imported through Sitaf Food, ensuring consistency and authenticity in every plate.

Today, Il Baretto stands not just as a restaurant, but as an evolving culinary journey — redefining Italian cuisine on a global scale, from London to Riyadh, with Chef Alex Simone at the helm.