Piatto: Italy Meets the Middle East in a Beloved Saudi Dining Concept

Since its founding in 2010, Piatto has been redefining what it means to enjoy Italian food in Saudi Arabia. More than just a restaurant, it’s an immersive, family-friendly experience where classic Italian cuisine meets subtle Middle Eastern flair—and it’s only getting bigger.

With over 40 locations across the Kingdom, including 8 unique shop formats, 5 in Jeddah, 1 in Al Khobar, and 2 more in the Eastern Province, Piatto is the flagship brand of Alpha Group, the first Saudi company to launch a homegrown Italian dining concept—and today the largest, with flagship venues seating up to 450 guests.

Designed Like a Little Italy

Piatto isn’t just about food; it’s about feeling. The spaces evoke the warmth and charm of an Italian village—complete with a central piazza, a leafy patio, an orangerie, and verandas that bring the Mediterranean outdoors in. Each location is designed with a distinctive touch, creating spaces that feel personal yet familiar.

Whether dining in the Piazza InCentro, where the ambience echoes a Tuscan town square, or enjoying a meal under the pergola-style Veranda, guests find themselves transported. The concept appeals to families and children, with interactive features like tablet drawing apps that bring printed placemats to life, creating a full sensory experience for kids.

Food that Speaks Two Languages

At its core, Piatto offers authentic Italian cuisine—from freshly made pizzas to pasta sheets rolled in-house—but with flavors and touches that subtly speak to the local palate. Think Middle Eastern herbs, halal-certified preparations, and warm spices that add dimension without compromising tradition.

One of Piatto’s secret ingredients? The Bella mozzarella supplied by Sitaf Food, known for delivering high-quality, Italian dairy products that hold up in the Gulf’s demanding culinary environment.

A Saudi Hospitality Empire in the Making

Piatto is just the beginning. Under the Alpha Group umbrella, several other successful restaurant brands have taken root, including:

• 19 Steakhouse – premium cuts in a bold, American-style setting
• FireGrill – a modern Mexican concept tailored to local tastes
• CFK (Crispy Fried Kitchen) – a semi-fast casual chicken brand
• Cloud Kitchen brands – five virtual restaurants delivering variety on-demand
• And soon, a brand-new Chinese format, built from the ground up for the local market

FireGrill has even received interest from China, thanks to its commitment to halal food standards, showing that the Saudi-born brand is beginning to resonate well beyond the Gulf.

More Than a Restaurant, A Cultural Bridge

What sets Piatto apart is its ability to blend cultures—not just on the plate, but in the full dining experience. It’s a celebration of Italian hospitality filtered through Saudi warmth and family values, a place where espresso meets cardamom, and pizza finds harmony with the rhythm of Riyadh.

With a new generation of Saudis hungry for global flavors served with local heart, Piatto is poised to keep growing—expanding its reach, refining its design, and continuing to evolve what modern Italian dining looks like in the Middle East.