Ziba Restaurant

Ziba Restaurant in Riyadh is an establishment that presents Iranian cuisine with a contemporary approach. Its menu is built upon the familiar flavors of Iranian cooking, yet the arrangement and presentation of the dishes are designed to align with the ambiance of modern dining venues.

On Ziba’s menu, Iranian rice holds a significant place and is served alongside various meat and kebab dishes. Saffron, barberry, and other ingredients commonly used in Iranian cooking are prominent in the rice selection. The combination of fragrant rice with meat dishes makes this a core section of the menu, and alongside it, various kebabs are also featured—ranging from Kabab Koobideh and Joojeh Kabab to Shishlik and combination platters that offer several types of kebabs on a single plate. One of the signature options is the “Ziba Platter,” which includes Kabab Koobideh, Shishlik, Joojeh Kabab, chicken Koobideh, *Negini* (jeweled kebab), and yogurt-marinated Joojeh Kabab, served with rice.

Another part of the restaurant’s menu is dedicated to Iranian stews and hot dishes. In this section, one can find dishes such as Ghormeh Sabzi, Gheimeh Bademjan, and okra stew (*Bamieh*). These dishes are prepared largely based on traditional Iranian cooking methods and are served alongside rice. Additionally, slow-cooked meals and meat dishes are included in the menu, forming a more diverse selection of main courses alongside the kebabs.

Appetizers also form a notable part of the Ziba dining experience; items such as Mirza Ghasemi, Kashk-e Bademjan, Borani Bademjan (yogurt and eggplant dip), Mast-o-Khiar (yogurt and cucumber), Zeytoon Parvardeh, hummus, and Shirazi salad are found on the menu. The combination of eggplant, yogurt, aromatic herbs, walnuts, pomegranate, and saffron in this section introduces a variety of well-known flavors from the Iranian table to the restaurant’s menu.

It is worth noting that in addition to main courses, Ziba Restaurant has a separate section for desserts and beverages, and its menu presentation emphasizes ingredients such as saffron, rose water, and pomegranate, which are hallmarks of Iranian culinary arts. Furthermore, the menu structure is aligned with the concept of the “Sofreh” (the traditional spread); that is, some of the dishes are designed to be placed in the center of the table and shared among guests.

Consequently, the restaurant’s focus on Iranian food, kebabs, Iranian rice, traditional stews, and a variety of appetizers makes it a noteworthy option for those interested in Iranian cuisine in Northern Riyadh.