Something like a truly Mexican experience in Saudi? Restaurant Don Ruben’s (14. October 2022)
Talk about modern interpretation and abundance! That’s what you get at the Don Ruben’s! The place is actually run by two Mexicans, and they prepare relatively original Mexican food. However, it comes with a twist, i.e., a few sauces more than I am used to from proper Mexican food, and definitely more abundant portions. We didn’t expect that the portions were massive, and since most of them had food for two people, and we were four, we decided to order two of each. And it was definitely too much. We went for the “Tacos al Pastor (chicken)” (44.85 SAR), the “Tacos Birria de Res (pulled beef)” (44.85 SAR), the “Baja Fish Taco (2 pieces)” (34.50 SAR), the “Tostadas al Pastor (chicken)” (34.50 SAR), the “Volcanes de Chorizo” (34.50 SAR) and the “Ceviche (Sea Bass)” (34.50). And yes, it was tasty, and yes, it was definitely a lot, if not too much.
The place is nice yet simple, and it celebrates Mexico …
… also with the ‘Taco Man’ inside. So, frankly, it’s a nice place which serves tasty dishes.
I’m not sure any more which one was which, but it would have been great if the tasty bites had been served with way less sauce …
… like this one …
… or this one.
The service is generally attentive, and friendly. However, what they are not doing so great is the fact that they serve your food while your beverages are still not there. Which makes it a bit of a dry exercise. I don’t get why they do not just make sure that you get your beverages first – and the rest after.
All in all, the Don Ruben’s offers good food. And plenty of it for a very fair price. The place is almost a bit too simple for me in terms of interior, and the fact that you’re not served at the table, but have to go to the counter is a bit of a disappointment, but nothing major, so all in all still absolutely fine. So, if you’re looking for an authentic Mexican food experience in Riyadh, then go to Don Ruben’s while in Riyadh. I think, you cannot book in advance as they just accept walk-ins.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Don Ruben’s
Ain Street 3292
12523 Riyadh (KSA)
Tel.: +966 50 292 93 07
Homepage: https://www.instagram.com/donrubens.sa/
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
Thanks for coming in! I am so happy you liked our food, but a little shocked you said it was the next best thing to authentic mexican food. These recipes have been in my family for years..can’t get more Mexican than that. My place is a self serve joint, but might be changing that soon. We are in a country where people like to be catered to..then again, who doesn’t. I apologize for the delayed drinks, sometimes we get very busy or the ticket was not handed over to the barista hence the drinks come after the food. Thanks again for the review, please come back anytime.