A great view over Riyadh with massively overpriced food: Restaurant The Globe (3. May 2023)
The Globe has been on my to try list for quite a while already – and finally, it was time to pay this place a visit. The evening started with complimentary “spring rolls” as an amuse bouche from the kitchen, which wasn’t all too special, but it showed the friendliness of all.
We then went for a selection of various starters to share like the “seared aenor certified blue fin tuna (shiso, apple, kohlrabi)” (185.00 SAR), which was overall fine. The tuna was aromatic and enjoyable, but the portion was rather tiny for the price.
The “wagyu beef tartare (smoked mustard, shallots, crispy capers)” (145.00 SAR) on the other hand was not only good in terms of flavour profile , but it was actually overall enjoyable.
The “ricotta tahini (English garden peas, asparagus, mint)” (85.00 SAR) was a good choice as well – a bit less on the protein side, but offering a vegetable option was a nice alternative.
Another starter was the “warm salad of zucchini (cashew nut hummus, chilli, mint)” (90.00 SAR), which was overall enjoyable and nice despite its simplicity.
Last but not least, the “seared foie gras (honey glazed pear, lavender, black pepper)” (170.00 SAR) was something, which looked better than it was. Sure, it was good, and it had that typical foie gras taste, but it was also not the best foie gras I’ve had.
The “Australian lamb loin and shoulder (white onion sauce, filled shallot)” (310.00 SAR) was of good quality and went well altogether.
The “grilled hamour (cabbage, jersey royal potatoes, crustacean sauce)” (220.00 SAR) on the other side was definitely overpriced. I mean, the dish looked nice, but the fish was just too dry and not really that enjoyable.
The “spiced cauliflower (labneh, capers, raisins, pine nuts)” (170.00 SAR) on the other hand was nice again. However, almost CHF 40.00 for cauliflower just feels like a complete rip-off.
The place itself is okay, but their light play doesn’t really work, i.e., it is too dark. The service is actually quite excellent, and the dishes are okay too – however, the prices are just way off. I mean, approximately CHF 350.00 for this food is just off, in my personal opinion. And that doesn’t even take into account the beverages. In any case, why you should visit The Globe is the view you have from two floors below the restaurant – all over Riyadh, which is quite impressive. Else, not sure if it’s worth visiting.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant The Globe
Al Faisaliah Hotel
King Fahd Rd
Al Olaya
11491 Riyadh (KSA)
Tel.: +966 11 273 20 05
Homepage: https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/riyadh/olaya/dine/the-globe?src=loc.local_listing.moryd.yxt
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. 
