Decent Italian dishes in the very lovely Diriyah area: Restaurant Altopiano (18. July 2023)

One should always google what type of restaurant one books before actually booking it. Given the name, it makes sense, and in hindsight it seems obvious. However, I didn’t really expect an Italian restaurant (don’t ask me why!), but well, it turned out to be Italian. We started the evening with “fried calamari” (110.00 SAR), which were okay. There wasn’t too much ‘calamari’, but there was quite a bit of tasty sauce. And with the squeezed lemon on top, it was actually quite nice.

The “focaccia & scamorza” (85.00 SAR) is not necessarily something, which you would immediately eat if you’d see the plate (clearly), but I must say, it was a nice and tasty bite.

As a main, I went for the “capellini al limone (cappellini pasta, lemon sauce, mascarpone)” (135.00 SAR), which is – conceptually – a super simple dish. And frankly, it wasn’t the smartest thing to pick (as it isn’t too exciting). But, it was – nevertheless – quite nice!

The service is relatively attentive and makes sure that you have what you want. However, given in the new Diriyah area there are quite a few different restaurants right next to each other, it was no wonder that the restaurant was basically empty. In any case, it’s worth visiting Diriyah as it is quite lovely all in all. Not so sure about the Altopiano, though. Again, it’s good Italian food – but it just lacks a bit the ‘special’ for me.

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Contact Details:

Restaurant Altopiano

Unit 19

Bujairi Terrace

Al Bujairi

13711 Diriyah (KSA)

Tel.: +966 55 339 8229

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.