Esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud is set to bring his culinary artistry to Riyadh with the much-anticipated opening of Café Boulud at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre. Slated to open in October, this will be Boulud’s first venture in Saudi Arabia, expanding his illustrious portfolio, which already includes the renowned Brasserie Boulud in Dubai. As the grand opening approaches, food enthusiasts eagerly await what promises to be an extraordinary dining experience, blending Boulud’s signature elegance with the rich cultural fabric of Riyadh.
Bringing a Slice of Culinary Heritage to Riyadh
Chef Daniel Boulud, who rose to prominence in New York after moving there in 1982, quickly became a celebrated name in the culinary world. Following his tenure as the executive chef at Le Cirque, he launched his flagship restaurant, Daniel, in 1993, which soon earned two Michelin stars. His Café Boulud, originally inspired by his great-grandparents’ family restaurant in Lyon, first opened in New York in 1998 and has since expanded globally. The Café Boulud menu is curated around four thematic pillars: La Tradition, offering classic French dishes; La Saison, featuring seasonal ingredients; Le Potager, highlighting fresh, garden-sourced vegetables; and Le Voyage, introducing flavours from across the globe.
The Riyadh location of Café Boulud marks its first entry into the Middle Eastern market and promises a unique culinary collaboration between Chef Daniel Boulud and Executive Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Lemoyne. Chef Lemoyne brings extensive experience from top-tier restaurants across France, Indonesia, the U.S., and the Middle East. His deep understanding of Boulud’s high standards, honed through his work at Boulud’s New York and Dubai establishments, ensures that the Riyadh iteration of Café Boulud will be nothing short of exceptional.
A Taste of Authentic French Cuisine at Café Boulud
The menu at Café Boulud in Riyadh will feature a selection of refined dishes that showcase the artistry of French cuisine. Highlights include the Canard Rotisserie, an exquisite duck dish complemented by plums and a delicate salad, and the Tartare De Boeuf, a sophisticated take on beef tartare, elegantly served with a quail egg and toasted baguette slices.
For seafood lovers, the octopus dish, paired with a vibrant red Thai curry sauce and coconut, is a must-try, while the warm, buttery Madeleines provide a comforting finish to any meal. Additionally, Café Boulud is famed for its “Danielicious Lunch,” a globally celebrated three-course menu that offers a seasonal rotation of starters, mains, and desserts. Current offerings include a savoury Poulet Rotisserie Chicken Salad, a delicately prepared Lemon Sole, and a rich Risotto with mushrooms.
Café Boulud offers more than just a dining experience; it is an exploration into the essence of French culinary tradition, where every dish is crafted with a deep respect for heritage and a passion for excellence. Whether you seek time-honoured classics or contemporary creations, Café Boulud promises a culinary journey that evokes the warmth and familiarity of a home-cooked meal.
Culinary Delights at Four Seasons Riyadh
Café Boulud is poised to become the crowning jewel in the culinary landscape of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. It will join an already impressive roster of dining venues, where guests can start their day with fresh pastries from Elements Artisanal Bakery, savour premium meats and seafood at The Grill, indulge in international flavours at Obaya, and delight in exquisite pastries crafted by Pierre Hermé. The addition of Café Boulud solidifies the hotel’s status as a premier destination for gourmands in Riyadh.
As its doors open this October, Café Boulud is set to leave an indelible mark on Riyadh‘s gastronomic scene, offering a sophisticated slice of France where every visitor can gather and relish the art of fine dining.