The story
Azzurro brings authentic Italian cooking to the heart of Riyadh inside The Ritz-Carlton. Executive chef Ursini guides the kitchen with a focus on coherence and direct imports from Italy. Guests receive rustic breads, grissini, and fragrant focaccia alongside Ursini’s own extra virgin olive oil and Giuseppe Giusti’s historic balsamic vinegar from Modena. This deliberate selection establishes a clear standard for the Italian menu that follows.
Gault&Millau recognized this disciplined approach to Italian cuisine with a solid score in its latest guide. During daytime service, guests can choose between two- or three-course set menus that deliver consistent quality at accessible price points. These structured options highlight the same commitment to freshness and balanced preparation found across the full evening roster. Ingredients travel directly from Italian suppliers to maintain their peak condition before reaching the pass.
Evening service shifts the energy onto an outdoor terrace designed for refined relaxation. Musicians perform Italian melodies on site while diners enjoy cooler temperatures and ambient lighting. The space maintains a quiet elegance that complements the culinary program without competing for attention. This setting allows the kitchen’s straightforward philosophy to remain the primary focus throughout the meal, honoring established Italian traditions.
Recognition
Details
History
Bathed in warm red hues and golden light, Hong offers a serene, elegant setting where calm and refinement prevail. Nestled within the Ritz-Carlton, the décor (velvet armchairs, carved wood, and calligraphy panels) reflects the grace of imperial China. The menu showcases refined Cantonese cuisine, combining precision and balance. Standouts include the steamed shrimp dumplings, delicate and flavorful with two soy dips; the steamed seabass with soy, Sichuan pepper, and asparagus, remarkably tender and aromatic; and the vegetable fried rice, light and perfectly seasoned. Service is polished and attentive, enhancing a dining experience marked by finesse and harmony. While à la carte prices are on the higher side, the set and sharing menus offer a richer selection and a more attractive option for discovering Hong’s refined Cantonese cuisine.
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