Riyadh’s Newest Modern Trattoria Cucina Launches Southern Italian Brunch and Prepares to Host Dinner Incredible KSA 2025
Fresh on the Riyadh dining scene, Cucina has already captured the hearts of the city’s foodies with its welcoming atmosphere, fresh flavours, and Southern Italian flair. Riding the wave of its successful launch, the restaurant is set to host an exclusive gala meal for Dinner Incredible KSA 2025, where Head Chef Daniele Valente will collaborate with fellow culinary talent on a fusion menu blending Saudi, Italian, and international influences. Giving you even more ways to embrace La Dolce Vita, guests can now also experience the new Southern Italian Brunch, complete with vibrant live entertainment and a sharing-style feast.
Located within the stylish Riyadh Marriott Hotel and led by Italian-born Chef Daniele Valente, Cucina pays tribute to the rustic kitchens, lively piazzas, and sun-kissed shores of the Amalfi Coast. Featuring a cosy lounge, open kitchen, private dining room, and a spacious outdoor terrace, the space offers a modern take on Italy with playful graffiti and signage, plush seating, and leafy greenery. The menu combines the finest authentic Italian ingredients with herbs from its own hydroponic farm, serving hand-rolled pasta, Neapolitan pizzas, Sicilian-style seafood, artisanal gelato, and refreshing mocktails.
Dinner Incredible Gala
This October 1st, Cucina sets the table for one of the biggest events in the capital’s culinary calendar by hosting an exclusive gala meal as part of Dinner Incredible KSA 2025. The event will see six international Michelin-starred chefs and six local culinary legends curate an innovative 12-course menu. Inspired by the theme ‘Saudi Meets World’, discerning diners can expect a unique blend of Saudi heritage ingredients and international culinary mastery, all wrapped into one unmissable night.
Setting the tone for the evening, Chef Daniele Valente will present his ‘Apero Cucina’, a curated selection of seasonal Italian bites reimagined for the Saudi palate. Next, Head of Dinner Incredible Middle East, Chef Daniele Chiari, joins fellow chefs Turki Ben Hellabi and Rakan Aloraifi to unveil their Saudi-Japanese creation. Three-Michelin-starred French Chef Bruno Menard will serve an artful Eggplant Mosaic with Preserved Citrus and Avocado Curry, while Saudi Arabian Chef Hisham Baeshen delights guests with his Aish Abu Laham Focaccia.
Other highlights include a delicate Mosaic of Grouper with Okra Stew by Iron Chef winner Michael Bao, along with Roasted Baharat Chicken with Pomegranate and Spiced Lentils by Jacob Jan Boerma, the three-Michelin-starred chef behind The White Room in Amsterdam. Dinner Incredible founder Giorgio Diana brings his signature finesse to an Angus striploin served with Saudi caviar, while Chef Pavlos Kyriakis of Athens’ Zillers Hotel offers a comforting slow-braised lamb shoulder with loomi and cumin lentil soup.
Finally, dessert features a modern take on Masoob by Italy’s Certified Master Chef Marc Bernhart, a trio of date, coffee, and camel milk by award-winning Pastry Chef Kay Baumgardt, and a Saudi chocolate praline selection by Vero founder Sara Bajabir.
The Dinner Incredible project was conceived in 2020 by Italian chef Giorgio Diana, who set out to unite a team of 12 world-renowned chefs in support of farmers and small producers across host countries whose livelihoods had been impacted by the pandemic. Now, as Cucina prepares to play host and bring its own flavour to the table, the event highlights the restaurant’s growing influence in Riyadh’s culinary scene. With limited seats available, guests are encouraged to book early to secure your seat at the table.
When: Wednesday, October 1st from 7pm
Offer: 12-course menu curated by international and local chefs
Tickets Available Now
Southern Italian Brunch
Savour a slice of Italy right here in Riyadh, every Saturday at Cucina’s Southern Italian Brunch. Taking place from 12.30pm to 4.00pm, the recently launched feast offers an elevated twist on traditional brunches, with each mouthwatering dish served straight to the table, giving you more time to celebrate with loved ones and soak up every unmissable moment. Priced at SAR 325 per person, the sharing-style feast brings together the bold flavours of the south and the lively spirit of a true Italian festa.
This vibrant culinary journey begins with a round of irresistible starters, such as creamy Burrata di Andria drizzled with basil oil, delicate Vitello Tonnato in a silky tuna-caper sauce, and layered Parmigiana di Melanzane. The main event allows guests to enjoy a little of everything, with highlights including the Risotto al Limone e Gamberi, infused with Amalfi lemons, and the perfectly cooked Tagliata di Manzo. Finally, savour crisp Cannoli Siciliani filled with ricotta and pistachio, the signature Tiramisu Classico, and Cucina’s irresistible house-made gelato for a sweet finale.
To complement each indulgent bite, diners can sip on fresh juices, crafted mocktails, and rich Italian coffee. Meanwhile, the mood is set with the sounds of a live Italian jazz band and singer, adding an extra layer of rhythm and celebration to the afternoon.
When: Every Saturday from 12.30pm to 4.00pm
Offer: Sharing-style menu, free-flowing drinks, and live entertainment
Price: SAR 325
For bookings and more information, please contact +966581085117 or email cucina.riyadh@marriott.com
