The Villa Restaurant

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Proof that looks can be deceiving, The Villa appears more like a closed-down grocery store than one of the best places in Riyadh to enjoy authentic Thai flavours. But people travel from far and wide to eat the spicy tom yum, and the rest of the menu, served in this no-fuss eatery, which is divided into a singles section and a cacophonous family section. Avoid Thursday nights if you’re looking for a calmer vibe but don’t miss that tom yum. Available in shrimp, chicken or vegetable iterations and in different portion sizes, the clear soup offers a perfect balance of pungent fish sauce and fragrant lemongrass. Beyond that, there’s grilled shrimp, whole duck, pad Thai, crispy duck noodles, larb and the fiery Pla Sam Ros, fish in chilli sauce with pineapple and coriander, to eat your way through. The tables might be covered in plastic, but the cuisine here is five-star and represents incredible value for money.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $12
• Lunch and dinner: Mon – Sun
• 966114822749
• Visit The Villa Restaurant's Website

Location

Al-Uroubah Street (near the eye hospital), Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh, 12351