Il Baretto honours Saudi Founding Day with live craft display and special menu - celebrating of heritage, produce and tradition

The 22nd February will see Il Baretto come alive with Saudi spirit, crafts and traditions, collaborating with Turquoise Mountain and an offering limited-edition menu  

In an immersive celebration of the heritage, hospitality, traditions and produce of the Kingdom, Il Baretto Riyadh is delighted to unveil its Saudi Founding Day activation. Taking place on 22 February, the day honours the establishment of the first Saudi state and will see the KAFD restaurant imbued with local spirit – with a limited-edition menu and partnership with Turquoise Mountain.

The special day will see Il Baretto pay homage to the designation of 2025 as ‘The Year of Handicrafts’, building on a partnership with Turquoise Mountain – a global organisation reviving traditional crafts and renewing a sense of pride in national heritage. The collaboration will see Il Baretto honour and promote the richness of Saudi crafts with a display from three talented local artisans. Testament to Il Baretto’s commitment to supporting the community, guests will be able to engage with artisans, learning the stories behind their crafts and cultural heritage. Exclusive pieces will be available for sale, fostering a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, and demonstrations will take place throughout the day inviting guests to witness the intricate processes behind each piece.

The collaboration will see Saudi craftswoman Um Ahmed showcase her exquisite embroidery and bead making, combining Bedouin heritage with modern style. Palm Product designer Nora Al Ajmi joins to showcase her homegrown brand Raheef, offering women’s purses and laptop bags that combine tradition with modernity and functionality. The line-up is completed with leatherworker and Sadu weaver Sarah Al Jasser – a symbol of the beauty of heritage, authenticity and rich Arab culture. 

Imbuing local pride and spirit throughout the space, Il Baretto will also offer a limited-edition Founding Day menu, showing the best of local Saudi producers and flavours. This special menu features unique dishes that blend Saudi and Italian culinary traditions, delighting guests with an Arabic Velvet cocktail (SAR50) – a twist on the classic Expresso martini with homemade date syrup, white chocolate, and local Jazen Saudi filter coffee. The Tortino Tiepido ai Datteri dessert ensures a sweet ending to any meal – a warm date cake with rich Arabic coffee cream and salted caramel ice cream (SAR63).

Saudi Founding Day at Il Baretto Riyadh takes place on 22nd February 2024, with walk-ins and reservations welcome. Three live activations will run throughout the day: Um Ahmed from 2pm to 4pm, Nora Al Ajmi from 4 pm to 6pm and Sarah Al Jasser from 6pm to 8pm. 

For more information, please visit www.ilbaretto.sa

Il Baretto Riyadh location: 

Al Malqa, Riyadh 13521, King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh

Il Baretto Riyadh opening hours:

12:30pm – 12:00am, Daily.

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About Il Baretto Riyadh

Since its opening in Central London in December 2008, Il Baretto has built a reputation for its simple and authentic Italian menu which draws influence from the specialty dishes and produce of regional Italy. Created by Italian restauranteur Guiliano Lotto, and co-founded by Arjun Waney, Il Baretto brings the traditions of relaxed Italian dining and the true flavours of the Mediterranean to the global dining scene.

Launched in November 2021, Il Baretto Riyadh represents the restaurant group’s first international location. The first restaurant to open in the award-winning King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), Il Baretto Riyadh merges the warmth and charm of its London flagship with contemporary influences to deliver an iconic Italian dining experience.

Co-founded by restaurateurs Arjun Waney of Zuma, Roka, Coya, LPM, and The Arts Club, and Giuliano Lotto of Zafferano, Memory of China, and Aubergine, Il Baretto is renowned for its simple and authentic Italian menu which draws influence from the specialty dishes and regional Italian produce. Launched in partnership with prominent Saudi restaurateur Mohammed Jawa, who holds over 18 years of experience within the local market, Il Baretto Riyadh, together with his forthcoming launches within the district, which are set to include Zuma, Amazonico, Mr. Chow, Aok and Black Tap, plays a pivotal role in the development of KAFD.