Review: Madeo - Italian Fine-Dining Gem in Riyadh Draws VIPs and Food Connoisseurs.

Madeo, a renowned Italian fine-dining establishment from West Hollywood, made its debut this year in the prestigious Via Riyadh complex, housing over 20 upscale restaurants, cafes, fashion boutiques, and the kingdom's first St Regis Hotel. Notable football figures like Neymar have already experienced the restaurant's offerings.

Despite its glamorous appeal, Madeo is fundamentally a family-run restaurant, showcasing cuisine inspired by the coastal flavors of the Tuscan town of Forte dei Marmi.

Ambiance and Seating Options During a visit at 8 pm on a Monday, the restaurant was bustling with life, attracting paparazzi capturing football celebrities' arrivals. The chic and spacious venue, furnished with couches and plush chairs, provides an ideal setting for private conversations even during peak hours. The transparent glass wall offers stunning views of Via Riyadh.

Exploring the Menu With an extensive menu, we began our culinary journey with the traditional Tuscan vegetable soup, zuppa di verdure (75 Saudi riyals), a comforting blend of three types of cabbage. We continued with the bresaola (125 riyals) and carpaccio (145 riyals), the latter impressing with its crisp freshness and accompaniment of rocket and Parmigiano Reggiano salad.

The salad of the day, spinach with goat's cheese (95 riyals), was a refreshing palate cleanser. Madeo's signature dish, polpette della nonna (95 riyals), featuring meatballs in herb and tomato sauce, is a hit with younger diners. For the main course, we savored the penne Madeo (125 riyals) and the rich risotto al porcini (170 riyals), perfect for sharing.

A standout dish was the sogliola alaa mugnaia (680 riyals), a whole Dover sole fillet meuniere-style, ideal for seafood enthusiasts. Another favorite, the pan-fried veal escalope (195 riyals), boasted a crispy exterior and succulent interior, served with lemon sauce, capers, and porcini mushrooms.

Desserts and Chef's Recommendations Millefoglie (65 riyals), a puff pastry layered with custard and whipped cream, and tiramisu with chocolate (80 riyals) were delightful conclusions to the meal. Madeo also offers sweet cannoli stuffed with hazelnut cream.

Chef Gianni Vietina, originally from Madrid, shared his contemporary approach to classic Italian cuisine, emphasizing respect for ingredients. Risotto remains his favorite dish, and a risotto of the day will soon be introduced to the dinner menu.

Price Range and Contact Details Starters range from 75 to 150 riyals ($20 to $40), mains from 125 to 700 riyals, and desserts from 60 to 80 riyals. Madeo is open from 1 pm to 12.30 am (Sunday to Wednesday), 1 pm to 1.30 am (Thursday and Saturday), and 2 pm to 1.30 am (Friday). Reservations can be made by calling 00966 136 637 000 or through the Seven Rooms website.