The Globe at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh: Where Sophistication Meets the Skyline
Suspended high above the heart of Riyadh, encased within the gleaming golden orb that crowns the iconic Al Faisaliah Tower, The Globe at Mandarin Oriental offers more than just fine dining—it delivers a statement. A statement of prestige, taste, and panoramic wonder that few restaurants in the world can match.
For those in pursuit of culinary excellence, unmatched views, and timeless elegance, The Globe is one of Saudi Arabia’s most exclusive and alluring dining destinations. It is not merely a restaurant—it is an experience that begins the moment the elevator doors glide shut and you ascend into the sky.
Whether for a grand occasion, an intimate dinner, or an evening of serene reflection, The Globe has long held its reputation as Riyadh’s most iconic dining location. And under the umbrella of Mandarin Oriental’s refined luxury, it now offers an elevated standard in both service and sophistication.
The Setting: Elevated Luxury in Every Sense
Perched atop Al Faisaliah Tower—one of the city’s tallest and most recognizable landmarks—The Globe’s spherical structure houses a multi-level restaurant and exclusive lounge areas, surrounded entirely by glass. This means one thing: 360-degree views of Riyadh’s skyline, both by day and dramatically lit by night.
Step inside, and the ambiance is immediate: dim, romantic lighting, accented by the natural glow of the city’s horizon. The décor fuses modern chic with understated luxury. Velvet seating, crisp linens, subtle Arabic motifs, and dark wood detailing set the tone for an environment that feels both intimate and infinite. As you dine, the city slowly rotates beneath you—a living, breathing backdrop to your evening.
This isn’t the kind of place you rush through. At The Globe, time slows. Every detail, from the clink of glassware to the gentle hum of conversation, contributes to the elevated atmosphere. It is an oasis above the bustle of the capital—a world apart, yet intimately connected to the beating heart of Riyadh.
The Arrival Experience: Theater in Motion
What sets The Globe apart begins not at the table, but in the journey. Upon entering Al Faisaliah Tower’s private entrance, guests are greeted by sharply dressed staff, whisked through elegant corridors, and taken to a dedicated elevator that ascends to the top sphere of the building. The ride itself feels ceremonial, like entering a space reserved for royalty or dignitaries.
The elevator opens into a grand reception hall, where diners are greeted by hosts who know your name, remember your preferences, and offer you a view of the entire city before you even sit down. If ever there were a dining room fit for a monarch, this is it. For those who value entrance and impression, The Globe delivers on every count.
The Service: Personalized, Polished, Perfected
In true Mandarin Oriental fashion, the service at The Globe is not only world-class—it is memorably personal. Every interaction feels tailored, anticipatory, and precise. From the sommelier’s subtle recommendations to the way napkins are replaced the moment you stand, the attention to detail is almost theatrical in its perfection.
The waitstaff are trained in Michelin-caliber standards, fluent in multiple languages, and intuitively adapt their tone to the occasion—whether it’s a formal business dinner, a romantic anniversary, or a celebratory gathering. Service here is an art form: present but never overbearing, polished but never distant.
If you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or special preferences, the team is incredibly accommodating, often offering personalized alternatives that match the spirit and refinement of the menu without compromise.
The Culinary Ethos: Elevated, International, Seasonal
While we are omitting the specific menu for this review, it’s important to emphasize that The Globe’s culinary direction blends classic European finesse with bold international touches. Think French techniques, Middle Eastern ingredients, and a nod to contemporary global trends—all reimagined at sky-level.
Signature dishes here are as much about presentation as they are about palate. Plated like art, each course is a visual and gastronomic celebration. The use of seasonal produce, imported delicacies, and rare ingredients adds a layer of exclusivity that matches the venue’s prestige.
There’s a narrative in the progression of courses—one that takes you from delicate amuse-bouches to intricately prepared mains, and finally to desserts that look too perfect to eat. The kitchen prides itself on precision, creativity, and harmony, blending tradition with innovation in every dish.
Whether you prefer seafood, prime cuts, or vegetarian creations, The Globe accommodates all tastes, offering meals that feel thoughtful and deeply satisfying without ever being overwhelming.
Wine and Beverage Program: Curated for Connoisseurs
The beverage program at The Globe is one of Riyadh’s most expansive, with a meticulously curated list of fine international selections, artisanal mocktails, and rare teas. While traditional wine service is reserved for international branches of Mandarin Oriental, the Riyadh location’s non-alcoholic pairings are nothing short of spectacular.
Expertly crafted to match the complexity of each dish, the sommelier’s pairings elevate the dining experience—balancing sweetness, acidity, and texture with the food’s dominant flavors. For the connoisseur, the beverage program alone is worth the visit.
The Lounge and Sky Seating: Private, Plush, and Panoramic
For those looking for something even more exclusive, The Globe’s upper levels offer lounge-style seating and private booths, allowing you to enjoy the experience with added comfort and a cocktail-lounge ambiance. These spaces are popular for romantic dates, business meetings, and reflective evenings alike.
The private booths offer a cocoon of comfort, with velvet seating, soft lighting, and unobstructed views of Riyadh’s ever-growing cityscape. It’s a surreal feeling—floating above the world, sipping artisanal drinks, and watching the stars blink to life one by one over the desert horizon.
Events and Celebrations: Riyadh’s Most Iconic Venue
For weddings, proposals, anniversaries, and corporate milestones, The Globe remains Riyadh’s most prestigious dining venue. The Mandarin Oriental team offers bespoke event planning, including customized menus, private chef consultations, and even tailored décor for ultra-VIP experiences.
There’s something about proposing at the top of the world, toasting a merger with a view of the city lights, or celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime occasion at such altitude that makes The Globe unforgettable.
Who Dines Here: Power Players, Tastemakers, and Global Travelers
The Globe attracts a sophisticated clientele: Saudi royalty, international diplomats, elite business executives, luxury travelers, and the Kingdom’s most discerning tastemakers. It is the kind of venue where deals are signed, love is declared, and legacies are celebrated.
Yet it never feels pretentious. The beauty of The Globe lies in how it welcomes everyone who seeks refinement, offering a level of warmth that’s both inclusive and elegant.
Dress Code, Reservations, and Timings
The dress code is formal or smart elegant—think evening gowns, tailored suits, and polished attire. Reservations are essential, often booked weeks in advance for weekends and special occasions.
The restaurant operates for dinner service, with special hours during Ramadan and festive seasons. Valet parking, private entrance access, and seamless table transitions ensure a five-star flow from start to finish.
Pre-Conclusion: More Than a Meal—An Emotion
Dining at The Globe is more than just enjoying a meal—it’s about ascending into a new state of mind. It’s the sense of occasion that wraps around every gesture. The joy of the skyline twinkling beneath your table. The harmony of flavors crafted to tell a story.
It’s the kind of place where you don’t just eat—you feel. You connect, you celebrate, you remember.
Final Verdict: A Riyadh Icon Reimagined by Mandarin Oriental
The Globe at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah is not merely one of the most luxurious dining destinations in Riyadh—it is a symbol of progress, prestige, and poise. Blending world-class hospitality with Saudi elegance, it continues to redefine what fine dining means in the Kingdom.
For those who appreciate the finer things—flawless service, panoramic views, and culinary brilliance—The Globe is not just a recommendation. It’s a rite of passage.
