Em Sherif Café: Lebanese Cuisine and a Memorable Dining Experience
The story of Em Sherif began in Beirut more than a decade ago, when Chef Mireille Hayek and her daughter Chef Yasmina created an experience that goes beyond serving Lebanese dishes; an experience that celebrates the table as a space for gathering, sharing food, and enjoying time with loved ones.
Over the years, this story expanded from Beirut to several cities, including Riyadh and Al Khobar. In Riyadh, you’ll find Em Sherif at The Zone on Takhassusi Street, while in the Eastern Province, it is located at Ajdan Rise in Al Khobar. In both locations, the experience starts at the table: Lebanese dishes arrive one after another to share, from mezze and appetizers to hot dishes and grills, then desserts and coffee.
This way of dining is part of what makes visiting Em Sherif unique; instead of each person choosing just one dish, the table transforms into a collection of flavors for everyone to taste, in a setting designed to be enjoyed slowly, whether you visit with family or friends.
Em Sherif Café has received the Bib Gourmand rating in the Michelin Guide Riyadh 2025, recognizing restaurants that offer good quality for reasonable prices, maintaining its presence in Saudi Arabia’s dining scene.
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A Design Reflecting Em Sherif’s Identity
The identity of Em Sherif Café is also seen in the details of the place, where the design combines Lebanese character and touches inspired by the local environment. Wrought iron pieces inspired by oriental tents stand out, alongside lighting and open spaces that give the restaurant an elegant and comfortable presence.
These details add a distinctive personality to the place, completing the visual side of the experience without overpowering what matters most at Em Sherif: the food and its details.
Highlights from Em Sherif Café’s Menu
The menu at Em Sherif Café reflects the diversity of the Lebanese table, from appetizers that stimulate the appetite to main dishes rich in flavor and the sweets that end the meal. As the experience is not about choosing one dish, but about exploring different flavors, here’s a selection of standout options that give you an idea of what’s on offer and what you can try during your visit.
Start with Mezze and Salads
Dishes worth starting with include Hummus Shawarma, where creamy hummus meets marinated shawarma pieces in a mix of smooth texture and rich flavor. For a fresher touch, the Shmandar Salad brings together beetroot, purslane, caramelized walnuts, cumin tahini, and orange sauce; a mix of sweetness, citrus, and tahini richness. Combining both gives you a varied start that balances rich and light flavors.
Grills and Must-Try Dishes
If you’re looking for a main course offering variety, the Mixed Grill includes shish tawook, kebab, and grilled meat, letting you try a range of grill flavors in one dish. If you prefer pastries, Cheese Boujat is another option for melted cheese and dough lovers, adding variety to your choices alongside main courses.
For a Lebanese breakfast or morning visit, Beyd Bi Kawarma is worth including; this dish combines eggs and kawarma for a rich start to the day, great for those who prefer a filling breakfast.
End Your Meal with Something Sweet
After savory dishes, finish your visit with Milk and Honey Cake, which combines soft cake texture with the sweetness of milk and honey. It’s ideal for those who prefer a gentle dessert at the meal’s end.
These choices give a glimpse into the variety of the Em Sherif Café menu, with the ability to select dishes according to your time of visit and taste, whether you want a Lebanese breakfast or a meal combining appetizers, grills, and desserts.
Average Prices at Em Sherif Café
The cost of visiting Em Sherif Café varies by number of people and selected dishes. As an estimate, a meal costs 150–250 SAR per person, and may reach 200–350 SAR when choosing a larger selection of appetizers, grills, desserts, and drinks.
For groups, the budget can be estimated at around 600–1,000 SAR for four people, or 900–1,500 SAR for six people, depending on what is ordered.
To enjoy the variety, you can combine several mezze and appetizer dishes with a grilled main course, then add dessert as desired. These are approximate prices, so it’s best to check current rates with the branch before visiting.
Em Sherif Café Locations and Branches
Em Sherif Café is available in several locations across Saudi Arabia; the mentioned branches are:
Em Sherif Café – Riyadh
- The Riyadh branch is located in The Zone on Al Takhassusi Street.
- The Riyadh branch is located in MOD at Al Faisaliah, King Fahd Road, Al Olaya District.
Location on the Map – Em Sherif Café, The Zone
Em Sherif Café – Al Khobar
Another branch is located at Ajdan Rise complex in Al Khobar.
Location: Ajdan Rise, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
Location on the Map – Al Khobar
Opening Hours
According to available information, Em Sherif Café welcomes visitors during the following hours:
- Sunday to Thursday & Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 midnight.
- Friday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM.
Opening hours may vary by branch or occasion, so it’s best to check the latest information before your visit.
Visit Em Sherif Café with SPICE
Discover Em Sherif Café through the SPICE app, and find the branch best suited for your visit. After enjoying your experience, pay your bill easily through the app and benefit from cashback, rewards, and available offers—according to the terms of each offer.
Download the SPICE app and discover Em Sherif Café
FAQs
What are the must-try dishes at Em Sherif Café?
Options worth trying include Hummus Shawarma, Shmandar Salad, Mixed Grill, Beyd Bi Kawarma, as well as Milk and Honey Cake for dessert. Your choice depends on when you visit and your preferences.
Does Em Sherif Café offer breakfast options?
The menu includes breakfast choices such as Beyd Bi Kawarma, eggs with soujouk, grilled halloumi, and shakshouka. Please check with your branch for dish availability and serving times.
Is it recommended to reserve a table at Em Sherif Café?
If you plan to visit on weekends or with a group, it is best to contact the branch ahead of time to inquire about table availability and reservations.
Are there vegetarian options in the Em Sherif Café menu?
The menu includes choices such as Shmandar Salad, hummus, and okra with olive oil. If you follow a vegetarian diet, verify the ingredients and preparation method at your chosen branch.
Is Em Sherif Café suitable for family visits?
It can be a suitable option for families, especially for those who like to order a variety of dishes for the table. Contact the branch for information on seating arrangements for large groups.
Can you visit Em Sherif Café for special occasions?
If you’re planning a special celebration or group gathering, contact the branch to inquire about reservation options and arrangements for such occasions.
