Maiz

Maiz is a Saudi restaurant at Bujairi Terrace in Diriyah, the restored heritage district on the north-western edge of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The restaurant serves regional dishes in the evening, with jareesh and saleeg as the dishes most associated with its menu. Jareesh is made from crushed wheat cooked slowly with meat or chicken and finished with ghee, and it is regarded as one of the oldest dishes of the Arabian Peninsula. Saleeg is a creamy rice dish cooked in milk and broth, associated with the Hijaz. Together they give visitors a straightforward introduction to the home-style cooking of the kingdom.

Bujairi Terrace is Diriyah's main dining quarter, positioned next to the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district, the first capital of the Saudi state. A meal at Maiz therefore sits within a landscape of earthen buildings, lit at night, and the atmosphere is evening-oriented: the restaurant is reported to open daily from 19:00 to midnight, so it functions as a dinner address rather than a lunch stop. Hours should be verified before travelling.

The dining room draws a mix of Riyadh families, groups of friends and international visitors. Dress is smart casual and modest, and the noise level is moderate to lively on Thursday and Friday evenings when the district is at its busiest. As with all restaurants in Saudi Arabia, alcohol is not served; the beverage programme is built on Arabic coffee, tea and non-alcoholic drinks.

Prices are mid-range for the area, at about SAR 90–180 (roughly $24–48) per person. Reservations are advised, and the restaurant can be reached by telephone on +966 9200 15513. Because Bujairi Terrace attracts heavy visitor numbers, booking several days ahead is sensible for weekday evenings and a week ahead for weekend nights. Visitors planning a Diriyah evening often walk the heritage area first and arrive at Maiz when the 19:00 opening begins, which avoids the later rush. A website was not confirmed for this venue, so the telephone line is the most dependable contact.