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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Onda’ Coffee in Riyadh

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Updated 14 October 2025

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Onda’ Coffee in Riyadh

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  • Onda offers a range of pre-packaged pastries, such as croissants in plain, cheese, and zaatar flavors

With several branches across Riyadh, Onda is a quiet, cozy coffee shop that offers a peaceful setting — ideal for studying or working.

Music, if played, is usually kept at a low volume, which helps maintain a calm atmosphere.

The menu includes a variety of hot and cold beverages, such as espresso-based drinks, iced teas, and seasonal options like hot chocolate raspberry and Arabian latte.

While the cold drinks include flavored iced teas like raspberry and peach, these are made with syrups rather than fresh fruit.

Onda also offers a range of pre-packaged pastries, such as croissants in plain, cheese, and zaatar flavors. These are reheated on-site, which is common in many Riyadh cafes, but there is no in-house bakery.

The interiors are simple and calming, with blue and white decor, comfortable seating, and plenty of charging outlets. Each location features a small bookshelf for guests to browse, adding to the relaxed vibe.

Outdoor seating — especially in the Diplomatic Quarter — is a nice touch, with some locations offering views of lively streets.

Onda is also open from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m., making it a convenient spot for both early risers and night owls.

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Where We Are Going Today: Foam

Where We Are Going Today: Foam
Updated 07 November 2025

Where We Are Going Today: Foam

Where We Are Going Today: Foam
  • The cafe is simple and spacious, and the decor is impressive with a calming, earthy palette

Foam, located on the north side of Riyadh in the Smaa Gallery, is an elegant cafe offering premium coffee and sweets. 

The cafe is simple and spacious, and the decor is impressive with a calming, earthy palette.

It does not have Wi-Fi, making it the perfect spot to disconnect from the world and instead bond with friends and family, read a book or journal. 

I tried the V60 coffee and the Creme Brulee French toast. The coffee was high-quality, bitter to just the right degree, and the bread, toasted to perfection, contrasted deliciously with the soft richness of the cream.

Although the interior was beautifully designed, the coffee tasty, and the overall ambiance relaxing, I would have appreciated having the option to use Wi-Fi.

Despite this, Foam is still easily among the coffee shops that I would return to.