Best Cafes in Riyadh for Remote Working
UPDATED: 01 September 2022
Are you one of the blessed ones to have the option of remote working? Or is it that you’re studying at the moment? In any case, chances are you like to get away from the house/office to work in a cafe. A change up of atmosphere can do wonders for creativity and focus – trust me I’m doing both at the moment. The best cafe for remote working is subjective, sure, but the following list should get your productivity juices flowing!
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2) Coffeeholics
There’s a lot to like about coffeeholics, an all-rounder. Great coffee, soft lighting, centrally located, choice of desks/sofas, interesting interior design, charging points everywhere and service with a smile. Well done guys.
The one thing I’d say about a place that does everything well is that it lacks identity to a degree – it’s another coffee shop. All other recommendations on this list have a unique identity that makes me crave going there. If you want to just get down to some hard work/studying though forget the gimmicks, this could well be the place for you.
https://goo.gl/maps/pS8icp3SsfvLwqZv9
Noise rating: ★★★★☆
Food/drinks: ★★★★☆
Ergonomics: ★★★★☆
People vibe: ★★★★☆
From the moment you walk in, you will get hooked!#CoffeeHolics #Riyadh #كوفي_هوليكس #الرياض pic.twitter.com/kDj4kwPTUe
— The Coffeeholics (@coffeeholics_sa) July 15, 2019
3) Mysa
Extremely quiet, so much so that one day when I got a little excited someone asked me politely to keep the noise down – which I highly appreciate! Mysa achieves a library-like atmosphere which can lead to highly productive work.
Unfortunately not a lot of food is available beyond basic cakes, but the coffee is good. A review of Mysa isn’t complete without mentioning the fountain. Yes a fountain, in the middle of the small-ish cafe. Great for pictures, and soothing to the ear.
https://goo.gl/maps/pS8icp3SsfvLwqZv9
Noise rating: ★★★★★
Food/drinks: ★★☆☆☆
Ergonomics: ★★★★★
People/vibe: ★★★★☆
Peaceful vibes at Mysa 🍃
— Mysa Coffeehouse | مايسا (@MysaCafe) June 5, 2022
Work, study or just meet friends for an evening out. ☕️ WiFi and charging outlets available. #mysacafe #eveningcoffee #cafeinriyadh pic.twitter.com/LZN4HZwUKr
4) Moonshell
Moonshell has a feng-shui like no other. Extremely calming atmosphere, which is highly appreciated when spending long hours in one place. Imagine entering a yoga studio, complete with hammocks! There are now two Moonshells, with the recent opening in Diplomatic Quarter. The original is still the best in my opinion (link in the map below), as it is more spatious.
The food also is wonderful and unique, in fact best on this list. I highly recommend the açai bowls with granola and fruit. My one complaint is the seating is very comfortable – too comfortable. Think low to the ground recliners, making it very difficult to type on a laptop. However, if you need to watch a lecture/course video then sit back and enter your focusing zone.
https://goo.gl/maps/pS8icp3SsfvLwqZv9
Noise rating: ★★★★★
Food/drinks: ★★★★★
Ergonomics: ★☆☆☆☆
People vibe: ★★★★★
#رفيق_القهوه pic.twitter.com/vOpkkBrsNX
— مون شل ® Moon shell (@moonshell_sa) June 7, 2019
5) Ashjar
Beautiful and relaxing Ashjar cafe. Ashjar has just reopened after a fresh remodelling. Known for it’s calm vibes, and also doubling up as a plant store, there is a wonderful zen to this cafe. The table for working and studying is adequate, as long as there’s not too many people in the cafe. If you fancy more privacy there’s a dedicated rental office behind, rather like a library.
Bonus, if it’s winter time, there’s a second Ashjar cafe outside of Riyadh, set in Wadi Hanifa. Seating is outdoors so it’s only worth going October till March time.
Noise rating: ★★★★☆
Food/drinks: ★★★★☆
Ergonomics: ★★★☆☆
People/vibe: ★★★★★
ببروميا pic.twitter.com/pzgJFwFUXf
— أشجار | Ashjar (@ashjar_sa) April 10, 2021
6) Sociale
Sociale is a Lebanese hostel-like cafe with a student-vibe. Although centrally located, it’s large enough to accommodate a good 50-ish people. If you’re early you can get one of the more comfortable couch-like seats around the edge of the cafe, otherwise you’ll be on a hard chair, but at least in an upright position to work.
This is currently my cafe of choice for remote work, you’ll find me in there two days a week. Sociale achieves a 5 for food, drinks, snacks because of the range, and the emphasis on healthy. There’s all sorts on the menu, including brunch, smoothies, coffee and salad bowls, so whatever time you go to work or study, you’ll be able to grab a bit that suits you.
https://goo.gl/maps/nmG4oFPFyC3dd6tb6
Noise rating: ★★☆☆☆
Food/drinks: ★★★★★
Ergonomics: ★★★★★
People vibe: ★★★★★
أرسلوا طلباتكم الآن! pic.twitter.com/tMJdxjwVDB
— Sociale Café (@SocialeCafe) January 2, 2022
1) Cacti
Cacti is great because it has a professional clientele; everyone is clearly being productive, which puts you also in a productive mood.
It’s spacious – there are two (and a half!) floors, with lots of desks in different arrangements; meaning you can work individually, or work collaboratively around the round table. Also, they have unique drinks, try the ‘signature latte’ which has cardamon.
There are now two branches in Riyadh, the one in the link is the newest one in Qurtubah and is gorgeous due to the extremely luminous floor to ceiling windows on every side.
https://goo.gl/maps/pS8icp3SsfvLwqZv9
Noise rating: ★★★★☆
Food/drinks: ★★★★☆
Ergonomics: ★★★★★
People vibe: ★★★★★