Set within the serene elegance of the Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter, NOMAS has shaped a new chapter in Saudi fine dining—one that intertwines culinary artistry with the nation’s deeply rooted cultural identity. This December, the intimate 35-seat restaurant elevates that vision through an immersive collaboration with Art of Heritage, unveiling a multi-sensory dining journey that honours the Kingdom’s craftsmanship, traditions, and quiet poetry. The partnership transforms the space into a living tribute to Saudi creativity, where every motif, texture, and flavour holds meaning.
Launched on November 27th, the special showcase debuted with an exclusive evening attended by cultural patrons, culinary enthusiasts, and esteemed guests. The night opened with remarks from HRH Princess Nourah Bint Mohammed Al Faisal, CEO of Art of Heritage, whose presence underscored the significance of the moment. What followed was a captivating live cooking demonstration by Head Chef Ahad Alghamdi, offering rare insight into the inspiration shaping each dish.
Since its opening in September, NOMAS has reshaped expectations of Saudi gastronomy in Riyadh. Defined by intimate hospitality and a deep sense of place, the restaurant’s ethos is built on storytelling—inviting guests into a world where textures of tradition meet meticulous contemporary refinement. Local ingredients, regional rituals, and artisanal collaborations guide the experience, blurring the line between past and present with effortless grace.
Art of Heritage, a leading non-profit institution committed to preserving Saudi craftsmanship for over 25 years, expands that narrative within NOMAS. The organisation’s legacy of reinterpreting traditional techniques—embroidery, palm weaving, pottery, and attire—translates into an exhibition that fills the restaurant with tactile beauty. Six hand-painted and embroidered panels greet guests at the entrance, setting the tone for a journey anchored in authenticity.
As the evening unfolds, diners are invited to explore a thoughtfully curated menu embodying NOMAS’ signature approach to Saudi fine dining. Dishes such as the Wasal Al Thamar with Puff Mandini balance nostalgia with delicate innovation, while the slow-cooked beef cheek paired with Madini rice offers a contemporary interpretation of Najdi comfort. Dessert arrives as a visual and sensory celebration: the Frame of Date Textures, complemented by an Art of Heritage macaron, served on finely crafted ceramic and paired with Arabic coffee.
Throughout the space, the Art of Heritage showcase continues to reveal itself in the details—earthy clay vessels arranged with native florals, pottery adorned with geometric patterns, handwoven palm-framed artworks, and cushions sewn with painstaking embroidery. It is a room shaped by artisans’ hands, softly illuminated by the spirit of Saudi heritage. Together, these elements form a tableau in which cuisine and craftsmanship speak in harmony.
United by a shared mission to honour the Kingdom’s traditions through contemporary expression, NOMAS and Art of Heritage offer guests more than a dining experience—they offer a journey through cultural memory. This limited-time showcase invites diners to step into a world where heritage is not simply observed, but felt. Until December 15th, the collaboration opens its doors each evening, inviting guests to discover an intimate meeting point between flavour, artistry, and the timeless soul of Saudi Arabia.
