Madeo Riyadh: The Essence of Italian Cuisine

The Chef Who Conquered King Salman

Madeo Via Riyadh, located inside the luxurious and newly opened Via Riyadh Mall, is one of the top Italian restaurants enriching the gastronomic scene in Saudi Arabia's capital. It offers a refined yet casual culinary experience, celebrating traditional Italian dishes with an innovative twist, thanks to the expertise of Chef Stefano Maiullo and General Manager Valerio Sattin, who welcomes guests with elegance and high-class service. A second Madeo has been opened in Jeddah.

An Interview with Stefano Mariullo and Valerio Sattin on Riyadh’s Food and Wine Scene

"For chefs who decide to work in Riyadh, it’s essential to arm themselves with patience, friendliness, and adaptability. Saudi cuisine is undergoing an evolution, and the mindset of the Saudi population is changing, especially among the younger generation. Therefore, chefs must bring with them a strong sense of humility and openness, while also being able to work under pressure in a dynamic, growing environment," explains Stefano Maiullo.

"One of the most important aspects is safety: Riyadh is a very secure city, with an almost nonexistent crime rate, allowing restaurateurs to work without concerns. As for salaries, they can vary greatly depending on the contract. A chef can expect a salary ranging from 8,000 to 9,000 euros per month, but without benefits like housing and transportation, the figure can drop to about 5,000-5,500 euros. Housing and benefits are crucial to attract qualified and motivated staff in a rapidly growing market," adds Valerio Sattin.

Challenges in Sourcing Fresh Ingredients

One of the challenges that restaurants, and particularly Madeo, face is sourcing fresh ingredients. While pantry items are easier to come by, fresh products are heavily dependent on the season and market availability. For example, at present, there is a shortage of certified halal veal, which poses a significant challenge in maintaining the authenticity of Italian dishes. Similarly, ingredients like candied fruits can be difficult to find.

Thus, Riyadh’s restaurants must constantly adapt to the availability of ingredients, leading to some menu standardization. However, this situation has also pushed chefs to be creative and invent dishes that reflect Italian culinary traditions while adjusting to the available ingredients. For sourcing, we rely on Sitaf, a supplier specializing in high-quality Italian products.

A Menu That Adapts to Availability: The Revisited Ragù alla Bolognese

A great example of adapting to circumstances is the famous ragù alla bolognese, which at Madeo has been reinterpreted to meet local market needs, without compromising the authentic taste and quality of Italian cuisine. Menu standardization has become a common practice, with dishes adapting to what is available, but always ensuring that taste and quality are never sacrificed.

The King of Saudi Arabia and "My Romagna Style Conquered Him"

A key moment in the career of Madeo’s chef occurred when he met King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. While working at Ceccarini Ristorante in Romagna, the chef had the opportunity to serve the royal family. "My Romagna style conquered him," says the chef. This phrase has become a symbol of the connection between Italian cuisine and Saudi traditions, reflecting how the authenticity of Italian dishes can truly win over even the most discerning palates.

After his experiences in Miami Beach, with renowned chef Norbert Niederkofler in 2016 at Rosa Alpina (now a 3-Michelin-star restaurant in Brunico, South Tyrol, Italy), he worked on the island of Sindhala, collaborating closely with culinary stars like Carlo Cracco, Enrico Bartolini, and Joël Robuchon. After opening three Italian restaurants in Zurich, he now brings his expertise to Riyadh.

Valerio Sattin's Middle Eastern Experience

On the other hand, Valerio Sattin has always had experience in the Middle East. From 2012 to 2015, he was involved in the openings of Paper Moon in Doha and Spiga by Paper Moon at the J Marriott hotel in Doha. He also founded Rosemary pastry, offering locally produced products in Doha, before relocating to Riyadh.

A Growing Culinary Journey in Riyadh

In Riyadh’s rapidly growing gastronomic landscape, Madeo has become a beacon of Italian cuisine, contributing to the creation of a new culinary culture that blends tradition and innovation. Despite the challenges chefs face, including ingredient sourcing and the need to adapt menus, quality and authenticity remain the cornerstones for those embarking on this culinary adventure in Saudi Arabia’s capital. Italian cuisine, with its warmth and passion, continues to conquer Riyadh and establishes itself as one of the key elements of the city’s gastronomic evolution.