RIYADH: Located within Box@ strip-shopping mall area in Riyadh, the Alf is one of those cafes you go to when you want to meld into a tiny nook area and be one with the surroundings.
The interior evokes white carved caves, with soft, sculpted edges that create a serene space to recharge both your devices and yourself. With a long pool of water situated at the center, the space anchors you to a quieter pace.
The minimalistic interior also offers a visual refuge from the hectic lifestyle that the Kingdom’s capital is known for, with its doors drowning out the car honking and the busy footfall outside.
The cafe is ideal for small groups or solo visitors, with plenty of drink and snack options to keep you caffeinated.
On the barista’s recommendation, we tried the hugely popular iced Spanish latte, priced at SR18 ($5), which struck just the right balance of coffee and milky sweetness. We also tried the iced roselle hibiscus, a vibrant crimson, tart, nutritional powerhouse of a drink.
On my recent visit, Alf was hosting a pop-up by Saudi-based Arta Gelato. We sampled the Saudi coffee flavor, made with authentic Saudi coffee and a light swirl of date syrup; the summer flavor, an Alphonso mango sorbet layered with natural strawberry; and, finally, the oddly refreshing oasis flavor, which blends creamy yogurt with cucumber and mint bits. I’m told the cafe regularly rotates its pop-up vendors, so it’s worth stopping by while they’re still there.
For updates check their Instagram @alfdesserts.
