Joan’s on Third has taken up residence at lifestyle destination Via Riyadh in the Saudi capital.

It’s been described as a “buzzy gourmet marketplace”, which sums up the appeal of Joan’s on Third perfectly — this new LA import adds a more casual spot to Riyadh’s luxury-driven dining scene. That’s not to say its everyday fare is anything less than artisanal; freshly made and hard-to-find speciality items are par for the course.

Brought to the Saudi capital by luxury and lifestyle hospitality holding Cool Inc, Joan’s on Third features community tables and a rustic-chic aesthetic, making it a vibrant gathering place. Incidentally, the family-owned eatery is the brainchild of Joan McNamara, who remains the tastemaker-in-chief, chef and curator of all things Joan’s on Third. The Riyadh outpost marks the brand’s first international move.

Joan's on Third

The daughter of Czech immigrants, McNamara grew up in a hardworking home environment, where life revolved around the kitchen. Joan began her culinary career working for famed chef Dione Lucas, after which she went on to launch a cooking school. She opened Joan’s on Third in 1995 with her daughters, quickly becoming one of LA’s most in-demand caterers and effectively putting Third Street on the map while helping define the city’s food culture.

“The dining scene in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has shown exponential growth and partnering with Cool Inc to bring our passion all the way to Riyadh has been an incredible opportunity,” she explained. “We are beyond excited to be taking Joan’s on Third internationally and to be a part of this project.”

Joan's on Third

Joan’s on Third Riyadh reflects the LA outpost’s most distinctive features, including the original rustic farm shop design, with a speciality food marketplace and an abundance of hand-packed products available to grab and go — think: bottled fruit juices, ground coffee, warm and comforting pastries, and an extensive selection of artisan cheeses and deli counter.

GO: Visit https://coolinc.com.sa for more information.