Looking to book a table at a popular restaurant in Jeddah? The Saudi Arabian city’s fast-growing dining scene means that there are restaurants and cafés springing up all over the city all the time. It can be hard to keep up.
Which is why our list of ten of the most popular eateries in Jeddah, will help. Which are you trying first?
Al Baik
It won’t make its way on to any fine-dining lists, but this legendary chicken shop is a must-try if you’re in the Kingdom, with more than 40 branches in Jeddah alone. Skip the new additions to the menu and get the fried chicken with garlic sauce. It’s budget-friendly, too.
Various locations.
Al Nakheel
If it’s traditional Levantine food you’re craving, you won’t get much better than this large eatery that offers views over the red sea from the pretty terrace. The mixed grill, falafel and fava beans are good, but don’t miss out on the um ismail (fried eggplant). If you are visiting in a group, it’s worth noting that the restaurant is split into two, with a family section and a male one.
Corniche Road Palm Garden, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (+966 12 606 6644).
Aromi Restaurant
Gaze over the Red Sea while dining on classy Italian food with a distinctly Roman and Veneitan twist.
Waldorf Astoria Jeddah – Wasr Al Sharq (+966 92000 9565).
Aubergine
A rooftop restaurant by the hotel’s pool specialising in Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean dishes.
Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Jeddah (+966 12231 9800).
Brioché
The extensive menu at this classy eatery helmed by chef Hakim Bagabas houses a mouth-watering selection of international dishes that have been cleverly fused with local Saudi ingredients. There are no wrong choices, but the Japanese wagyu steak and the fusion quinoa salad with pineapple lime dressing, mango and green apple, are not to be missed. Taking the kids? They have their own dedicated menu.
3127 Alkayyal, Ar Rawdah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, www.brioche.me (+966 56 530 0060).
Circa
Breakfast in Jeddah is a big deal, which is probably why Circa has been so popular since it opened its doors at the end of 2020 – be prepared to queue to get a table. Set over two floors, the interior décor is verging on retro. Dishes are beautifully presented and you won’t go wrong with anything off the breakfast menu, but the stand-outs are the eggs Benedict no sourdough and the praline pancakes.
Ash Shati, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (+966 55 561 0014).
Fogo De Chao Brazilian Steakhouse
Watch the gauchos prepare your cuts of meat from the open kitchen at this churrascaria.
Prince Sultan Road, Al Zahra’a (+966 92000 6815).
Ginger Leaf
Fan of Indian food? Check out the intimate, yet elaborately-decorated Ginger leaf where a draped ceiling makes it feel like sitting in a marquee and red and gold accents, plus chandeliers, give a very regal experience. The menu is pretty long, making choosing quite tricky, so we’ll help. The lobster butter masala, chicken meethi malai and prawn chaat are the highlights. Portions are big, so try not to over order.
Hilton Hotel Jeddah, North Corniche Road, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, www.hilton.com/jeddah (+966 92 000 3800).
Le Traiteur
Not in a big hotel but this French restaurant is well worth seeking out for its service and Gallic classics.
Abu Al Abbas Ibn Abdulmutalib (+966 12605 5111).
Mataam Al Sharq
The restaurant’s Lebanese chef serves up outstanding Middle Eastern cuisine in an incredibly opulent setting complete with Red Sea vistas – so ask for a table by the window. Order the freshest seafood straight from the Red Sea – such as the octopus salad or shrimps tajin – or venture further down the menu where you’ll find traditional Lebanese dishes, grilled meat and raw options such as the Habra nayyeh.
Waldorf Astoria, Qasr Al Sharq, North Corniche Road, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, www.waldorfastoria3.hilton.com (+966 92 000 9565).
Meez
Designed to resemble a traditional souk, Meez is a popular eatery serving up Middle Eastern cuisine with a contemporary twist. The shawarma nachos aren’t something you’ll see on many menus, but the combination really works. Other must-tries include the eggplant fatteh and the laham bel ajeen, which is minced beef, tahini and vegetables on a crispy thin flatbread.
Sultan Street, As Salamah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (+966 12 616 5505).
Noodles
Choose to check out the views over the red sea or into the open kitchen where you can watch chefs preparing traditional Chinese favourites, including hand-pulled noodles .
Rosewood Jeddah, Corniche Street (+966 12260 7139).
Nozomi
A stylish, modern Japanese restaurant offering classics, creative dishes and a good selection of mocktails.
Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street (+966 92001 0434).
Sakura
Located near the seafront, Sakura is a Japanese restaurant in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. All the usual favourites are on the menu from sushi and sashimi to unagi and gyoza. The salmon salad with a light wasabi dressing and the seaweed soup are two to try, but for lovers of raw fish, order the sashimi boat.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Husayn Basalamah, Al Ham’mra, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, www.ihg.com (+966 12 260 4900).
Toki
Serving a selection of Chinese and pan-Asian dishes but with a neat line in Cantonese specialities.
King Abdulaziz Road (+966 50466 5658).
Urth Caffé
This organic café serves up a top-notch selection of light bites such as salads and sandwiches – the kale and egg combo is a winner – as well as cakes, pastries and sweet treats. Vegans and vegetarians are well-catered for, too. Save room for desert and opt for the three-layer cheesecake, the pistachio tiramisu or the delicious hone cake. As an added bonus, there is a pretty al fresco space to enjoy during the cooler weather.
Le Prestige, King Abdulaziz Branch Road, Ash Shati, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, www.urthcaffe.sa.
Zodiac Cuisine
This fine-dining restaurant serves up a taste of the Mediterranean with Spain, France and Italy all represented on the menu. But it’s not just about the European eats, there are Japanese and Mexican dishes too. Start with prawn tempura or the vol au vent with spinach and konafa. Must-try mains include the shrimp risotto and grilled lamb chops. The views are breath-taking and it’s the perfect spot for a special occasion.
Al Hamra, Falasteen Street, Shoran Building, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, www.zodiaccuisine.com (+966 53 106 0000).
