FACT’s definitive guide to eating out in the Red Sea City.
Jeddah’s restaurant scene is filled with new openings, from cool cafés to celebrity chefs. So, whether you want something romantic, by The Red Sea or even revolving – there’s a restaurant to meet your foodie needs. Here are the best restaurants in Jeddah right now.
Alieia – Ash Shati
Alieia brings a touch of the Mediterranean to Jeddah and is located on Al Kurnaysh Branch Road, Ash Shati. The name Alieia means heaven and exalted, and is a fitting description for the dreamy restaurant. The dining room boasts bright white sofas, walls and tablecloths. The space lets in lots of light from the curved floor-to-ceiling windows and skylight windows. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients. The menu offers a modern take on Greek classics, and has sharing dishes that are great for groups. The dishes include dips and breads, a Greek salad and seafood options.
GO: Visit www.alieia.co for more information.
Balcona 99 – Lapaz Plaza
There’s a new restaurant on the block in Jeddah. Egypt’s popular restaurant brand, Balcona 99, has opened its second location in Saudi Arabia. Balcona 99 in Jeddah is located in Lapaz Plaza in the hip As Salamah district. The décor is Arabic-inspired with traditional lanterns and curved, cave-like ceilings. Plus, there are Egyptian touches, from hieroglyphics on the wall to framed black and white photos of the country’s stars – Omar Sharif, anyone? The restaurant serves the same signature dishes as the restaurant in Riyadh, including roqaq meat (Egyptian meat pie) and grills such as pigeon stuffed with rice. Plus, the restaurant prides itself on offering an emphasis on fresh ingredients and family-friendly service.
GO: Follow @balcona.sa on Instagram for more information.
Cafe Laperouse – Cascade at Jeddah Walk
Nestled in Cascade at Jeddah Walk, Cafe Laperouse is an all-day dining restaurant serving fine French cuisine. It’s a tribute to the art of entertaining and takes its name from the spirit of adventure. The white and blue walls set a sophisticated tone, while the coral peach seating and minimal wood and white metal furnishings make for a charming addition. As the evening unfolds, the ambience shifts to something more intimate, while live entertainment creates an atmosphere that’s fit for royalty. As for the menu, Cafe Laperouse offers a delightful selection of breakfast options including croissants, pain au chocolat, and Le Croque. For lunch or dinner, indulge in dishes like Grison Meat Chiffonade, Salmon Roe, and La Cote de Bœuf. And for those with a sweet tooth, the classic Vanilla Creme Brûlée and signature Religieuse au Chocolat are must-tries.
GO: Follow @cafelaperouse.sa on Instagram for more information.
Crustacean – Jeddah Yacht Club
Crustacean, the award-winning Beverly Hills institution, has made its debut at Jeddah Yacht Club, bringing diners a new twist to modern Asian cuisine. The high-end eatery is renowned for its signature Vietnamese-inspired cuisine, created by Chef Helene An. With a menu rooted in Vietnamese-inspired cuisine and a focus on fresh seafood and healthy fare, Crustacean Jeddah promises a fine dining experience in a contemporary, beautifully designed setting. The menu features Crustacean’s globally known classics such as AN’s Famous Garlic Noodles and Dungeness Crab, as well as a diverse array of revamped and vegan dishes available exclusively at the Jeddah venue. Inside the restaurant, nature weaves through nearly every table thanks to Crustacean’s signature underfloor Koi Pond feature, giving guests the illusion of walking on water.
GO: Follow @crustaceanrestaurant.sa on Instagram for more information.
Il Vero Alfredo – Al Shati
Il Vero Alfredo makes its way to Jeddah from Rome. Located in Al Shati, this legendary Roman restaurant promises an authentic Italian dining experience. The decor is a blend of classic and comfortable. Checkered tiled floors grace the space with wooden walls adorned with pictures of celebrities who have dined at the Rome location. Il Vero Alfredo is, of course, renowned for its Fettuccine Alfredo, a must-try dish that has delighted diners for decades. But the menu doesn’t stop there, it offers a variety of other Italian classics such as Gran fritto Alfredo, Spigola, Fusilloni Carbonara and many more, that are sure to tempt your taste buds.
GO: Follow @ilveroalfredojeddah on Instagram for more information.
Kuuru – Al Khalidiyyah
Currently placed at number 50 on MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Kuuru is a homegrown hotspot. The restaurant brings Nikkei cuisine to the Saudi table with a sharing-style menu designed to bring people together. Combining the flavours of Japan and Peru, the signature fusion dishes include Black Cod Criollo, Chicken Panca Truffle and Tiger Shrimp Anticuchero. The colourful plates are so stylish that you’ll want to snap them before you start – we’re not judging.
GO: Visit https://kuururestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
Le Traiteur – Abu Al Abbas Ibn Abdulmutalib
Le Traiteur has added a little ooh la la to Jeddah’s dining scene. The fancy French restaurant has grandma-chic dining rooms, and a tres chic menu. Guests can choose from soups, starters and salads. Main courses include duck confit, tuna steak and ravigote beef. Desserts range from crème brulee to souffle pistachio vanilla.
GO: Visit https://letraiteur.com.sa for more information.
Le Vésuvio – Jeddah Yacht Club
If you want to dine like an A-lister, head to Le Vésuvio in Jeddah Yacht Club. The original Italian restaurant is located in Cannes, and has now made its debut in the Kingdom. Le Vésuvio in Jeddah Yacht Club’s menu features the best traditional Italian dishes across a seasonally changing all-day menu. Great for sharing, the signature dishes draw their inspiration from Cannes’ heritage, and the other Italian dishes aim to reinvent the wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted pastas. Named after the world-famous volcano Vesuvius, the restaurant prides itself on its authentic products and high-quality ingredients.
GO: Visit https://restaurants.coolinc.com.sa for more information.
MANKO
Jeddah is fast becoming a dining destination. The city is home to homegrown concepts and celebrity restaurants. Now, it has welcomed the Peruvian meets Asian restaurant, MANKO. Located at Jeddah Walk, the concept originated in Paris, France. MANKO Jeddah’s food menu showcases Peruvian cuisine with Asian influences. The menu covers antichuchos, ceviche, ensalada, manko rolls, nigiri, para picar, sashimi, tiraditors and more. Grilled dishes include Churrasco Paris with black Angus steak, Costilla Morada beef ribs, and Pesca Amazonica with fish. Anticucho dishes include Carne with grilled beef, Pollo with grilled chicken, and Pulp with grilled octopus.
GO: Follow @manko.ksa on Instagram for more information.
Marina Social by Jason Atherton – Jeddah Yacht Club
Celebtiry Chef Jason Atherton has created his second restaurant in the kingdom with the opening of Marina Social at Jeddah Yacht Club. Marina Social in Jeddah is a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant and is a partnership between the British chef and Saudi businessman Abdelkarim Abbar. The menu includes a wide range of dishes. Starters include steak tartare, seabass ceviche and whipped burrata with honey-glazed figs. The signature dishes include seared yellowfin tuna, Angus ribeye, grilled octopus and wagyu beef sliders. And desserts range from a coconut rice pudding to poached pears with raspberry sorbet and berries.
GO: Follow @marinasocial.sa on Instagram for more information.
Myazu – Al Basateen Mall
Myazu has become a go-to for contemporary Japanese cuisine. Expect modern dishes formed using traditional culinary techniques and top-quality ingredients that create a harmonious balance between smoky, sweet and spicy. Having gained the highest ranking for a restaurant in KSA at the MENA 50 Best Restaurant Awards at number 15, Myazu’s menu highlights include gyoza, tempura, sandos, carpaccio, sushi, maki rolls and meat from the robata grill.
GO: Follow @myazusaudi on Instagram for more information.
Nafoura – Park Hyatt Jeddah
Nafoura has been impressing diners with its Middle Eastern meets Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you want to sit alfresco, by the sea, grills or open kitchen, you’ll be impressed by this fine dining experience. The menu is based on seasonal produce, and comes to life at the live cooking stations.
GO: Visit www.hyattrestaurants.com for more information.
Niyyali – Shangri-La Jeddah
If the sound of falafel, fatteh and fattoush gets your stomach rumbling, then you’ll want to dine at this FACT award-winning restaurant. Niyyali takes comfort food favourites and transforms them into an upmarket dining experience. The sophisticated spot boasts high ceilings with shimming chandeliers, and tables located by pretty foliage and an open kitchen. Plus, the indoor and outdoor seating overlooks the Red Sea and Jeddah Corniche Circuit, which is home to the Formula One track.
GO: Visit www.niyyali.com for more information.
Novikov – Ash Shati
Novikov Jeddah boasts a menu spanning Asian and Italian cuisine, and includes everything from wood oven fired pizzas to sushi platters. Dishes from the original menu also include dim sum, robata and wok dishes. In 2011, the flagship restaurant opened in Mayfair, London. Now, it can be found across the world in Bodrum, Doha, Miami, Moscow and Sardinia. Novikov in London has welcomed A-list names. The previous guests include boxer Anthony Joshua, singer Justin Bieber, tennis star Novak Djokovic and Olympic champion Usain Bolt. The restaurant was created by Arkadiy Novikov, who hails from Moscow and owns more than 50 restaurants.
GO: Visit https://novikovksa.com for more information.
Pampas – Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Pampas offers a captivating culinary journey through the heart of Argentina. This upscale restaurant is renowned for its exceptional steaks, expertly grilled to perfection using acacia wood. Beyond its meat dishes, Pampas presents a diverse menu featuring a range of Latin American flavours, from superb starters to decadent desserts. Located on the 17th floor of Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Pampas boasts panoramic views of Jeddah, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
GO: Visit www.morecravings.com for reservations and more information.
Rasoi by Vineet – Al Andalus
Chef Vineet has drawn inspiration from Jeddah’s history and India’s cuisine. The biriyanis are popular, and range from a lamb biriyani to prawn biriyani. The mains include dal maharani, fish kolhapuri and palak pakoda. Desserts include chocomosa, kufli and rasmalai.
GO: Visit https://rasoibyvineetjeddah.com for more information.
Ricci San – Jeddah Promenade
In Japanese, ricci is commonly used as a suffix meaning dear, mr and mrs. So the name translates to Dear Ricci. Ricci San brings together traditional techniques and modern innovation. Ricci San in Jeddah is sleek and sultry with a contemporary aesthetic. The décor boasts deep red sofas, separated sections, wooden features and Great Wave Of Kanagawa-inspired paintings on the wall. Great for groups, the space includes long banquettes around a table and superb sharing and small plates. The menu spans sushi, sashimi and catch of the day. Plus, meat dishes include Angus Tenderloin served on a grill with smoke.
GO: Visit https://ricci-san.com for more information.
ROKA Jeddah – Cascade at Jeddah Walk
After successfully etching ROKA Riyadh onto the Kingdom’s culinary map, co-founder Rainer Becker – celebrated for igniting the robatayaki trend internationally – envisions ROKA Jeddah as a gastronomic milestone in the Middle East. The restaurant houses a Japanese paper wall feature, casted concrete wall tiles with a wood texture finish, a polished concrete floor, and a mill-scale entrance tunnel, blending texture and colour for a signature ROKA result. ROKA Jeddah’s acclaimed signature dishes include kankoku fu kohitsuji (lamb cutlets with Korean spices and sesame cucumber), the bekupoteto (baked potato with yuzu cream and chives), and the sake no taru taru (salmon tartare with den miso and yuzu).
GO: Call +966 9200 17652 for reservations and more information.
San Carlo Cicchetti – Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Street
The famed Italian restaurant offers diners Italian favourites, from pizza, to pastas, in a relaxed environment. The atmospheric dining room with artwork, mirrors and umbrella lampshades offers plenty of appeal. The menu draws its inspiration from Cicchetti bars in Venice, which normally serve medium sized dishes for sharing.
GO: Follow @cicchettisaudi on Instagram for more information.
Shababik – Ar Rawdah
Shababik has been impressing diners in Jeddah and Riyadh. The all-day dining restaurant prides itself on offering authentic Lebanese flavours. The menu includes soups, hot and cold mezze, salads, and mains. The specials include Kebbab Remman, Kibbeh Labaniyeh, and Stuffed Cabbage.
Shang Palace – Shangri-La Jeddah
Shangri-La Jeddah is on the Jeddah Waterfront. Translated: it’s within easy reach of restaurants, malls and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. When a hotel oozes this much luxury, however, you won’t want to check out anytime soon. If you can’t book a room, at least book dinner at Keith Yeap’s Shang Palace and order the Insta-worthy, brightly-coloured dim sum and the mouth-wateringly good Peking duck.
GO: Follow @shangrila_jeddah on Instagram for more information.
Siddharta Lounge – Assila, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Across the region, Siddharta Lounge has become a byword for mingling in style, so it was only a matter of time before this award-winning concept landed in Saudi Arabia. Siddharta Lounge Jeddah comprises a restaurant, a lounge, and a rooftop pool complete with comfortable sun loungers, elegant dinner tables, and captivating views of the city. And like other outposts, the menu here epitomises a modern twist on the cherished Nouvelle Cuisine tradition. Among these delights are signatures like the Siddharta Lounge Volcano Maki roll alongside delectable dishes such as Lobster Gyoza and Sakana Pot, each artfully plated to enhance the dining experience.
GO: Follow @siddhartaloungejeddah on Instagram for more information.
The Lucky Llama – Al Mohammadiyyah
The Lucky Llama is a vibrant and trendy restaurant in Jeddah that offers a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavours. The brainchild of Chef Nihal Felemban, the restaurant boasts a chic and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends or a special occasion. From fresh and vibrant ceviches to expertly crafted sushi rolls, the menu offers an exploration of bold and complex Nikkei cuisine. Beyond the incredible food, the restaurant offers stylish decor and a lively atmosphere.
GO: Visit www.theluckyllama.co for reservations and more information.
The Social Kitchen – Ar Rawdah
The Social Kitchen is a vibrant, contemporary restaurant celebrating the rich flavours of the Mediterranean. Housed in a spacious, loft-style building, the restaurant offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere perfect for casual dining or social gatherings. The menu features bold flavours and high-quality ingredients, from fresh seafood dishes to succulent grilled meats. Beyond the food, the restaurant’s open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the culinary artistry firsthand. The in-house bakery is another highlight, offering freshly baked bread, pastries, and cookies.
GO: Visit www.wearesocial-sa.com for reservations and more information.
Toki – Leylaty
Does the sound of dim sum get your stomach rumbling? Well, a visit to Toki is a must. The contemporary Chinese menu includes delicious dim sums. We’re talking crystal shrimp, spicy lobster, spicy mayo chicken roll and Wagyu puff. The menu also includes rice and noodle dishes, from black pepper udon noodles to Singapore noodles.
GO: Follow @tokiksa on Instagram for more information.
Tokyo – Al Mohammadiyah
After wowing diners in Riyadh since 1985, Tokyo has now brought its exquisite flavours and sophisticated ambience to Jeddah. Tokyo Jeddah is situated at Signature by Bunyan on the ever-bustling King Abdulaziz Road in the Al Mohammadiyah district. As the first Japanese restaurant in Saudi Arabia, Tokyo has garnered widespread recognition for its culinary excellence. Signature dishes include the crispy crab salad and prawn tacos, in addition to a range of crafted mocktails, superb sushi and decadent desserts.
GO: Visit https://tokyoarabia.com for more information.
Villa Fayrouz – Lapaz Plaza
Lebanese restaurant Villa Fayrouz hails from Kuwait. The restaurant is a sophisticated space and offers indoor and outdoor seats. Plus, the floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light, giving it a bright and airy feel. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and dishes are superb for sharing. The menu spans everything from Sujock and Shakshouka to Kebab with Raspberry, Lamb Cutlets and Shish Taouk Saffron. Plus, desserts include Ashta with Banana and Honey, Mafroukeh and Rice Pudding.
GO: Follow @villafayrouz.sa on Instagram for more information.
Zilos – Le Prestige Mall
Italian chef Pino Lavarra has created a new concept in the city. Located in Ash Shati, Zilos draws its inspiration from Pino’s grandmother’s cooking. The menu spans classic pasta dishes to fresh seafood. The team pride themselves on making everything from scratch. The pastas include Orrecchiette Ca Muddica, Ravioli Ricotta and Rigatoni E Tartufo. Main dishes also include Chicken Alla Diavola, Salt Bake Sea Bass and Veal Milanese. Pino has worked across the world. After he became the Executive Chef of Rossellinis, which was awarded one MICHELIN Star and later two MICHELIN Stars. He also worked for Tosca in Hong Kong, which was awarded one MICHELIN Star.
GO: Visit https://zilos.sa for more information.
