Must-see restaurants in Saudi Arabia

  • Wong Solo

    Jeddah

    'The man from Solo' (a city in Java Island, Indonesia) is an excellent budget Indonesian restaurant close to the start of Al Balad. It's been wholly…

  • Najd Village

    Riyadh

    This place serves Saudi food in a Saudi setting, where some rooms even have a traditional fireplace. It's the perfect place to sample popular regional…

  • Makkah Restaurant

    Jeddah

    The secret's out with this no-frills Pakistani restaurant, once frequented only by Little India's South Asian community. Now you'll be rubbing shoulders…

  • Spears

    Jeddah

    Jeddah's introduction to the Brazilian churrascaria is an excellent dining choice. Keep your wooden indicator in the upright green position and the…

  • Al Nakheel Restaurant

    Jeddah

    Styled like a traditional tent, with open sides to let the sea breezes in, the huge courtyard with large traditional couches is popular, especially on…

  • Meraj Hyderabadi Restaurant

    Saudi Arabia

    The astonishing takeaway traffic tells its own story at this cosy South Indian restaurant, just north of the centre. It's popular with locals, and you'll…

  • Abu Zaid

    Saudi Arabia

    The ultimate spot for an authentic taste of what has become classic Saudi fare. Fuul (thick broad-bean soup), masoob (a Yemeni sweet of bread, banana and…

  • Al Marsah Seafood Restaurant

    Saudi Arabia

    Eating here, in one of the old town properties overlooking the seaport, is as much about the location as the food, which is excellent. Beautifully…

  • Globe Lounge

    Riyadh

    One of five restaurants in Al Faisaliah Tower, the Globe Lounge has spectacular views that make it the most romantic spot in town. Cosy and dimly lit,…

  • Serei Uncle Idris

    Saudi Arabia

    Soldiers, Yemenis, elderly uncles and local shebab (teenage boys) all arrive wanting the best Sudanese food in town: most will ask for the superb lahm…

  • Al Turathi

    Saudi Arabia

    Located in a beautiful mock traditional house, this part-museum, part-restaurant is stocked with vintage and antique items across its two storeys. There's…

  • Al Ula Heritage Restaurant

    Al Ula

    This busy little restaurant is set in a mock-traditional house, as so many serving local Saudi food tend to be. The key draw though is the cook making…

  • Maharaja East by Vineet

    Riyadh

    One to book for a special occasion, this upscale restaurant offers a refreshing spin on standard Indian cuisine. Creating dishes such as classic Punjabi…

  • Lusin Restaurant

    Riyadh

    This pomegranate-coloured restaurant is Saudi Arabia's first small chain offering Armenian cuisine. Feast on gapama (pumpkin stuffed with rice, meat and…

  • Balad Street Food

    Jeddah

    It's not quite like the street-food markets of Southeast Asia, but this place, with a little collection of covered wooden seating lining the corner…

  • Hotel Sonargaon

    Saudi Arabia

    Located in the bustling narrow streets of the Bangla Bazaar just beyond the open-air parking north of King Faisal Rd, this is the most accessible of the…

  • Tuǧra

    Riyadh

    Tuǧra is named after the Ottoman sultans' royal seal, and there's certainly something regal about the stunning views from this restaurant. The food is…

  • Taj Restaurant

    Saudi Arabia

    This is the pick of the South Asian restaurants in the little Indian strip near the fish market. Taj is excellent value for money, with friendly welcoming…

  • Hira Indian Restaurant

    Saudi Arabia

    A delicious no-frills South Asian eating outlet northwest of the centre, popular with migrant workers and local Saudis alike. The South Asian staff…

  • Alqasr Restaurant

    Northern Saudi Arabia

    Anywhere else, the Alqasr would be just another restaurant, but this is a town where eating out constitutes sitting on patio furniture and tucking into…

  • Zaatar W Zeit

    Riyadh

    This little eating outlet built its reputation on its delicious, freshly baked manakeesh (flatbread), which can come stuffed with a host of ingredients,…

  • Reem Al Bawadi

    Jeddah

    In the heart of North Jeddah, opposite King Faisal Hospital, this two-level Lebanese place with outdoor dining offers a sweets counter on the ground floor…

  • Almualem Yemeni Restaurant

    Saudi Arabia

    All the delicious Saudi staples that originate from Yemeni culture, such as fuul, muthabbak (omelette pancake) and masoob (a bread, banana and honey dish)…

  • Mom's Flavour

    Riyadh

    Let Mom take care of you at this cosy little eating spot with a personal touch. The menu is international and the food is great, but it's the wonderful…

  • Golden Rice

    Saudi Arabia

    Resembling a palace from the Aladdin movies, this huge restaurant is part of a growing trend of stylish Indian eateries that cater to a more refined…

  • Mirage Indian Restaurant

    Saudi Arabia

    Although light on atmosphere, with small touches of Indian decor, the Mirage is still very popular with locals and offers an excellent biryani (rice dish…

  • Spazio 77

    Riyadh

    Located in the nook of the ‘necklace’ of the Kingdom Tower, Spazio 77 is a combination brasserie, coffee house and luxury restaurant serving fine-dining…

  • Bistro By Tao

    Riyadh

    This little joint has an air of zen about it. Eastern and contemporary-chic decor and mellow music create a relaxing atmosphere. The prices here aren't…

  • Hashem

    Saudi Arabia

    A big green and yellow sign greets you at this popular, local establishment on the corner of a busy intersection. Famous for its delicious mezze, Hashem…

  • Yildizlar

    Jeddah

    With appealing decor and a comfortable atmosphere, Yildizlar is a local institution serving a splendid mix of Turkish and Lebanese food. Dishes range from…

  • Paradise Restaurant

    Mecca

    This no-frills little eating spot is tucked away along one of the backstreets east of the clock tower, close to Al Masjid Al Haram. The food is cheap,…

  • Aroma

    Riyadh

    Aroma, the signature in-house restaurant of the Burj Rafal Hotel Kempinski, is an all-day buffet restaurant that hosts themed buffets that are great value…

  • Azam Najd

    Saudi Arabia

    Jazan's restaurant-cum-traditional house has a nice fort-like facade with reed shutters. Inside there are cosy carpeted booths or private rooms where…

  • Turkouise

    Jeddah

    The decor is contemporary and the food provides an authentic taste of Turkey – little wonder this restaurant draws many Turkish expats. The Tarsus kebab…

  • Route 66

    Saudi Arabia

    This pseudo-American restaurant serves up nice alternatives to the South Asian and Middle Eastern options everywhere else. The portions aren't big, but…

  • Iskenderun Restaurant

    Saudi Arabia

    Canary coloured, cheap and cheerful, this is Yanbu’s favourite eating establishment. Try the speciality, the shawarma iskandar, served with a secret sauce…

  • As Shafa

    Saudi Arabia

    As Shafa serves delicious Saudi and Turkmen dishes, including manti (similar to ravioli), at unbeatable prices. It’s much admired locally, but there's no…

  • Street-Food Stands

    Mecca

    Pick up delicious shawarma and falafel wraps or a bag of freshly fried samosas for a mere SR2 at these great little 24-hour food stands selling the best…

  • Mama Noura

    Riyadh

    Large, bright and clean, this Turkish place remains perennially popular among Riyadhis, who come for the succulent shawarma or famous falafel. There’s no…

  • Al Deyafa

    Mecca

    On the 12th floor of the Al Marwa Rayhaan hotel, commanding spectacular views over Al Masjid Al Haram, Al Deyafa offers a great Malaysian buffet that is…

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