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…
Must-see restaurants in Saudi Arabia
Eastern Province
South of Al Qatif's centre, this beautiful, traditional restaurant is set around an open courtyard filled with greenery and a water feature. All the staff…
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…
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…
Eastern Province
After an elaborate social media campaign launched this trendy restaurant, it has become the place to be seen for young, hip Saudis. A nice open-air garden…
Jeddah
Jeddah's introduction to the Brazilian churrascaria is an excellent dining choice. Keep your wooden indicator in the upright green position and the…
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…
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…
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…
Eastern Province
The best bakery in Dammam. The sweet and savoury pastries baked in brick kilns here are simply delicious, especially, the pide (a boat-shaped thick-crust…
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…
Tabuk
Serving the most popular no-frills local cuisine in town, Alfi comes highly recommended and you can see why. Fresh grilled meat is turned over rapidly as…
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,…
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…
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
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…
Eastern Province
Oah Yamal is a treat for the eyes as well as the palate. Reminiscent of Bahrain or Kuwait in the pre-oil era, when pearling and fishing were the main…
Eastern Province
In this predominantly Southeast Asian shopping area, known locally as the Filipino Market, you'll find the best Filipino and Thai food in Dammam. Try…
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…
Tabuk
Cheap eating options such as this are everywhere, but few do falafel wraps this well. Standard ingredients in Saudi falafel wraps are falafel, boiled egg,…
Eastern Province
You'll be greeted at the door at Al Marsah, the best seafood restaurant in Dammam, with a delicious range of fresh seafood for you to choose from. Sold by…
Riyadh
This pomegranate-coloured restaurant is Saudi Arabia's first small chain offering Armenian cuisine. Feast on gapama (pumpkin stuffed with rice, meat and…
Eastern Province
Close to the historic centre, this restaurant has a comfortable and clean family area and a wide-ranging menu that includes an extensive vegetarian…
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…
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…
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…
Tabuk
Every town in Saudi has one, and this is Tabuk's version of a restaurant set within a beautiful mock fort. The Qaryiat has cosy rooms centred on an open…
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…
Eastern Province
With an innovative and inviting menu, Beit Misk promises to be different than other Lebanese restaurants. An alternative to baba ganoush, its 'mama…
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…
Eastern Province
Named after 7th-century Iraqi-born Andalusian poet and musician Ali Ibn Nafi (or 'Ziryab'), this restaurant serves classic Mediterranean cuisine. Try the…
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…
Eastern Province
You can't leave Saudi Arabia without visiting at least one boofiya – an inexpensive cafeteria-style takeaway that serves up quick sandwiches of either…
Riyadh
This little eating outlet built its reputation on its delicious, freshly baked manakeesh (flatbread), which can come stuffed with a host of ingredients,…
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…
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)…
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…
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…
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…
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…
