A foodie capital waiting to be discovered
In recent years, the buzz about Saudi’s food scene has much revolved around the capital Riyadh and its immense growth with international exports such as La Petite Maison, Zuma, and Carbone. However, tucked away on the western coast of the country is the coastal city of Jeddah, having its moment in the sun.
Jeddah’s foodie scene is up and coming, with countless homegrown restaurants hidden in alleys and narrow streets begging to be discovered. If you’re in town for at least 48 hours, this guide will give you an inside scoop – where to eat, stay, and play in Saudi Arabia’s ultimate hidden foodie gem.
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Day 1
Morning
Ease into your first day with breakfast at Sorrel at Pleo, a serene, minimalist spot that instantly calms the senses. The drive there might seem intimidating at first, but trust us – the moment you walk in, the street chaos fades away. Order one of the out-of-this-world Benedict options, such as the Florentina with gorgeous smoked salmon and a creamy wasabi sauce. If you’d prefer something slightly heavier, the Confit Brisket Benedict will be the one for you.
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After breakfast, stretch your legs with a stroll along the Jeddah Corniche. The sea breeze and open horizon set the tone for the day, and you can stop by the Floating Mosque for photos – the way it hovers over the Red Sea is nothing short of mesmerising.
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Afternoon
It’s time for lunch, and the only recommendation we can, in good faith, make is to head to Il Postino on Sari Road in Al Khalidiyyah. We know the general feeling of Burrata salads. This salad, in particular, is genuinely made differently. Thinly sliced buffalo tomatoes are marinated, stacked and then topped with basil cream, balsamic vinegar, and a creamy burrata that waits to be deconstructed. Pizza is the main event, of course – order the Sorrentina and experience a perfectly blistered crust, topped with home made tomato passata – get ready for a cheese pull extravaganza.
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Post-lunch, carve out some time to explore TeamLab Borderless, the latest addition to the city’s growing cultural repertoire. The immersive digital art experience will easily fill a couple of hours, with rooms that play tricks on your sense of space and light, perfect for photos, but even better just to get lost in. We spent close to 45 minutes in one room alone, lost in the laser beam lights.
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Evening
Dinner depends on your mood – and the budget. If you’re looking to splurge, Roka is the spot, the famed little sister of Zuma. Go for a table on the balcony for a more intimate setting. The famous Black Cod is naturally on the menu – however, we’d recommend the Yellow Tail Sashimi, served with a yuzu-truffle dressing; it truly is a perfectly balanced bite every time. Make room and special exception for the mocktails at Roka: where we can confidently say that after tasting one, you’ll want to taste all – but start with the Pineapple Shogun – it’s a classic.
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If you’re saving your Riyals, Kumar offers an equally memorable meal — Chef Kumar dedicated his life to Indian cuisine, despite spending most of his life in London, and he prides himself on authenticity and traditionality. Their curries are rich, fragrant, and generous enough to share between two, and the space feels authentic, unassuming, and the flavours burst with every bite. Be sure to order extra cucumber raita, butter naan and get ready for a homely butter chicken because the classics are just that for a reason.
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End your night at the Shangri-La Jeddah, where service and attention to detail are unmatched. The views over the Red Sea are pure luxury and the perfect way to rest before another day of exploring.
Day 2
Morning
Skip the hotel breakfast and head straight to Ext. 17 – a local favourite known for its buttermilk pancakes with caramelised apples. Order just that, nothing else, because the portion is huge and impossibly good.
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After breakfast, it’s only natural to grab a coffee. So, make your way to a Brew92, one of Jeddah’s most beloved homegrown roasteries. There are several locations across the city, but the Al Khayatt branch is our favourite. If you drop by between breakfast and lunch, you might even catch the pro roasters experimenting with their latest batch of beans. If you have space for a pastry, grab the Blue92, a crisp take on baklava topped with fresh blueberries. Relax like a true Saudi and have a chat over coffee before getting ready for lunch.
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Afternoon
For a relaxed lunch, head to Adani Bar. This is another one of those moments where the road may seem daunting, but it’s the destination that counts. Order the Cheesy Toasted Sandwich (the best you’ll ever have) and an Adani drink or London to drink – the sweet, spiced tea will fuel the rest of your travels across much of the city.
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After lunch, take a short drive to Al Balad, Jeddah’s historic heart. We always like to plan to go just before sunset, when the light hits the coral-stone buildings in shades of amber and the golden hour transports you back beyond the Gilded Age. As the twinkling lights begin to come to life, as does the ancient city. There are plenty of family houses to explore throughout Al Balad – the Nassif House Museums’ roof is seldom open to the public – which makes for a stunning birds-eye view of the town. But don’t miss Al Sharbatly House, recently restored by a descendant of the original family; it’s a stunning example of how Jeddah strives to preserve its beautiful heritage while embracing the future.
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Evening
Now that calories have been walked off, it’s time for the final event. Famed as Saudi Arabia’s best restaurant for a few years running, Myazu is a restaurant that is truly a splurge but so worth it. The restaurant is dark and moody but the food will bring light to your life and tastebuds. Start your evening with the Duck and Watermelon Salad, it’s crispy, it’s fresh and the chefs at Myazu knew what they were doing with that duo. An additional dish you cannot miss – the Wagyu Katsu Sandwich. You will be asked to use your hands, dunk the sandwich into the katsu sauce, and let the flavours marry.
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If you still have space for dessert, make your way to Brew92 on Prince Saud Al Faisal road in Al Khalidiyyah – this is the birth place of Brew92 and where better to enjoy their famous San Sebastián cheesecake with one last drink. A sweet end to a sweet trip – order the Brick by Brick and head up the winding staircase for a more lowkey feel. Enjoy a final sweet treat before making your way out of the city.
Image credit: @discoverjeddah on Instagram
Never afraid of an em-dash or trying new places across the world. Shelby thrives on sharing her favourite restaurants, cafes and hole in the walls. If she’s not eating out she’s at home trialing new recipes in her kitchen while binging series.
