Whether you're dining in style, or grabbing a casual bite, we've got you covered with our list of Jeddah's best restaurants - tried and tested by you, our members!
Eating out is big business in Saudi Arabia. In Jeddah, new restaurants are springing up all over the city and whereas fast-food outlets were once the most popular newcomers, there is an increase in fine-dining establishments offering a dizzying array of both regional and international cuisines.
To help you choose, we asked MCC’s head of concierge services, Houria Tawfika, for Jeddah’s top eateries according to you, our members! Suffice to say you’ll be spoiled for choice.
You can make reservations for these, and hundreds of other destinations, by contacting our Bookings service, or messaging a member of the team via WhatsApp on +966 533 633 607. Did you know we can also help with your domestic and international travel plans? Get in touch to find out more…
1. Kuuru
Part luxury dining and part theatrical food experience, watch the chefs prepare their Japanese-Peruvian dishes in a stylish setting surrounded by South American art and imagery. From appetizers – try the home-made black tortilla with confit of duck – to sushi, sashimi and flame-grilled fish and beef, this is dining with a difference. Back in 1899 the Japanese government sent a batch of its young farmers to Peru to work in the sugar plantations there and bring home new skills. Many never returned and settled in their new country, bringing their distinctive cuisine with them. The resulting fusion food, known as Nikkei, is enjoying a huge resurgence (the Nobu chain is one example) and Kuuru has brought the cuisine to Jeddah. Enjoy!
2. The Social Kitchen
Founded by Saudi entrepreneur Basma Elkhereiji, who came from a marketing background before deciding that she wanted to cook professionally, this crisply contemporary-style restaurant is a sister outlet to the bakery of the same name. Expect a Mediterranean-style menu with regional overtones – salmon tacos, Greek flatbreads topped with feta, truffle tortellini, wagyu ribeye, salads, slow-cooked lamb and grilled fish.
2. San Carlo Cicchetti
Taking its name from the Venetian tradition of serving small sharing plates – rather like Spanish tapas – San Carlo Cicchetti offers elegant, marble-clad surroundings and powder-blue upholstery in which to dine on fine Italian food. Whether you want little plates of bruschetta with imaginative toppings, or larger portions of pastas, risottos or meat, there is a wide choice of dishes. The restaurant – there is a sister branch in Riyadh – is part of a small chain started in London by Carlo di Stefano in 1992. Located in the Al Basateen Mall, it’s well situated for enjoying a meal with friends while taking a retail break.
3. Bagatelle
Set within the Indigo Beach Resort on the Corniche, Bagatelle is part of an international chain started in New York by two French entrepreneurs. The idea is to recreate the atmosphere of being invited to the home of a French Mediterranean bon viveur, with many plates designed for sharing with family and friends. The menu may be simple but it includes truffles and caviar along with its Wagyu beef, fish and pasta. Dine inside under the tropical-style thatched roof or outside by the pool.
4. Myazu
Smartly presented Japanese fine dining, although some might want to visit simply for the long list of mocktails, exotic juices and teas. Set in the Al Basateen Mall and sister to the branch in Riyadh, Myazu offers small plates to start – smoked eel don buri is a favorite – through tempura and sushi dishes to Wagyu beef, and seafood (do try the oven-baked black cod). If the menu is upscale – with adaptations for local tastes – the decor is equally glamorous.
5. Le Petit Chef - 3D dining experience
This clever concept, invented in France, has been introduced to select restaurants worldwide – and a few cruise ships. Huge fun for diners and even more so for children, the attraction uses 3D mapping technology to project images of a tiny chef onto your table, where he will proceed to assemble and ‘cook’ your food in front of you. He’s not, strictly speaking, a hologram but he certainly looks like one! In Jeddah the experience has been introduced at the five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which offers two sets of five-course menus and a special children’s show on Saturdays.
7. Toki
Chinese fine-dining restaurant Toki offers top-notch Asian food in an upscale interior just right for special occasions or for entertaining business contacts. Beautiful presentation makes an artwork of almost every dish. The Singapore spicy chili tiger prawn, for example, is served in a beautifully crafted ‘bowl’ made from molded woven noodles. Malaysian-born executive chef Peter Lau Chee Wei fell in love with cooking at the age of 17 and worked his way up to becoming an internationally regarded chef.
8. CoCos
Fun in the sun or even under the stars in this relaxed but smart restaurant by the water’s edge. Sit down out on the terrace in colorful lounging areas, or even sit on a swing and admire the beautiful views. The casual menu includes burgers, pizza, pasta, sliders, fresh juices – and there’s occasional live music. The truffle fries are a feature!
9. Libra Lounge
This sleek contemporary restaurant offers an international menu in a smart-casual atmosphere, with regular live music and DJs. From the brand founded by Jeddah entrepreneur Rana Ismail, this venue has indoor and outdoor areas, and also shisha. They have a minimum charge of SAR100 per person and at busy periods a time-limit on table occupation.
GOT A RESTAURANT SUGGESTION?
We'd love to hear about it! Write your suggestion in the comments section below and we'll add it to the city listings (if it's not already included), and we may recommend it other members in future articles.
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