from dynamic fine dining spots from powerhouse female chefs to playful ramen joints and Cannes-born hotspots
Athwifa Saleem
Jeddah, the beating heart of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, is a city where ancient history and modern dynamism collide. Beyond the dazzling skyscrapers and bustling souqs, a vibrant culinary scene awaits, one that champions both Saudi cuisine and international flavours. Here are the best restaurants in Jeddah to visit in 2024 – from dynamic fine dining spots from powerhouse female chefs to playful ramen joints and Cannes-born hotspots.
The best restaurants in Jeddah
Tomillo by Sama
Cool, minimalist, trendy and one of the best restaurants in Jeddah – Tomillo by Sama is a gem of European cuisine in the city, offering a menu that blends Mediterranean influences with culinary creativity from various countries and regions. Masterminded by chef Sama Jaad, one of Saudi’s rising female chefs, the menu features much-loved dishes like grilled octopus with potato foam, mushroom risotto with truffle oil, and lotus drama dessert – an indulgent layering of biscuit, caramel, and vanilla ice cream. The space itself is moody and sophisticated, with a sweeping bar, pendant lighting, emerald booths and lots of greenery.
Ash Shati, @tomillobysama
Myazu
MYAZU is not only one of the best restaurants in Jeddah, but one of – in fact the – best in Saudi Arabia, according to MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. The fine-dining Japanese micro-chain operates three restaurants in the Kingdom in Riyadh, AlUla and Jeddah. Jeddah is located in Al Basateen Mall and serves the brand’s signature Japanese cuisine with contemporary flair. This is a spot for true foodies, as each plate is a work of art, and dishes include succulent Wagyu beef, delicate sushi, black cod miso and spicy tuna crispy rice.
Al Basateen Mall, Ar Rawdah, @myazusaudi
The Lucky Llama
The Lucky Lama has been drawing a crowd since its launch, thanks to its delicious Nikkei cuisine and star owner and Chef Nihal Felemban. Testament to Jeddah’s empowered foodie scene, the restaurant is inspired by Chef Nihal’s travels and foodie experiences, who wanted to create an experience that connects people and takes them on a journey to another world. The dishes themselves are as stylish as the décor, which features a modern design, an open kitchen, mirrored walls, and dramatic beaded chandeliers. The menu is divided into starters, a raw bar, sushi and Llama’s Fish Friends, hot bites to share, sides, and dolcitos (dessert). Some of the best dishes to try there are the ceviche, a fresh and tangy dish of raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices, the Llama’s Hamachi, a signature dish of yellowtail fish with jalapeño, cilantro, and yuzu sauce, the 9+ Wagyu Ribeye, and the Lotus Drama dessert, which are all highly recommended.
Al Mohammadiyyah,theluckyllama.co, @theluckyllama.co
Mashi No Mashi
The first ramen restaurant in Jeddah, Mashi No Mashi is the brainchild of Chef Hisato Hamada, the founder of Wagyumafia and a master of Wagyu beef. Located at the trendy new Jeddah Yacht Club, the playful restaurant promises to the ‘the ultimate wagyu ramen and wagy gyoza bar’ – serving up its signature rich and savoury broth simered for 24 hours using Kobe beef bones. Don’t miss the chance to taste the Wagyujiro, the signature dish of Mashi No Mashi at the Yacht Club, as well as enjoy other mouthwatering dishes such as the Spicy Samurai Bomb Tsukemen, the Wagyu Gyoza, and the Wagyu Char Siu Bao.
Ash Shati, Jeddah, coolinc.com.sa, @mashinomashijeddah
Niyyali
Nestled in the Shangri-La Jeddah, Niyyali is a new gem that shines with Lebanese flair. This chic eatery attracts discerning food lovers with its spacious terrace that offers stunning views of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit and the Red Sea. The real star is the food, which showcases the authentic and diverse flavours of Lebanon. From signature dishes like the Eggplant Shrimps Moutabal and Hummus Truffle to classic favourites like the Fatteh and Fattoush, Niyyali delivers a gastronomic experience that is both satisfying and memorable. With a knowledgeable and courteous staff that guides you through the menu, Niyyali is the place to go for a taste of Lebanon in Jeddah.
Shangri-La Jeddah, Ash Shati, niyyali.com,@niyyali.jeddah
San Carlo Cicchetti
Part of the famous Venetian-inspired San Carlo Group – with restaurants in London, Doha, Bahrain and Riyadh – this elegant Italian restaurant exudes the ‘la dolce vita’ spirit with its vibrant décor and typically Italian service. Focusing on ‘cicchetti’ – small, sharing plates typical of the Veneto – the menu includes delights like crispy zucchini fritte, Diavola pizza with spicy beef salami and a whole manner of crowd pleasers perfect for everyone in the family. The dining room itself is ornate, covered in artwork with statement lighting, florals and pretty blue seating. This is one of the best restaurants in Jeddah for convivial meetings with friends and loved ones.
Ar Rawdah,sancarlocicchetti.sa, @cicchettisaudi
Twina Seafood
Located just off the Corniche – moments from the ocean – Twina serves some of the freshest seafood from the Red Sea in a stunning setting overlooking the waterfront. Loved by locals, the casual restaurant’s interior reflects its maritime theme, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a casual lunch or a special dinner, Twina’s take on Hijazi cuisine will delight your senses. Try their famous grilled lobster, a succulent and satisfying treat, or their pan-fried baby scallops, a delicate and delicious delicacy. Explore other tempting options from their menu, such as the Siyadiah, a traditional rice dish with fish and caramelized onions, the Madoos, a spicy and tangy fish stew, or the Seniah Humar, a lobster dish with a creamy sauce.
Al Andalus, Al Hamraa, Jeddah, twina.net
Le Vesuvio
Brought to the Kingdom by Cool Inc – the team behind some of Saudi’s most talked-about and, cool, restaurant openings – Cannes-born Le Vesuvio brings the charm and elegance of the French Riviera hotspot to the shores of the Red Sea. Named after the famous Naples’ volcano, the Jeddah outpost of the international restaurant brand is located at the Jeddah Yacht Club, offering a stunning view of the sunset and the marina, as well as a refined dining experience that showcases the best of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The dining room itself takes inspiration from Napes and the Amalfi coast, centred around a lemon tree, and the menu includes pasta dishes, a succulent steaks and wood-fired pizzas, alongside plenty of Italian classics.
Jeddah Yacht Club; coolinc.com.sa, @levesuvio.sa
Rasoi by Vineet
Colourful, bright, fun and flavourful, Rasoi by Vineet is the stage for beloved Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia’s masterful modern Indian cuisine in Jeddah. This stylish Indian restaurant is inspired by the old streets of Jeddah – where Chef Vineet first fell in love with the city – and brings the essence of Jeddah and Old Jeddah to the space. The menu transforms classic dishes with cutting-edge methods and aesthetic presentation, and some signature dishes include deconstructed samosa chaat, lamb shank biriyani and kofta korma.
Al Andalus,rasoibyvineetjeddah.com, @rasoibyvineetjeddah
