Quick answers — eating in Jeddah
- Best restaurant overall
- Nobu Jeddah
- Best value
- San Carlo Cicchetti Jeddah (SAR 300-550+ / USD 80-150+)
- Strongest cuisines
- Japanese, Chinese, Mexican & Latin, Italian, Modern European
- Dishes to try
- Mandi, Foul Medames, Kabsa, Mutabbaq
- Booking window
- Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for weekend dinners at top-tier restaurants like Myazu or Nobu, especially if seeking a specific table or view. Weekday reservations can often be made a few days prior.
Booking well in advance, especially for weekend evenings, is highly recommended at top establishments. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to elegant, with traditional attire also common. Tipping 10-15% is customary for good service. Dinner hours usually commence around 7:00 PM, extending late into the night, particularly on weekends.
Japanese
Best Japanese restaurants in Jeddah
Japanese rooms range from counter omakase, where you eat whatever the chef cut that morning, to kaiseki menus built around the season. Counters are small — book early and arrive on time.
Nobu Jeddah
Acclaimed local fine diningJapanese-Peruvian · North Corniche · SAR 500-800+ / USD 130-210+
Nobu offers its signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking the Red Sea. Known for innovative dishes and a sophisticated ambiance, it's a staple for refined dining, blending traditional Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients and bold flavors in a luxurious environment.
Order: Black Cod with Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño
Myazu Jeddah
Acclaimed local fine diningContemporary Japanese · Al Khalidiya · SAR 500-850+ / USD 130-230+
Myazu is a leading destination for contemporary Japanese cuisine, renowned for its sleek design and meticulous culinary execution. It presents a sophisticated menu of sushi, sashimi, and robata dishes, crafted from premium ingredients. The ambiance is stylish and modern, appealing to a discerning clientele seeking an elevated dining experience.
Order: Wagyu Gyoza, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice
OKU
Acclaimed local fine diningJapanese · Al Rawdah · SAR 400-700+ / USD 105-190+
OKU offers a refined Japanese dining experience, emphasizing authenticity and premium ingredients. Its menu features expertly prepared sushi, sashimi, and a selection of hot dishes, all served in an elegant and serene environment. The minimalist decor allows the quality of the food and service to take center stage, providing a tranquil escape.
Order: Tuna Tataki, Signature Rolls
Chinese
Best Chinese restaurants in Jeddah
Chinese fine dining is regional: Cantonese seafood and dim sum, the chilli and numbing pepper of Sichuan, the delicate soups of Shanghai. Larger tables see more of the menu.
Shang Palace Jeddah
Acclaimed local fine diningCantonese · Al Ruwais (Shangri-La Hotel) · SAR 350-650+ / USD 95-175+
Located within the luxurious Shangri-La hotel, Shang Palace offers an authentic and elevated Cantonese dining experience. It's celebrated for its expertly crafted dim sum, signature roasted meats, and sophisticated seafood dishes, served in an opulent setting. The restaurant combines traditional flavors with impeccable service, creating a memorable meal.
Order: Peking Duck, Dim Sum selection
Toki
Acclaimed local fine diningChinese · Al Andalus · SAR 300-500+ / USD 80-135+
Toki offers a contemporary take on classic Chinese cuisine in a sophisticated, dimly lit setting. Renowned for its elegant presentation and refined flavors, the menu includes traditional favorites alongside innovative dishes. It's a consistently popular choice for those seeking a high-quality Chinese dining experience with attentive service and a stylish ambiance.
Order: Dynamite Shrimp, Beijing Duck
Mexican & Latin
Best Mexican and Latin American restaurants in Jeddah
Latin American kitchens have some of the fastest-moving cooking anywhere: masa ground in house, ceviche cured to order, and Nikkei menus mixing Peruvian and Japanese technique.
COYA Jeddah
Acclaimed local fine diningPeruvian · Al Zahra · SAR 450-750+ / USD 120-200+
COYA brings vibrant Peruvian culture and cuisine to Jeddah with an energetic atmosphere and exquisite dishes. The restaurant excels in fresh ceviches, grilled meats, and Pisco Sours, delivering an immersive dining experience through its art-filled interiors and lively music, perfect for an upscale evening.
Order: Ceviche Clasico, Arroz Nikkei
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Jeddah
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
San Carlo Cicchetti Jeddah
Acclaimed local fine diningItalian · Al Zahra · SAR 300-550+ / USD 80-150+
San Carlo Cicchetti brings the vibrant essence of Venetian-style small plates to Jeddah. This popular Italian eatery offers a diverse menu of delicious, shareable dishes from various regions of Italy. The atmosphere is bustling and chic, making it ideal for a social dining experience with friends or family, focusing on fresh ingredients.
Order: Truffle Tagliolini, Fritto Misto
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Jeddah
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
The Globe
Acclaimed local fine diningInternational · Al Andalus (Al Faisaliah Tower) · SAR 600-1000+ / USD 160-270+
Perched atop the Al Faisaliah Tower, The Globe offers breathtaking panoramic views of Jeddah. This restaurant focuses on refined international cuisine, providing an exceptional dining experience with a lavish buffet and à la carte options. The luxurious setting and unparalleled vista make it a destination for special occasions and memorable meals.
Order: Seafood Gratin, Beef Wellington
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Jeddah
Al Baik
A beloved local institution famous for its incredibly popular fried chicken and shrimp meals. Expect long queues but fast service for delicious, affordable comfort food. A full meal costs around SAR 20-35.
Shawarma Shaker
Known for serving some of the best shawarma in Jeddah, with flavorful chicken or meat wrapped in fresh bread. It's a quick, satisfying, and budget-friendly option for a casual bite. A shawarma costs around SAR 15-25.
Abu Zaid
A traditional Yemeni restaurant offering authentic dishes like Foul Medames, shakshuka, and various bread. Perfect for a hearty and inexpensive breakfast or casual meal in a bustling setting. Dishes typically range from SAR 10-30.
Bateel Cafe
While also having fine products, their cafes offer a relaxed setting for excellent Arabian coffee, fresh juices, and light meals including salads and sandwiches. A good spot for a refined yet affordable lunch or snack. A light meal costs around SAR 40-70.
Al Saaj Al Reef
Specializes in traditional Saudi Arabian and Levantine pastries and mana'eesh cooked on a saaj griddle. Freshly baked, savory, and sweet options are available, making for a quick, delicious, and very affordable meal. Mana'eesh cost around SAR 8-20.
Local dishes
What to eat in Jeddah
Mandi
Mandi is a traditional Yemeni dish popular in Saudi Arabia, featuring slow-cooked meat (usually lamb or chicken) seasoned with a blend of spices, served over fragrant basmati rice that has absorbed the rich meat drippings. It's often cooked in a tandoor-like pit, resulting in incredibly tender meat and aromatic rice. Find it at Al-Romansiah Restaurant for an authentic experience.
Foul Medames
A staple Middle Eastern breakfast or light meal, Foul Medames consists of slow-cooked fava beans often mashed or whole, seasoned with olive oil, cumin, lemon juice, and sometimes chopped parsley, tomato, or chili. It's typically served with bread for dipping. Abu Zaid is a popular local chain known for its excellent and affordable foul dishes, offering various preparations.
Kabsa
Kabsa is considered Saudi Arabia's national dish, a flavorful mixed rice dish cooked with meat (chicken, lamb, or camel), vegetables, and a distinct blend of spices. The meat is tender, and the rice is infused with rich flavors. It's a hearty and aromatic meal often served on a large platter for sharing. Al Wadaq Restaurant is renowned for its traditional Kabsa.
Mutabbaq
Mutabbaq is a savory or sweet pan-fried folded pastry, popular in the Hijaz region. The savory version often contains minced meat (beef or lamb), egg, onion, and spices, while sweet versions might have banana or chocolate. It's a delightful street food snack or light meal, cooked freshly on a griddle. Look for street vendors in Al-Balad selling this delicious, crispy treat.
Sayadieh
Sayadieh is a classic Middle Eastern fish and rice dish, particularly popular in coastal cities like Jeddah. It features flaky white fish (often hamour or snapper) cooked with aromatic rice, caramelized onions, and a blend of spices, often garnished with toasted nuts and fresh parsley. The flavors are savory and comforting. Al-Nakheel Restaurant serves an excellent version, celebrating fresh local seafood.
Tamees
Tamees is a large, flat, circular bread, originating from Afghanistan but a breakfast staple in Saudi Arabia, especially Jeddah. It's typically baked in a tandoor-like oven, resulting in a soft interior and slightly crispy exterior. Tamees is usually served alongside foul medames or other savory dishes for scooping. It's an essential part of a traditional Jeddah breakfast, found at many local bakeries.
Luqaimat
Luqaimat are sweet, crispy, deep-fried dough balls, similar to doughnuts, often drenched in date syrup (dibbs) or honey. These popular bite-sized desserts are traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan but are available year-round. They have a delightful chewy interior and a golden, slightly crunchy exterior, making them an irresistible treat after a meal or with Arabic coffee. Find them at dessert shops or local cafes.
Saleeg
Saleeg is a traditional Saudi dish from the Hejaz region, often called 'Saudi Arabian risotto.' It consists of white rice cooked with broth and milk until it achieves a creamy, porridge-like consistency. It's typically served with roasted or boiled meat (chicken or lamb) and often garnished with butter or ghee. This comforting, rich dish is a staple of Saudi hospitality. Try it at local, traditional restaurants.
How to book a table in Jeddah
- · Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for weekend dinners at top-tier restaurants like Myazu or Nobu, especially if seeking a specific table or view. Weekday reservations can often be made a few days prior.
- · Many high-end restaurants in Jeddah, particularly those within luxury hotels, may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for larger parties or peak times. Always confirm deposit policies during booking.
- · Consider trying a lunch menu, if available, at fine dining establishments. These often provide an opportunity to experience the chef's cuisine at a more accessible price point than dinner, without compromising quality or ambiance.
- · Be aware of strict no-show and late cancellation policies. Given the high demand for tables, restaurants may levy charges for cancellations made within 24-48 hours of the reservation or for not arriving.
FAQ
Jeddah restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Jeddah?
Nobu Jeddah in North Corniche is the benchmark table — Japanese-Peruvian, acclaimed local fine dining, around SAR 500-800+ / USD 130-210+ per person. Order the Black Cod with Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño
Where is the best Japanese restaurant in Jeddah?
Nobu Jeddah in North Corniche is the Japanese table to book in Jeddah (SAR 500-800+ / USD 130-210+ per person). Other strong options: Myazu Jeddah, OKU.
Where is the best Chinese restaurant in Jeddah?
Shang Palace Jeddah in Al Ruwais (Shangri-La Hotel) is the Chinese table to book in Jeddah (SAR 350-650+ / USD 95-175+ per person). Other strong options: Toki.
Where is the best Mexican and Latin American restaurant in Jeddah?
COYA Jeddah in Al Zahra is the Mexican and Latin American table to book in Jeddah (SAR 450-750+ / USD 120-200+ per person).
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Jeddah?
San Carlo Cicchetti Jeddah in Al Zahra is the Italian table to book in Jeddah (SAR 300-550+ / USD 80-150+ per person).
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Jeddah?
The Globe in Al Andalus (Al Faisaliah Tower) is the modern European table to book in Jeddah (SAR 600-1000+ / USD 160-270+ per person).
Where can I eat well in Jeddah without spending a fortune?
San Carlo Cicchetti Jeddah is the best-value table on this list at roughly SAR 300-550+ / USD 80-150+ per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Al Baik, Shawarma Shaker, Abu Zaid.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Jeddah?
Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for weekend dinners at top-tier restaurants like Myazu or Nobu, especially if seeking a specific table or view. Weekday reservations can often be made a few days prior. Many high-end restaurants in Jeddah, particularly those within luxury hotels, may require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit for larger parties or peak times. Always confirm deposit policies during booking.
What food is Jeddah famous for?
Mandi, Foul Medames, Kabsa, Mutabbaq, Sayadieh — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. Mandi is a traditional Yemeni dish popular in Saudi Arabia, featuring slow-cooked meat (usually lamb or chicken) seasoned with a blend of spices, served over fragrant basmati rice that has absorbed the rich meat drippings. It's often cooked in a tandoor-like pit, resulting in incredibly tender meat and aromatic rice. Find it at Al-Romansiah Restaurant for an authentic experience.
Planning the rest of Jeddah?
The full Jeddah guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Jeddah travel guide