3 tastemakers on their most-loved spots in Saudi Arabia

March 29, 2025

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3 tastemakers on their most-loved spots in Saudi Arabia

From world-renowned eating places and favorite native haunts in Riyadh to lesser-known hidden gems in Jeddah, three tastemakers share their most-loved spots in Saudi Arabia.

Arwa Al Banawi
Founder & Inventive Director of Arwa Al Banawi

The last word place to be throughout weekends:

The seashore!

Your favorite lunch/dinner place plus, dishes you’ll suggest making an attempt:

Kuuru is my favorite place in Jeddah, it’s a mix of Japanese and Peruvian delicacies. The nigiris and ceviche are my favorite factor on the menu, and the sliders too!

If vegan, favorite vegan eatery in Saudi:

Moon Shell is a stunning place to go for a espresso and luxuriate in considered one of their vegan bowls, my favorite is the açaí.

Favorite place for espresso/tea/matcha:

I really like tea, and in Jeddah tea is completed proper. For me it’s my grandma Salma’s place – she makes one of the best tea. It’s ready with lemon leaves that she grows in her backyard or when it’s rose season in Taif which is about two hours away from Jeddah, you possibly can add that with mint tea.

Greatest-kept secret of Saudi Arabia:

That will be Jeddah’s previous city, Al Balad. Simply stroll round and go to the native cafeterias, the previous city of Jeddah has a lot heritage and tales, for instance, my great-grandfather’s home is over 100 years previous now. Fortunately the brand new imaginative and prescient of Saudi is to revive all of the buildings within the previous city and provides it a recent take whereas preserving all of its previous properties. It’s magical and you are feeling it the second you arrive, you should purchase native produce, native perfumes, and a few conventional kaftans, additionally the “mistaka bukhour” is discovered there, we burn it with charcoal, it’s believed in our tradition to purify the house from unhealthy vitality and you should purchase it within the previous city souk. It has a gorgeous scent. A treasured hidden gem that solely locals know and love: The seashore islands, there are numerous and also you go about 20 minutes by boat from the marina.

A go-to wellness spot:

I often get my spa remedy at residence; one of the best is Polish Salon.

A once-in-a-lifetime expertise to strive:

Our conventional manner of cooking is often fried native fish with rice made with particular spices and herbs and a contemporary salad with tomatoes and cucumbers. On different events, a particular espresso we name “qahwat loz” is historically made firstly of the Islamic New Yr, and it’s made with almonds, milk, and cardamom. It’s a practice we now have at my grandma Salma’s home.

Different spots you’ll suggest to mates when visiting Saudi Aarabia:

Shangri-La Resort is a gorgeous place overlooking the ocean, I like to recommend their tea time, snorkelling and diving in Jeddah is a should for many who love to do this.

Hala Abdallah
Jewelry Designer & Founding father of Ofa

The last word place to be throughout weekends:

There are a number of wonderful issues to do in Boulevard Riyadh Metropolis and Bujairi Terrace.

Your favorite lunch/dinner place plus, dishes you’ll suggest making an attempt:

For one of the best meals I’d say LPM for superb eating, and Amigos for one of the best informal Mexican restaurant.

Favorite place for espresso/tea/matcha:

There are such a lot of locations, however I feel Starbucks at all times wins!

Greatest-kept secret of Saudi Arabia:

I extremely suggest Flour & Firewood for a breakfast or brunch expertise in Riyadh.

A treasured hidden gem that solely locals know – and love:

Waking up early within the morning to go to Wadi Hanifah is so price it!

A go-to wellness spot:

I’ll suggest Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA.

A once-in-a-lifetime expertise to strive:

A once-in-a-lifetime expertise is to hike the sting of the world throughout winter in Riyadh and go to AlUla on New Yr’s Eve.

Different spots you’ll suggest to mates when visiting Saudi:

I can suggest individuals to go to a Saudi residence and eat with them or learn to make a neighborhood dish with them, you are able to do that by Hihome.sa platform. That’s an expertise like no different.

Lina Malaika
Movie Maker & Cultural Guide

The last word place to be throughout weekends:

I’m lucky sufficient to reside in Jeddah which is situated on the shoreline of the marvelous Crimson Sea. As an avid sea lover, I make it some extent to spend each weekend on the seashore, it’s my nature sanctuary. The solar, sea, salt, and sand, assist me unwind and gas for the remainder of the week.

Your favorite lunch/dinner place plus, dishes you’ll suggest to strive:

My favorite lunch spot in Jeddah is unquestionably Acqua E Sale, a brand new genuine Italian spot situated in Al Rawdah. I really like their vegetarian pesto lasagna and lobster Caesar salad. My favorite dinner spot needs to be Kuuru, a neighborhood Japanese- Peruvian fusion idea. It’s my go-to each time I’ve any friends visiting my metropolis and it by no means disappoints! I extremely suggest their lemon truffle salmon nigiri and Najel ceviche.

If vegan, favorite vegan eatery in Saudi Arabia:

My go-to is Moon Shell with an all-day breakfast menu. I really like their “Sunrays” açai bowl, however I additionally add their selfmade peanut butter. For the savoury possibility, I extremely recommend their vegetable rice rolls. The Nabati vegan ice cream is guiltfree, scrumptious and positively price making an attempt!

A treasured hidden gem that solely locals know in Saudi Arabia— and love:

Homegrown Market in Jeddah. It’s a meticulously curated idea retailer that gives native trend manufacturers, jewelry, artisans, books, collectibles, and items. You’ll be able to by no means depart empty-handed!

A go-to wellness spot:

As for something wellness associated, I at all times go for residence companies. For hair blowouts and nail therapies, I take advantage of The Spa KSA. For facials, one of the best in Jeddah is situated at Spa Lounge and for massages, Spa Day – my favorite masseuse is Apple.

A once-in-a-lifetime expertise to strive:

A once-in-a-lifetime expertise would positively be midnight stargazing and the dawn sizzling air balloon expertise in AlUla throughout the winter. I extremely suggest a weekend getaway to AlUla.

Different spots you’ll suggest to mates when visiting Saudi:

One of the underrated spots in Saudi is the south area, Asir. The best peak is situated there, Al Soudah, in addition to Rijal Almaa, an historical village situated in a valley and a UNESCO World Heritage website. Additionally, visiting the artwork museums devoted to the Asiri artwork is an expertise to not be missed. The artisans and craftsmanship are very inspiring. The complete area is wealthy with tradition and heritage on many layers. One other advice could be to go to the Taif area throughout the springtime and flower pageant season.