Eating out in Jeddah is an absolute joy, with all the diversity of the city’s character reflected in its dining scene. The Red Sea Coast setting means there’s fresh seafood in abundance, while authentic Hejazi dishes can be found both in traditional eateries and more contemporary restaurants.
As an international hub for many years, Jeddah has attracted top restaurateurs from far and wide, so there are top-notch Indian, Japanese and Lebanese restaurants here, along with fabulously creative fusions of Saudi and European flavours. It’s no surprise Saudi's second city is fast becoming known as the foodie capital of the Kingdom, so book a table fast at one of these top restaurants in Jeddah and get ready for a taste sensation.
1. Twina Seafood
If seafood is your thing, prepare to be spoiled for choice. But even with all the options available, Twina Seafood is a real stand-out if you're in search of the best fish restaurant in Jeddah. Serving everything from shrimp cocktail to grilled lobster, lots of Hejazi-style fish dishes, and beautifully grilled local catches such as najel and hammour, it’s a great place to get a taste of the bounty of the Red Sea.
The restaurant has a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, and it’s very popular with large groups and families. There are several branches across Jeddah, all close to the coastline – bag an outside table if the weather allows.
2. Kuuru
Chef Eddie Castro brings the gifted nikkei touch to merge Japanese techniques and artistry with Peruvian flavours and precision. High-quality seafood stands out, with many dishes sourced from nearby seas to ensure fresh, impactful flavours. Signature dishes at Kuuru include Niku Panca (a delicious serving of wagyu tataki) and a three-nikkei Ceviche Platter. However, the star dish is arguably the Inca Black Cod. The restaurant's interiors are premium and on-brand, with wood panelling and flecks of Inca Peruvian blue throughout, and guests can enjoy watching the finesse of the highly skilled chef team at the prominently centred live cooking station.
3. Rosewood Family Buffet
It’s the age-old conundrum – where to eat out as a family when you want to enjoy grown-up food in a setting the kids will enjoy too? Jeddah’s easy answer is a family brunch, which is a popular Friday afternoon tradition in the city. The Rosewood Hotel hosts a lavish buffet every Friday from 1pm to 5pm, which features live cooking demonstrations, a carving station with an array of roasted meats to choose from, fresh sushi and traditional Indian dishes.
That should satisfy the adults. Meanwhile, children are kept entertained with face painting, cookie decorating, arts and crafts and other activities. Everyone will love the dazzling display of miniature desserts on offer too.
4. Marina Petit Café
Another superb example of a restaurant where you don’t have to choose between wonderful food and a wonderful setting, Petit Café provides a taste of Beirut at the buzzy Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina. Take a table on the terrace to overlook the boats bobbing on the sparkling sea as you tuck into a delicious Lebanese feast.
All the classics are on the menu here, including pomegranate seed-studded dips, hot mezze, grilled meats and the freshest of chopped salads, best washed down with a refreshing mint lemonade.
5. MYAZU
Got a special occasion to celebrate? Whether it’s a romantic date, a big birthday, or just a last-day-of-the-holiday splurge, contemporary Japanese spot MYAZU is the perfect place to mark it. This stunning restaurant, located at the top of Al Basateen Mall, is a hot favourite with locals for good reason.
It garners rave reviews not just for the beautiful food, but the polished, knowledgeable service and the atmospheric, modern Japanese dining room. On the menu, you’ll find robata grills, caviar, delicate sashimi, scallop carpaccio and wagyu gyoza, with regularly updated seasonal specials – all plated like miniature works of art. A perfect place to push the boat out this year.
6. Pampas
Sometimes, nothing hits the spot like a great steak, and on those days, upscale Argentinian steakhouse Pampas is the perfect choice – with bonus points for fantastic cityscape views. At this meat-lovers paradise, premium steaks are grilled over an acacia wood fire and you can watch your own juicy cut being cooked to perfection in the restaurant’s open-plan kitchen. There are some excellent surf and turf options on the menu too. Pampas is housed at the top of the Assila Hotel in Al Andalus and the panoramic views over Jeddah’s city centre from here are spectacular.
7. Ext. Seventeen
When you want to enjoy delicious food with loved ones in a welcoming environment, popular Ext. Seventeen is an excellent choice. Chef Amal Fakeih heads up this cafe and many of the dishes are her family’s favourites, based on her late grandmother’s specials.
Expect to find comforting, classic Middle Eastern flavours and some global gems on the menu – from shakshuka and labneh toast to truffle scrambled eggs and buttermilk pancakes. Best of all, with sandwiches starting from SAR 27, this is a very affordable option for those dining on a tight budget. Whether you’re looking to fuel up ahead of a busy day or linger over a leisurely brunch with friends, popular Ext. Seventeen is an excellent choice.
8. Bay Restaurant
There’s a huge Indian diaspora in Jeddah and consequently, Indian restaurants here are plentiful and usually excellent. The Bay Restaurant is a firm favourite for many, as much for its warm, friendly service and buzzing atmosphere as for the generous portions.
This lively restaurant serves traditional Indian street food and snacks such as samosas and puri, as well as hearty meals to share – spicy curries, sizzling tikka skewers and warm garlicky naan bread. Complimentary Rose Halwa is served at the end of every meal.
