Arabic

Arabic, Lebanese, Egyptian, etc

Abu Shaqra North Corniche and Palestine Street

Classic Egyptian Cuisine and service with a wonderful view of the King's Fountain.

 

Alcazar  Above Harry Ramsden's, near the Inter-continental on the Corniche

Tel: 651 4444

Highly recommended, this restaurant serves Lebanese and French cuisine in an elegant décor.  On the expensive side at SR180 for three courses but the views are free.

 

Al Alawi  Balad Tel: 644 7423  Al Andalus Tel: 657 3358

The Balad branch of this is owned by the Nassif family, housed in what was Jeddah's first ever girl's school, tucked away to the left behind Nassif House.  Choose from the simple Moroccan menu while enjoying the surroundings - the palatial dining area is decorated with beautiful antiques and during the cooler winter months, sit in the outdoor tented area with traditional seating.  To reach the restaurant go through the underpass at the top of Gabel Souq, continue up the hill until you reach Nassif House - Al Alawi is in the square to the left as you look at Nassif house.

 The other branch of Al Alawi is tucked behind Tahlia Street in a fascinating building, built in a traditional style of coral and wood, to represent a Moroccan fort while the pavement outside consists of red and green tiles.  Turn down Ibrahim al Juffali Street from the last lights eastbound on Tahlia Street, before Madinah Road, then turn right at the first roundabout, the restaurant is 500m along on the right.

 Both are open from 12.00pm-3.30pm and 7.00pm-12.00am.

 

Al Bilad Garden  Tel: 694 4777 Al Bilad Hotel, North Corniche

Enjoy the a la carte Middle Eastern specialities as well as a bubbling shisa, while relaxing in a beautiful garden on the Corniche.  There is a playground for children as well.  Open Wednesday and Thursday 6.00pm to 4.00am and Friday to Tuesday 6.00pm to 2.00am.

 

Al Dar Tel: 644 4005 Madinah Road, northbound  between Tahlia and Prince Abdullah

Very highly recommended restaurant that is great for takeaway but also has singles section downstairs, from where you can watch the blur that is Madinah Road, or the family section upstairs with a vast menu of some 120 dishes!

 

Al Mashrabia Tel: 652 1234 ext 1757 Hyatt Regency, Madinah Road

Dine 'al fresco' in this magnificent rooftop restaurant, enjoying the freshly prepared Arabic specialities, or a shisha, with incredible night time views of Jeddah.

 

Al Nakhil Corniche Tel: 683 6644

Seafood and Barbecue Buffet on Thursday evening - reservation is recommended.

 

Sultani Off Al Andalus Street, next to Ciao Tel: 669 3898

For anyone with a jaded palate, this restaurant offers an entire new palette of flavours.  The smartly-dressed waiters are on hand to explain the ingredients of some of the Persian 'home-style' dishes.

 

Al Ta'ee Sheraton Hotel, North Corniche Tel: 699 2212

Reached by a tummy-tugging ride in a glass lift, up the side of an enormous atrium, Al Ta'ee shares its neighbouring Chinese restaurant Xian Gong's fantastic views.  There is a traditional Lebanese Buffet on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

 

La Terrasse Inter-Continental, Corniche Tel:  661 1800

Shisha and barbecue with style.  Relax in the evening to the sound of bubbling shisha pipes while the chef prepares a delicious oriental feast on the large charcoal grill with wide selections of daily changing salad and dessert buffets.

 

Al Yasmin 

Decorated in Arabic style, this restaurant specialises in Middle Eastern food with emphasis on quality and style - traditional Arabic food at its best, with freshly prepared seafood superbly presented in a buffet display for lunch and dinner.

 

Yildizlar

Widely considered to be the best Lebanese restaurant in the city, and popular for lunch and dinner it is a most enjoyable experience, but is also one of the most expensive!  There is an a la carte menu but you should really try the astonishing mezze at least once - it is advisable to go in a group for this as there are so many dishes placed on the table.  There is also a takeaway service to the side of the restaurant.  To find it travel southbound along Al Andalus Street and take the first right after you pass SACO.  The restaurant is behind the SAAB garage.  If you arrive early, be careful where you park to avoid being blocked in!

 

Also try Al Agamy (O7) on Al Andalus Street; Fakreddine (K6) on Sary Street; Jahan Iranian Restaurant (P7) above Fanateer on Al Andalus Street; Lebanese Nights (M7) on Prince Abdullah Street at the junction with Prince Sultan Street;