Unique

These refuse to be pigeon-holed  ...

 Nando's (K6)

Sary Street, behind Tumbleweed

This Portuguese restaurant revels in its Peri-Peri Sauce, included in nearly all of its dishes, the recipe for which has been handed down over the centuries since Portuguese explorers stumbled across the 'birds eye chili' in Southern Africa.  Mixed together with certain herbs and spices, the result is peri-peri sauce.  Adapting the local dishes results in peri-peri houmous and peri-peri tachina as starters, both SR7.  A choice of salads peri-peri free lead on to Nando's specialities such as Chicken Espetada - marinated chicken with jalapeno peppers chargrilled on a skewer for SR25.  Other dishes include steaks, chicken sandwiches and side dishes of rice and fries.

 Sea Garden (G8) Tel: 699 0090

Green Island, North Corniche

Set on stilts over the Red Sea, this is a casual and less expensive neighbour to Al Danah, but also managed by Saudi Oberoi.  Choose from five different kitches - Lebanese, Chinese, Indian, Coffee Shop and Kids Corner and sit at the large tables either on the lawns or in the alcoves on the terrace overlooking the reef.

 Seasons/World Cuisine

Prince Abdullah Street, opposite King Faisal Specialist Centre (formerly Al Salama Hospital)

Cheaper than its overhead restaurant, Toki (see below) this is good grub at fairly reasonable prices.

 Spears (P7) Tel: 661 1800

Inter-Continental, Corniche

The latest addition to the hotel, this unique restaurant opened in 2000.  Importing the concept from Brazil, Spears serves 'meat on swords', cooked on a circular barbecue near the entrance to the restaurant.  A luxurious experience as the buffet is brought to your table for your choice from soup of the day to meat specialities, carved from the sword direct on to your plate and a vast array of salads, sauces and garnishes.  The china and glassware is particularly funky and the soapstone napkin rings imported from Africa are the finishing touch.  Those who have ever enjoyed the Carnivore in Nairobi will find this restaurant a very pleasant reminder.  'Little Hunters' have a choice from their own Forest Menu.  Open Sat-Thurs for lunch and dinner, Friday dinner only.  

Toki

Prince Abdullah Street

Above Seasons, this Leylaty-run restaurant has set a new standard for stylish dining in Jeddah and has also upped the price of a top-notch meal!  Put on your glad rags and celebrate something special at Toki - the classy atmosphere, extensive menu and subtle service will give you a night to remember.  PS  And check out the loos!!

 The Train Restaurant in Balad, behind Al Mahmal Centre - variety of snacks juices, tea or coffee in the enormous carriages of this over-sized model train.

 Basateen Mall  - Ganache Coffee Shop light lunches, grilled veg sandwiches, omelettes, chips very smart all white walls, white marble floors, big palm trees, big sense of light and space