A thriving F&B scene

When travelling, one of the best ways to really get to know a place is to eat the food. Sampling local delicacies introduces tourists to the produce grown nearby and provides an authentic pathway into how the people lead their daily lives. Saudi cuisine is integral to a stay in AlUla, with several spots serving homemade local dishes with pride.

Old Town, in particular, is a district where Saudi food and drink can be enjoyed. Tomoor AlUla, for example, is the ideal entry point to enjoy the delicious flavours of the country’s world famous dates, which can be tasted in the cafe. Tomoor also offers smooth, aromatic, freshly brewed coffee, the sipping of which is a treasured Saudi ritual. Wacafe prepares a rich cup of coffee to kickstart your day, as does AlNakheel Cafe, an alfresco venue making Hijazi dishes such as muttabaq, a moreish Saudi snack of thin pastry sheets filled with minced meat and vegetables. Also in Old Town is Suhail, a rooftop restaurant specialising in Saudi dishes.

Elsewhere in AlUla, oasis-to-table dishes can be enjoyed at Heart of the Oasis, a restaurant nestled among the greenery that provides a memorable backdrop for other eateries such as Somewhere and its inventive Mediterranean fusion menu. For authentic Italian food overlooking the Oasis, book at Circolo or, for a leisurely brunch and quality coffee, head to Daimumah Cafe. One of AlUla’s most beloved restaurants in the Oasis is Tawlat Fayza, a rooftop restaurant that delights in crafting Arabic comfort food using local produce.

 

Venturing into the AlJadidah Arts District, you’ll find more than just culture. This buzzy neighbourhood is home to Being, a hotspot for flame-grilled burgers and mouthwatering brisket. PPL, meanwhile, serves lighter bites such as sandwiches and salads on a picturesque terrace overlooking the Incense Road. For breads and pastries in AlJadidah, seek out Al Hatab Bakery.

At the other end of AlUla’s culinary spectrum are a string of fine dining restaurants run by top chefs. Jason Atherton has brought Mediterranean, Arabic and British flavours to Maraya Social atop AlUla’s iconic mirrored structure in the desert. Matching Atherton for a wow location is Ntinos Fotinakis, who has established his contemporary Greek restaurant Okto at Harrat Viewpoint which towers above the Oasis below. Nearby in Old Town is Entrecôte Café de Paris that creates a fine dining experience with French flair.

For elevated Japanese dishes, look no further than the acclaimed Myazu at Shaden Resort, which attracts diners through the cooler months. Also representing the Far East is the Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant, Saffron, which specialises in Thai food. For flavours closer to home, choose Middle Eastern classics at Tama within the elegant hotel Our Habitas.