Makkah Province (Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the spiritual heartland of Islam and one of Saudi Arabia's most significant regions, encompassing the holy city of Makkah, the cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah, the mountain resort city of Taif, and the Red Sea city of Yanbu. The province draws millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, while Jeddah welcomes all visitors with its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district, vibrant Red Sea coastline, and modern urban culture.
Makkah Province's culinary identity is deeply rooted in Hejazi cuisine — the cooking tradition of the Hijaz region that blends Arabian, African, South Asian, and Levantine influences accumulated through centuries of pilgrimage trade. Jeddah is the gastronomic capital, offering everything from freshly grilled Red Sea fish to international fine dining. Traditional dishes include kabsa (spiced rice with meat), mandi (slow-roasted lamb), sayadiyah (fish over spiced rice), and jareesh (porridge). All food is halal-certified.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Makkah.
Kabsa
Saudi Arabia's national dish — fragrant basmati rice cooked with spices, dried fruits, and your choice of lamb, chicken, or camel meat
Where to try: Al Romansiah, Al Harir Restaurant, any traditional Saudi restaurant
Price: SAR 35-65 ($9.35-17.35)
Mandi
Whole lamb or chicken slow-cooked in an underground clay oven over fragrant wood, served over saffron rice
Where to try: Mandi Al Salam Taif, traditional mandi restaurants in Jeddah
Price: SAR 30-120 ($8-32)
Sayadiyah
Jeddah's signature dish — whole fish (often grouper or sea bass) baked over caramelized onion and spiced rice
Where to try: Sammak Al-Basli, Al Nakheel Restaurant
Price: SAR 55-90 ($14.70-24)
Albaik Broasted Chicken
Saudi Arabia's most beloved fast food — uniquely seasoned broasted chicken that locals queue for
Where to try: Albaik branches throughout Makkah Province
Price: SAR 20-50 ($5.35-13.35)
Jareesh
Traditional cracked wheat porridge cooked with meat and spices — a Hejazi comfort food served at family gatherings
Where to try: Al Harir Restaurant, traditional Saudi restaurants
Price: SAR 20-35 ($5.35-9.35)
Kunafa
Hot crispy shredded pastry filled with melted cheese, soaked in rose water syrup — the quintessential Arabic dessert
Where to try: Al-Mukhtar Sweets, Arabic sweet shops throughout Jeddah
Price: SAR 15-25 ($4-6.70)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Al Nakheel Restaurant
A beloved Jeddah institution serving charcoal-grilled Red Sea fish and classic Saudi seafood dishes for over 40 years. The open-air fish grilling area and authentic atmosphere make it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Known for: Charcoal-grilled whole Red Sea fish
Al-Balad area, Jeddah
Al Tazaj
Saudi Arabia's most popular national fast food chain, founded in 1989 and the first Saudi fast food brand. Known for their perfectly marinated grilled chicken, hummus, and fresh Arabic bread. Branches throughout Makkah Province.
Known for: Marinated grilled chicken — the original Saudi fast food
Multiple branches, Jeddah and Makkah
Al Romansiah
A landmark Saudi restaurant chain serving traditional Arabian cuisine in a family-friendly setting. Known for authentic kabsa (spiced rice with meat), mandi, and fresh Saudi breads. One of the most popular restaurant chains in the kingdom.
Known for: Authentic Saudi kabsa and mandi rice dishes
Multiple branches across Makkah Province
Sammak Al-Basli
Established in 1949, this is arguably Jeddah's most historic seafood restaurant, famous for timeless recipes passed down through generations. Located in Al-Balad, it serves the Red Sea's freshest catch in traditional Hejazi style.
Known for: Traditional Hejazi seafood recipes since 1949
Al-Balad, Jeddah 21411
Arabesque at Shaza Makkah
An elegant all-day dining restaurant at Shaza Makkah hotel offering a broad halal menu spanning Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African cuisines. Family-friendly with attentive service.
Known for: Pan-Arabian fine dining for pilgrims in Makkah
Shaza Makkah Hotel, Ajyad, Makkah 24231
ROKA Jeddah
The acclaimed international ROKA brand brings its signature robata grill concept to Jeddah, offering sophisticated Japanese cuisine with panoramic city views. Known for exceptional quality and sleek contemporary design.
Known for: Robata grill and premium Japanese cuisine
Jeddah (Jeddah Gate Tower)
Inhabit Restaurant
A stylish Jeddah restaurant with a plant-forward menu and creative international dishes, popular with young Saudis and expats. Most dishes are under SAR 100 ($27), making it excellent value for the quality.
Known for: Creative international cuisine at accessible prices
Al Rawdah District, Jeddah
Al Kofeia
A popular Palestinian restaurant in Jeddah serving authentic Levantine mezze, mixed grills, and the traditional mansaf (lamb in yogurt sauce). Nothing on the menu exceeds SAR 95 ($25), offering excellent value for generous portions.
Known for: Authentic Palestinian home cooking
Al Zahra District, Jeddah
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Italian
Madeo Jeddah Yacht Club
An exclusive Italian fine dining experience at the Jeddah Yacht Club with spectacular Red Sea marina views. Known for fresh pasta, premium Italian ingredients, and an impressive wine-free beverage selection.
Known for: Premium Italian cuisine with yacht club sea views
Jeddah Yacht Club, Jeddah 21411
Le Vesuvio
An elegant Italian restaurant in Jeddah's Al Hamra district offering authentic Neapolitan cuisine in a refined setting. Known for wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta.
Known for: Authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian classics
Al Hamra District, Jeddah
Japanese
Nobu Jeddah
The legendary international Nobu brand restaurant in Jeddah, offering Robert De Niro and Nobu Matsuhisa's signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine in an elegant setting.
Known for: Signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion
Four Seasons Hotel, Jeddah
Nozomi Restaurant
One of Jeddah's top Japanese restaurants with an elegant sushi bar and comprehensive Japanese menu. Known for the freshest fish available in Saudi Arabia and skilled Japanese chef team.
Known for: Premium sushi and omakase dining
Jeddah (Al Hamra area)
Lebanese
Fakhr El-Din
A distinguished Lebanese fine dining restaurant in Jeddah serving refined Levantine cuisine in an elegant setting. Known for exceptional mezze, fresh seafood, and traditional Lebanese sweets.
Known for: Premium Lebanese mezze and fine dining
Al Rawdah District, Jeddah
Kababji Grill
A popular Lebanese grill restaurant in Jeddah serving succulent mixed kebabs, fresh mezze, and Arabic flatbreads. The casual atmosphere and consistent quality make it a local favorite for family dinners.
Known for: Lebanese mixed grills and mezze
Tahlia Street, Jeddah
Mediterranean
Nare Restaurant
An intimate fine dining restaurant in Jeddah offering creative Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern influences. The chef's tasting menu showcases seasonal ingredients in sophisticated preparations.
Known for: Creative Mediterranean-Arabian fusion
Al Hamra District, Jeddah
La Mer Beach Restaurant
A scenic beachfront restaurant at La Mer on Jeddah's northern coast serving fresh Mediterranean-influenced seafood with stunning Red Sea views. Part of Jeddah's popular La Mer beach development.
Known for: Mediterranean seafood with Red Sea views
La Mer Beach, North Jeddah
Saudi
Café Bateel
A premium Saudi café brand offering artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and all-day dining in elegant surroundings. Known for premium date products — a Saudi luxury that makes excellent souvenirs.
Known for: Premium Saudi dates and artisan coffee
Multiple branches, Jeddah and Makkah Province
Al Harir Restaurant
A traditional Hejazi-style restaurant in Jeddah serving time-honored recipes of the Hijaz region — distinct from Najdi cuisine with stronger spice blends and Red Sea fish influences. Popular with locals.
Known for: Authentic Hejazi home cooking
Al Balad, Jeddah 21411
Afghan
Al Afghan Restaurant Makkah
A popular restaurant near Masjid al-Haram serving traditional Afghan cuisine including chapli kebabs, lamb tikka, and authentic Afghan pulao rice. Particularly popular with Central Asian and Afghan pilgrims.
Known for: Authentic Afghan cuisine for pilgrims
Ajyad Street, Makkah 24231
Arabic Sweets
Al-Mukhtar Sweets
A famous Hejazi sweet shop in Jeddah serving traditional Arabic pastries — kunafa, baklava, basbousa, and Eid cookies — made fresh daily. The kunafa here is legendary among Jeddah residents.
Known for: Fresh traditional Arabic sweets and pastries
Al-Balad, Jeddah
Armenian
Lusin Restaurant
One of Jeddah's most unique dining experiences, serving traditional Armenian and Levantine dishes with warm hospitality. The restaurant's mezze and slow-cooked lamb dishes are particularly celebrated.
Known for: Rare Armenian cuisine in the Arabian Peninsula
Al Rawdah District, Jeddah
Emirati
Reem Al Bawadi
A popular Gulf-style restaurant serving traditional Emirati and Saudi cuisine in a majlis (traditional sitting room) atmosphere. Known for generous portions of machboos, ouzi, and traditional Gulf sweets.
Known for: Traditional Gulf majlis dining atmosphere
Multiple branches, Jeddah
Indian
India Palace
One of Jeddah's best Indian restaurants, serving authentic North and South Indian cuisine with a comprehensive vegetarian menu. Very popular with the large South Asian expat community and locals who love Indian flavors.
Known for: Authentic North Indian and South Indian cuisine
Al Nahdah District, Jeddah
International
Zouk Restaurant Taif
Taif's most popular contemporary restaurant serving international cuisine with a focus on quality ingredients sourced from the region's mountain farms. Excellent burgers, pasta, and local Taif honey desserts.
Known for: Contemporary international with Taif local ingredients
Al Salamah District, Taif 26521
International Halal
Makkah Hilton Restaurant
The main restaurant of the Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel offering an extensive international halal buffet with Middle Eastern, Asian, and continental dishes. Popular for iftar and suhoor during Ramadan.
Known for: International halal buffet — popular for Ramadan
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel, Makkah 24231
Modern Saudi
Makan Restaurant
A contemporary Saudi restaurant in Jeddah reimagining traditional Saudi dishes with modern techniques and presentation. A favorite with younger Saudis who want to celebrate their culinary heritage in a trendy setting.
Known for: Modern reinterpretation of Saudi classics
Al Rawdah District, Jeddah
Pakistani
Faisalabad Restaurant Makkah
A popular Pakistani restaurant near Masjid al-Haram serving hearty subcontinental dishes popular with South Asian pilgrims. Generous portions of daal, korma, biryani, and chapli kebabs at very affordable prices.
Known for: Authentic Pakistani home cooking for pilgrims
Near Masjid al-Haram, Makkah 24231
Pan
Zaafaran Palace Restaurant Makkah
An upscale restaurant within Makkah's Sheraton hotel offering diverse Pan-Asian cuisine from Chinese to Indian in a refined setting. Popular for family celebrations and business dinners in Makkah.
Known for: Pan-Asian fine dining in Makkah
Sheraton Makkah Hotel, Makkah 24231
Saudi Café
Java Time
A popular Saudi café chain offering specialty coffee, fresh sandwiches, and light meals in comfortable surroundings. Excellent for working remotely or a casual meeting over coffee.
Known for: Arabic coffee specialty drinks
Multiple branches, Jeddah
Saudi Fast Food
Herfy
A Saudi fast food chain offering fresh burgers, chicken sandwiches, and Saudi-style sides at very low prices. One of the most popular homegrown Saudi fast food brands, beloved for quality ingredients and consistency.
Known for: Saudi fast food — fresh burgers at low prices
Multiple branches across Makkah Province
Saudi Fried Chicken
Albaik
Makkah Province's most iconic fast food chain, beloved by Saudis and pilgrims alike for its perfectly seasoned fried chicken and crispy broasted chicken. A Saudi cultural institution with a devoted following.
Known for: Saudi Arabia's most beloved fried chicken — a national institution
Multiple branches throughout Makkah Province
Saudi Street Food
Maiz wa Lahm
A local Jeddah favorite serving Saudi street food classics — corn on the cob, shawarma, and traditional Saudi snacks in a casual outdoor setting. Very affordable and authentically local.
Known for: Authentic Saudi street food
Al Balad area, Jeddah
Seafood
Tabuk Fish Market Restaurant
A popular fish market restaurant in Yanbu where you choose your fresh catch from the display and have it grilled, fried, or cooked in traditional spiced style. Excellent value for the quality of the Red Sea fish.
Known for: Fresh Red Sea catch cooked to order
Fish Market Area, Yanbu Al-Bahr
Steakhouse
Butcher's Kitchen
A popular upscale steakhouse in Jeddah known for premium cuts of beef and casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. The restaurant's dry-aged steaks and American-style sides have made it a firm favorite with Jeddah's business crowd.
Known for: Premium dry-aged steaks
Tahlia Street, Jeddah
Traditional Saudi
Mataam Al-Watan
A beloved Taif institution serving traditional Hejazi and Najdi cuisine in an authentic atmosphere. Famous for their lamb mandi cooked in underground ovens and fresh Taif honey desserts.
Known for: Traditional Taif mandi and Hejazi dishes
Al Hawiyah District, Taif 26521
Traditional Yemeni
Mandi Al Salam
A well-regarded mandi restaurant in Taif serving slow-cooked whole lamb and chicken over aromatic spiced rice, prepared in traditional underground clay ovens. A local institution for Friday family gatherings.
Known for: Traditional underground-oven mandi
Al Hada Road, Taif
Turkish
Turkish House Restaurant
A popular Turkish restaurant in central Jeddah offering authentic Ottoman-influenced cuisine — grilled kebabs, mezze, and traditional sweets. Popular with both the Turkish expat community and Saudis.
Known for: Authentic Turkish kebabs and Ottoman mezze
Al Manar District, Jeddah
Yemeni
Bab Al Yemen Restaurant
An atmospheric Yemeni restaurant in Jeddah serving traditional Yemeni staples including saltah (national stew), fahsa, and freshly baked mulawah bread. Popular with expats and locals seeking authentic Yemeni flavors.
Known for: Authentic Yemeni saltah and traditional breads
Al Balad District, Jeddah
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Shawarma
Rotisserie-cooked beef or chicken carved into flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and tahini
Find it at: Street carts and shawarma shops throughout Jeddah and Makkah
Fuul Medames
Slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, lemon, and spices — the traditional Jeddah breakfast
Find it at: Early morning fuul stalls in Al-Balad and old market areas
Samboosa
Crispy fried pastry triangles filled with spiced minced meat or cheese, especially popular during Ramadan
Find it at: Street vendors and traditional bakeries throughout the province
Grilled Corn
Corn on the cob grilled and dusted with spices, lime, and butter — a favorite evening street snack
Find it at: Evening food carts along Jeddah Corniche and city parks
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Souq Al-Alawi Fish Section
The early morning fish section of Jeddah's historic souq brings fresh Red Sea catches daily
Hours: 5AM-9AM daily
Al Balad Spice Market
Aromatic spice stalls in Al-Balad offering Saudi saffron, rose water, oud, and exotic spices
Hours: 9AM-12PM and 4PM-11PM
Taif Fruit and Honey Market
Mountain markets in Taif selling locally grown pomegranates, grapes, peaches, and prized Sidr honey
Hours: 7AM-12PM and 4PM-9PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
All restaurants in Saudi Arabia are 100% halal-certified by law
Prayer times (5 times daily) cause restaurants to temporarily close — plan meals accordingly
Friday is the main family dining day — popular restaurants fill up quickly from noon onwards
Most restaurants offer family sections and single sections — families use the family entrances
Tipping 10-15% is appreciated but not mandatory; check if service charge is included
Restaurants in Makkah city are accessible to Muslims only
Ramadan dining has special hours — no eating in public during daylight hours, but iftar dinners are spectacular
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options widely available, especially in Indian, Lebanese, and international restaurants. Traditional Saudi food tends to be meat-heavy but vegetable mezze and rice dishes are common.
- Halal
- All restaurants in Saudi Arabia are 100% halal by law — no pork and no alcohol
- Gluten free
- Gluten-free options are limited but growing in international restaurants; rice-based Saudi dishes are naturally gluten-free
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | SAR 15-40 per meal ($4-10.70) | Street food, fast food (Albaik, Al Tazaj, Herfy), and simple local restaurants |
| Mid-range | SAR 50-150 per meal ($13.35-40) | Sit-down casual restaurants, seafood grills, and Lebanese restaurants |
| Upscale | SAR 200-800+ per meal ($53-213+) | Fine dining restaurants, hotel restaurants, and special occasion dining |