The best restaurants Saudi Arabia

Timetable

The hours vary depending on the type of restaurant. Fast food restaurants serving falafel and restaurants specializing in breakfast dishes (foul madames, mutton liver, omelets...) open very early, between 5 and 6 am, and close at noon. Traditional restaurants open in the late morning, between 11am and 1pm, and close in the evening after 11pm. Fast-food restaurants such as shawarma, hamburger, chicken in all its forms are open continuously between 11am and midnight, sometimes 2am.

Please note that on Fridays, the day of the great prayer, most restaurants are closed in the morning and only open from 1pm or 2pm, or even later.

Budget & Tips

Fast food restaurants offer a good value for money, but the menus are not very varied. You have to count between 8 SAR and 12 SAR for a falafel sandwich, a shawarma or a hamburger. In a traditional restaurant, the average ticket is between 25 SAR and 50 SAR, depending on whether you have a full meal or a dish. In trendy restaurants or those offering a different experience (such as a panoramic restaurant), the bill can go up to 250 SAR or more.

What costs extra

VAT and service are included in the prices. However, it is customary to leave a tip in restaurants. Service is often provided by foreign workers, who are often poorly paid. A tip of at least 10% of the bill is always appreciated.

The local way

The separation between men and women is still very present in Saudi society, and many women refuse to uncover their faces in public, even though the law no longer obliges them to wear the niqab. Restaurants often have two separate entrances, one for men and another called "Family", for women and families. The "Family" sections are arranged as small, private lounges. This can be a simple curtain drawn around the table, or a real room with a door or curtain.

Covid-19 has made QR codes mandatory in all restaurants. Printed menus are (almost) a thing of the past. So don't forget your cell phone, and make sure you have the data in your package, or you won't be able to view the menu.

All restaurant menus display calories per dish (not to be confused with prices!). It's the law.

To be avoided

Traditionally, Saudis eat sitting on the floor and share the same dish. It is forbidden to use your left hand as it is considered unclean. Similarly, you should remove your shoes before sitting on the carpet and you should never turn the soles of your feet towards a person sitting with you. The easiest way is to sit cross-legged.

Kids

Children are welcome absolutely everywhere. Saudis often go out with their families and most of them have three to four or more children.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces. This law applies to restaurants. There is one notable exception, the shisha bar. They often double as a restaurant, so you can smoke and eat in the same place. Smoking is allowed on the terrace of a restaurant.