Category: CAFE

Picture this: An afternoon filled with a delightful set menu, live entertainment and a vibrant atmosphere that feels like a celebration. Sushisamba in Riyadh offers the kind of brunch that lingers in your memory.

Nestled in the bustling King Abdullah Financial District, Sushisamba offers a fusion of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flavors that truly captivates the palate.

As soon as you step inside, you are greeted by a spacious dining area, a charming private room on the mezzanine and the stunning Samba Room — a glass-enclosed space that offers breathtaking views of the Wadi. The open kitchen, two sushi bars and a live robata grill create an interactive dining experience.

The Vida Brunch is offered on the last Friday of every month from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. For SR195 ($52) per person, you can indulge in a thoughtfully curated set menu. If you are bringing kids, Sushisamba has a special menu priced at SR130.

What makes the Vida Brunch unforgettable is the live entertainment. Each month, a different DJ or live musician sets the mood, making every visit feel fresh and exciting.

The menu is a feast for the senses. I particularly enjoyed the corn fritters and pao de queijo as appetizers. For the main course, the black cod bolinho and robata salmon were standout dishes. The sushi assortment — three maki rolls and two nigiri pieces — was also enjoyable.

Sushisamba blends culture, music and design, embodying the spirit of Japan, Brazil and Peru.

AN, Jan 11, 2025

Balcona 99, in As-Salamah in Jeddah, has been delighting diners with its authentic Egyptian cuisine, offering an experience rooted in tradition.

The ambiance captivates from the moment one enters, with intricately carved hieroglyphics and symbolic artwork evoking Egyptian heritage.

Traditional melodies, warm decor and striking geometric tiles come together to create a space that feels both vibrant and welcoming.

Guests can choose between the elegant dining area, the cozy lounge ideal for shisha or the outdoor terrace, which becomes especially appealing during the cooler months.

The menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Egypt. To start, the appetizers set the tone for an unforgettable meal.

The fattoush and hummus are light and refreshing, while the roqaq meat, a crispy, flaky pastry filled with spiced meat, stands out as a favorite, especially when paired with the zesty chili sauce.

Mombar, stuffed eggplants, zucchini and peppers, also offer a delicious glimpse into Egyptian culinary artistry.

Moving on to the mains, the tawajen section features oven-baked rice paired with duck, pigeon, quail, chicken or other meat, alongside stews such as daoud basha and potato with chicken or meat.

The okra with meat stew is particularly delightful, its tender beef simmered in a fragrant tomato broth. The Egyptian fatta, served with trotters, lamb chops or chicken, is a hearty and satisfying choice that reflects the comfort food aspect of the cuisine.

For those who enjoy grilled dishes, the selection includes succulent quails, pigeon stuffed with rice, veal brochettes, kofta, lamb chops and beef liver.

Each is prepared to perfection, offering smoky, juicy flavors that leave a lasting impression. Classic dishes such as Balcona koshari and veal escallop pane add even more variety to the feast.

Desserts at Balcona 99 are the perfect conclusion to a rich meal. Whether it’s the soft, syrup-drenched balah el-sham, the creamy rice pudding, or the indulgent cheese kunafa, each dessert showcases the sweet simplicity of Egyptian flavors.

AN – Nov 19, 2024

Sultani Restaurant and Lounge, located in the As-Salamah district on Sari Road in Jeddah, specializes in traditional Iranian cuisine served in a contemporary setting.

On arrival, diners enter a plant-filled space that evokes the charm of a garden.

Persian-inspired elements further enrich the decor, adding authenticity to the modern design.

The menu showcases the rich flavors of Persian cuisine. Appetizers include zeytoon parvardeh, a mix of green olives, garlic, pomegranate molasses, and walnuts; and sabzi khordan, an assortment of fresh herbs, feta cheese, and radish. Both offer refreshing and savory flavors.

Kashk-o bademjan, made with Persian whey and aubergine, is another sumptuous option, with a comforting, creamy taste.

Sultani’s soup e-jo, a thick barley cream soup, provides warmth and richness, while the chicken soup with potatoes, a traditional Persian comfort food, is rich in flavor.

Moving to the main courses, ghormeh sabzi, a lamb stew made with dried herbs, red beans, and dried lime, delivers tangy and savory richness. Another standout is chicken fesenjan, a tender chicken leg cooked in a pomegranate and walnut sauce, combining sweet and juicy elements in perfect balance.

Seafood lovers can enjoy dishes such as jumbo grilled shrimp and grilled seabass, both marinated in sweet paprika, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

For a larger meal, the royal seafood platter includes seabass fillets and jumbo shrimp, and is ideal for sharing.

The restaurant’s kebabs are a favorite. The kabab kubideh, made with minced lamb kafta, and kabab barg, a marinated beef tenderloin, are both perfectly grilled and full of flavor.

The jujeh kabab, a boneless chicken skewer marinated with yogurt, saffron, and lemon juice, is also a must-try. Try pairing your meal with Persian-style laban or tea, both traditional drinks.

Sultani’s delicious dessert options include fereni, a creamy rice flour pudding flavored with cardamom, rose water, and cinnamon, and faloodeh, a refreshing Persian cold dessert made with lime, rose water, and rice noodles. The ranginak, a date and pistachio pie with cinnamon and butter, is also a sweet ending to a meal.

Whether you are in the mood for a quiet meal or a special celebration, Sultani provides a memorable experience with each dish, making it a must-visit for food lovers in the area.

AN, Nov 9, 2024

Nestled in Tahlia street at Jeddah Walk, Noto offers an Italian dining experience inspired by the timeless beauty of Sicily.

Drawing design cues from baroque architecture and Sicilian village charm, this restaurant is decorated with chandeliers, elegantly dressed tables with white linens, and plush, comfortable sofas. The ambiance is perfect for fine dining, with an inviting, lively atmosphere enhanced by live entertainment.

Noto’s dedication to Sicilian culture extends to its logo, which features the symbolic Sicilian lion, and its menu, which presents a harmonious fusion of Greek, Latin, and Arabic influences.

Every dish celebrates the heart of Sicily with flavors that feel both classic and inventive, promising a sensory journey that delights every palate.

The menu at Noto is as extensive as it is impressive. From the antipasti selection, highlights include the ricciola, a delicate yellowtail sashimi with lime vinaigrette and candied tomatoes, and the signature melanzane alla parmigiana, which transforms eggplant into a rich, layered dish.

For something warm, the zuppa di porcini e funghi di stagione is a seasonal mushroom soup that feels both comforting and earthy. For cheese lovers, the burrata al tartufo with truffle adds a luxurious touch to the meal.

In true Italian fashion, the pasta menu is rich, featuring classics like spaghetti al pomodoro with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, the lasagne alla bolognese, and paccheri al branzino e pomodorini, a seabass pasta paired with juicy cherry tomatoes.

Exclusive offerings like the fettucine al caviale, with caviar, add an elevated twist to traditional Italian fare. Risotto fans will be delighted by the creamy risotto ai funghi, made with seasonal mushrooms.

For main courses, the secondi selection impresses with standout dishes such as the tagliata di black angus, accompanied by a decadent parmesan potato espuma and black truffle jus, and the agnello, succulent lamb chops seasoned with herb oil and sun-dried tomatoes. Diners can also enjoy fiorentina, a perfectly roasted T-bone steak from the grandi piatti menu.

The pizza menu features artisanal options such as the pizza funghi with truffle and mushrooms and the calzone filled with turkey ham and mushroom, offering a taste of Italian comfort.

To end on a sweet note, desserts like the traditional tiramisu and the creamy panna cotta with red berry sauce are satisfying options.

AN, Nov 5, 2024

Seven Restaurant, at the Courtyard by Marriott, is a perfect spot for food lovers in the capital.

This indoor eatery offers a diverse dining experience to the gourmet with an authentic blend of local and international cuisine served via buffet and a la carte menus.

Situated near the King Abdullah Financial District, the restaurant on the Northern Ring Road is a contemporary eatery renowned for its exceptional amenities and comfortable accommodations.

The atmosphere is tranquil, providing a perfect place to unwind and soak up the beauty of the surroundings.

Seven offers exceptional culinary experiences, including seafood, barbecues, and a delightful blend of local flavors and international favorites catering to a wide range of palates.

The restaurant has street food night every Monday from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. Full station for SR 140 ($37) and single station for SR 65 inclusive of beverages. Charcoal night every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. is priced at SR 230 per person, inclusive of beverages.

Every Wednesday from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. is seafood night, charging SR 230 per person including beverages and featuring live entertainment.

With a range of performances and soothing music, the restaurant brings a taste of spicy flavors with entertainment to the foodies in the city.

For in-house guests there is a 25 percent saving on charcoal night and seafood night.

From the tantalizing array of freshly sourced seafood options to the sizzling flavors of the barbecued favorites, the restaurant invites guests to embark on a remarkable gastronomic journey. On offer is a treat for seafood and barbecue enthusiasts in Riyadh, and an unforgettable dining experience.

AN, Oct 30, 2024