21 must-try restaurants and cafes in AlUla with awesome vibes

World-class chefs, mouth-watering menus, and spectacular scenery…

AlUla, also known as the world’s masterpiece, has welcomed a growing number of restaurants in the last year, including ten new restaurants in the first two months of 2022.

From casual and fine dining to multi-sensory pop-up dining experiences, there are many dining options available for replenishing your energy after a day of exploring. We’ve rounded up 21 must-try restaurants and cafes in AlUla – some new and not-so-new – with good food and awesome vibes.

ACME

ACME, located within AlUla’s Old Town, is a favourite haunt for burgers served on colourful buns. The menu also features salads, savoury snacks such as buffalo shrimps and chicken tenders, and refreshing drinks. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

ACME AlUla, daily 4pm to midnight. Tel: 9200 27242. @acme.sa

Annabel’s

The world-famous and exclusive Annabel’s returns to AlUla. Just like its London flagship, the vibes here are pretty superb. Nestled amongst the date palms of Jabal Ikmah, this is a garden oasis inspired by the private members’ club in London. The private dining room – available for parties of eight to ten guests – offers an intimate space covered by a canopy of tropical foliage. Lushly filled with citrus trees, palms and flowers, this hidden gem provides a set menu and bespoke mocktails that use locally sourced ingredients. Sample dishes like tuna and avocado tartare, miso black cod, and Jerusalem artichoke risotto.

Annabel’s, Ikmah Farm, AlUla, Tues to Sat 7pm to midnight. Reservations can be made via MyTable app. @annabelsmayfair

Circolo

On the rustic outskirts of AlJadidah, a serene oasis surrounds Circolo, an Italian restaurant that serves as the perfect spot for a long, lazy lunch. There’s a variety of food on offer, from carefully crafted small plates to artisan pizza fresh from the wood-fired oven. Must-orders include citrus risotto, fried goat cheese salad with a blood orange dressing, black pasta lobster, veal Milanese and pesto burrata pizza. If you’re feeling stuffed after a hearty meal at Circolo, go for a walk through the beautiful AlUla Oasis trail, which is easily accessible from the restaurant.

Circolo, AlJadidah district, Oasis square, daily noon to midnight. Tel: 053 335 3201. Reservations can be made via MyTable app. @circolo.pizza

Le Maschou

Le Maschou brings rich culinary flavours and a sophisticated ambience from the old alleyways of France to AlUla. An authentic array of wood-fire smoked meats will leave customers craving for more. The restaurant offers the fine romance of intimate dining and an exceptional set menu that will delight. A succinct selection of appetisers and mains is on the menu, including homemade country bread, a bresaola melon board, and wood-fired grilled meats with Provençal herbs. Be sure to leave room for the assortment of delicious desserts, too.

Le Maschou, AlUla Old Town, daily 4.30pm to 1am. Reservations can be made via MyTable app. @lemaschou_sa

Le Moulin Bakery

Delicate French pastries and delicious coffee are served all day long at Le Moulin Bakery in AlUla’s Old Town. Inspired by sophisticated French cafes, you’ll find both outdoor and indoor seating at this delicious bakery. From various flaky croissants and cakes to classic madeleines, you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for breakfast or a little afternoon pick-me-up.

Le Moulin Bakery, AlUla Old Town, daily 9am to midnight. @lemoulinbakery

Maraya Social

Enjoy an evening on the rooftop of the world’s largest mirrored building at Chef Jason Atherton’s newest restaurant. Here, the cuisine takes inspiration from AlUla with produce sourced from local farms; all served up in Chef Atherton’s signature style.

Maraya Social, Maraya, Wed to Sat 6pm to midnight. Reservations can be made here.

Merkaz   

Inspired by the timeless traditions and flavours of the Arabian Peninsula, this casual cafe offers traditional Arabic dishes with a relaxing atmosphere. With a wide selection of delicious main dishes, soups and salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Merkaz, AlUla Old Town, daily 9am to midnight. Tel: 9200 25003. @merkaz_ksa

Moon Shell

Good vibes and great food make up the perfect hangout spot in AlUla. Moon Shell is a peaceful café that serves delicious smoothie bowls, healthy dishes, fresh juices and the finest coffee. Using rich ingredients like fruits, nuts and natural healthy sugars to satisfy the senses, Moon Shell makes vegan and vegetarian food accessible and fun.

Moon Shell, AlJadidah, Muayada Square, daily 8am to midnight. @moonshell_sa

Myazu

Experience Japanese fine dining in a chic atmosphere at Myazu. Located at the poolside of Shaden Resort, the restaurant serves modern dishes using traditional techniques and the finest quality ingredients. Offerings include melt-in-your-mouth wagyu tataki, smoked toro with jalapeno, robata chicken, and mushroom rice cooked in claypot, to name just a few.

Myazu, Shaden Resort, daily 6pm to 2am. Live DJs every Thursday and Friday evening. Tel: 9200 22395. @myazusaudi

OKTO

Set atop the beautiful outlook area of Harrat Uwayrid is OKTO, an upscale, contemporary Greek restaurant developed by a top-rated chef, Ntinos Fotinakis. We suggest arriving at OKTO before sundown to soak up the sights and sounds of the golden hour at Harrat Viewpoint, then find a seat at the stunning all-black bar or near the cosy bonfire lounge area. Slithers of deep-fried halloumi, lamb chops marinated with kalamata olives, and crispy chicken gyros are among our favourite dishes on the menu.

OKTO, Harrat Viewpoint, daily 4pm to midnight. Reservations can be made via MyTable app. Tel: 054 443 4147. @okto.sa

Pink Camel Pastry Boutique

Tucked away in AlUla’s famous date palms and citrus trees, the atmosphere at Pink Camel is laid-back and lively, which makes it a great place to pop into when visiting AlUla. It serves delicious coffee and pastries, as well as healthy soups and salads. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available. Try their famous macarons, have some coffee and spend a perfect afternoon on their lovely terrace.

Pink Camel Pastry Boutique, AlWadi, daily 8am to midnight. @pinkcamelksa

Rahba Café

Enjoy breakfast or lunch at this casual restaurant located in a historical building in AlUla Old Town. Seating is primarily outdoors. Local refreshments, coffees and shisha are available.

Rahba Café, AlUla Old Town, daily 9am to midnight. Tel: 055 362 3012.

SALT

SALT is taking its food truck inspired menu off-roading and parking its latest branch in front of AlUla’s iconic Elephant Rock. Juicy burgers, moreish sliders and perfectly salted fries are the familiar favourites here, as well as SALT’s sweet-tooth-satisfying soft serve.

SALT, Elephant Rock, daily 4pm to midnight. @findsalt

SKLT

This sleek spot offers a rich menu of charcoal-grilled burgers, steaks and seafood with savoury sides and vegetarian items alongside charming views overlooking AlUla Old Town from AlJadidah.

SKLT, AlJadidah, daily 12.30pm to midnight. Tel: 053 677 7901.

Somewhere

A farm-to-table concept situated in AlJadidah’s Cultural Oasis District. The restaurant offers outdoor dining and a specially designed menu that serves modern dishes with authentic Mediterranean flavours.

Somewhere, Cultural Oasis District, daily 4pm to 1am. Tel: 9200 24788. Reservations can be made via MyTable app. @somewhere

Suhail Old Town

Inspired by the ancient spices of the Arabian Peninsula and time-honoured traditions, Suhail offers an exciting take on traditional Saudi dishes in a fine dining concept. We highly suggest the watermelon salad, camel meat artichoke, chicken saleeq and lamb cooked on a marekh served with basmati rice.

Suhail Old Town, AlUla Old Town, Mon to Sat 1pm to 11pm. Tel: 9200 0269 / 053 558 8151. Reservations can be made via MyTable app. @suhail_saudi

Tama at Habitas

Located in the stunning Habitas eco-resort, Tama is much more than a restaurant. Meaning ‘here and now’ in Aramaic, Tama embodies one of Habitas’ core brand experiences, the essence of being present and keeping people in the here and now. The menu infuses global and middle eastern cuisines, and the ingredients are sourced from local farms in communities surrounding AlUla to bring seasonal, fresh flavours to the table. Freshly baked bread from Tama’s artisanal bakery pairs perfectly with local jams, ginger honey, or an avocado citrus smash. Hibiscus tea is transformed with rosemary, cloves, and star anise. Decadent desserts infuse flavours of the oasis, from toffee date cake to baked cheesecake with kumquat compote.

Tama at Habitas, Habitas AlUla, Ashar Valley, AlUla. Tel: 014 821 3900. Ourhabitas.com

Wacafe

Mouthwatering croissants and scrumptious cinnamon rolls fill the cases at Wacafe. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in at this great AlUla Old Town café.

Wacafe, AlUla Old Town, daily 9am to midnight. @wacafecoffee

Opening soon…

Entrecôte Café de Paris

The newest fine-dining restaurant to open at AlUla Old Town, this Parisian style restaurant is famous for its “Cafe de Paris” sauce developed by famous Chef Boubier in 1930 with the recipe remaining a secret until today. Originating from Geneva, the restaurant owes its reputation to its unique menu formula: a walnut salad, a sirloin steak with its famous sauce and golden French fries. Entrecote Café de Paris will open for reservation at the beginning of March 2022.

Opening soon.

Forces of Nature

In a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Bompas & Parr, the leading expert in multi-sensory experience design, offers visitors an incredible opportunity to eat magnificent local produce cooked across a stream of molten lava heated to a staggering 1,350 degrees Celsius. The focus is on the elemental beginnings of cooking, using open fires, natural resources, and hyper-local ingredients, with a menu developed by chef Tomos Parry of Michelin-starred Brat in London. Located inside a sandstone canyon surrounded by volcanic rocks, the setting is informal and relaxed, with fire pits, lanterns, and architectural installations. This culinary world-first feast is open for a limited time, for only nine days from February 18 to 26. We recommend booking now as space is limited.

Forces of Nature, Feb 18 to 26, 7pm to 1am. Reservations can be made via MyTable app.

Incense Road Suppers

Don’t miss another immersive dining experience by Bompas & Parr that’s inspired by the legacy and luxury of the Incense Road that once connected AlUla’s ancient Arabian kingdoms with the great civilisations of antiquity. Over six curated courses, stories from the Incense Road are brought to life through a 360-degree immersive audio-visual projection, sharing inspired stories of traders and historical icons, paired with exquisite food, drinks, and an evolving incense scent-scape. Incense Road Suppers will take place in a custom-built tent on a summer farm along the Scenic Road.

Incense Road Suppers, Mar 3 to 11, 7pm to 9pm & 9.45pm to 11.45pm. Reservations can be made via MyTable app.

Images: Provided