The best restaurants in AlUla

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

The ancient city of AlUla has welcomed a growing number of restaurants in the past years. From traditional Saudi feasts, fusion delights, and casual dining experiences,  the eateries take visitors on a flavourful culinary journey from the farms of AlUla Oasis, the city’s verdant heart, to the food lovers’ table.

We’ve rounded up the best restaurants in AlUla – all serving up good food and awesome vibes.

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 12.30pm to midnight. @circolo.pizza

Entrecôte Café de Paris

Started in 1930 in Geneva, this Cafe de Paris transports diners to the Rue Mont Blanc. A small set menu – perfected with time – serves a delicate green salad, the illustrious Entrecote cut of steak, homemade French fries and their butter sauce, whose recipe is kept secret and specially flown in exclusively from Geneva.

Entrecôte Café de Paris, AlUla Old Town, daily 3pm to 1am. @entrecote.sa

Fresh House

Born from the vision of two Saudi minds, Fresh House promises quick, fresh, and healthy food options that are both nourishing and delicious. From poke bowls to Indian curries and Mexican wraps, there’s always something fresh and interesting, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Fresh House, Old Town, AlUla, daily 3pm to 1am. @freshhouse.ksa

Harrat

Set in the stunning Banyan Tree AlUla, local chefs use produce directly sourced from AlUla’s sustainable farms to create their eclectic fine dining menu. From relaxed lunches to lively evenings, this vibrant restaurant offers a range of dishes, from seafood to Middle Eastern mezze, pasta, and fresh grills; there is something for every taste. Decorated with handmade rugs and local earthenware, guests will find a truly authentic experience at this rustic restaurant. Shisha is also available.

Harrat at Banyan Tree, Banyan Tree AlUla, daily 7am to 1am. @banyantree.alula

Heart of the Oasis 

Aptly named Heart of the Oasis in AlUla’s Oasis is a warm and inviting meeting spot inspired by Saudi Arabian hospitality. Innovative Saudi chefs at Heart of the Oasis marry cultural heritage with culinary finesse, presenting a menu that ranges from eggplant rolls to tomahawk steaks. Each dish narrates a fresh tale of the ‘oasis to plate’ concept, showcasing the richness, innovation and authenticity of Saudi cuisine.

Heart of the Oasis, Oasis, AlUla, daily 4pm to 11pm. 

Joontos

Located at the newest addition to the hotel scene in AlUla, Dar Tantora, Joontos is the culinary brainchild of star chef Jaume Puigdengolas. Promising his modern take on traditional Saudi Arabian cuisine, it’s a fusion of local heritage and globally-influenced culinary artistry, with a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients.

Dar Tantora The House, AlUla, Sun to Thurs 6pm to 11pm, Fri and Sat 8am to 11am and 12.30pm to 11pm. @dartantora

Maraya Social (reopening in September)

Enjoy an evening on the rooftop of the world’s largest mirrored building at Chef Jason Atherton’s restaurant. Here, the cuisine takes inspiration from AlUla with produce sourced from local farms; all served up in Chef Atherton’s signature style. Whether you’re catching a concert at Maraya Hall or not, this is an elevated dining experience you won’t want to miss while in AlUla.

Maraya Social, Maraya, Tues to Sat 6pm to 11.30pm & weekend brunch Fri & Sat 12.30pm to 3.30pm. @marayasocial

Myazu (reopening in September)

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, Thurs to Sat 6pm to 1am & Sun to Wed 6pm to midnight. @myazusaudi

OKTO (reopens in September)

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 1pm to 9pm. @okto.sa

Out of Line

In the cool and creative AlJadidah Arts District, Out of Line has converted a recently restored former home into a quaint coffee shop, where you can pick up freshly baked treats, Arabic coffee, and fresh juices. An ideal pit stop when you’re admiring the artworks around the local area, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot is tucked down a little side street, and features seating both indoors and on the sun-drenched courtyard.

Out of Line, AlJadidah Arts District, AlUla, daily 8am to 12am. @outofline.sa

Pink Camel Pastry Boutique (reopens in September)

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 8pm. @pinkcamelksa

Saffron

Saffron, Banyan Tree AlUla’s signature Thai restaurant, offers guests the quintessential taste of contemporary Thai Cuisine prepared by Thai chefs, the first of its kind in AlUla. The scent of lemongrass and the unmistakable flavours of coconut milk and spices give guests the true taste of Thailand in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.

Saffron, Banyan Tree AlUla, Tue to Sun 7pm to 1am. @banyantree.alula

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, Thurs to Sat 10am to midnight & Sun to Wed 1pm to midnight. @somewhere

Suhail (reopening in September)

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. @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, daily 7am to midnight. @habitasalula

Tomoor

Sample local flavours and gaze out over the majestic traditional aesthetic of Old Town AlUla at Tomoor. A casual cafe serving premium Arabic coffee, authentic desserts and some eight varieties of dates from the local AlUla farms, it features outdoor seating along the main road as well as pretty shaded areas.

Tomoor, Old Town, AlUla, daily 3pm to 1am. 

Villa Fayrouz 

Pioneering Lebanese cuisine, Villa Fayrouz boasts over two decades of expertise in crafting authentic Middle Eastern flavours. From charcoal-grilled meats to homemade pastries and an array of mezze, this elegantly styled restaurant promises an unforgettable culinary journey inspired by years-old culinary tradition. Find this traditional-looking branch nestled in the Old Town, opening daily for lunch and dinner,

Villa Fayrouz, Old Town, AlUla, daily 3pm to 1am. @villafayrouz.sa

Zalata

For fuss-free Middle Eastern fare while exploring Old Town AlUla, head to Zalata. This wallet-friendly restaurant in AlUla serves up a menu of comfort food inspired by family recipes. From traditional Saudi ‘tamees’ to colourful sharing platters and hot pies, tuck in to fresh, homely flavours for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Zalata, Old Town, AlUla, 3pm to 1am. @zalata.sa

Images: Experience AlUla