Saudi Gazette

With a population of about 4 million people, Jeddah is home to some of the best eateries and yet the largely populated food industry still has room for more. This week we take you around town to some of the popular joints scattered across the city.

Maison de Zaid

Unlike Dubai where restaurants are known for a particular meal or type of food, restaurants in Jeddah aren’t that easy to categorize. But now when people ask ‘what’s a good place for breakfast in Jeddah’ you will actually have a qualified answer. It is Maison de Zaid. From their smooth and creamy coffee, better than that served at new local coffee joints, to scrumptious pancakes, Maison de Zaid is a fine choice you will not regret. Better get a reservation or you can be among those who wait for over an hour on a regular day or night. If you don’t find a place, you can get a freshly baked Pizza to go or enjoy fresh homemade Gelato. A great place to go with family and friends, Maison de Zaid offers a fantastic variety of food choices ranging from Shakshouka to Italian delicacies. The far from casual hip joint attracts fashionistas and food lovers alike and is definitely on the posh side. Best lamb chops in Jeddah.

Location: Abdul Maqsud Khoja Street, Jeddah.

Leila

The popular Lebanese restaurant from Beirut and Dubai has now opened its first branch in the Kingdom, in Jeddah’s Rawdah district. With cozy and warm interiors, Leila promises to offer a spread that feels close to home. Even on a fully packed night, service is fast and in terms of serving size, an appetizer is good enough for two, not more. Even though the Fatteh Hummus was good, the meat kebabs still had that undercooked stench and the overrated Atayef Beirut – Ashta ice cream with pistachio sprinkles was well, overrated. It looks like candy floss with a layer of Ashta ice cream and is not what you would reminisce, much like the food. Thanks to its popular location, Leila is probably a good idea if you just want to hangout for shisha, traditional Lebanese sweets and coffee. Fairly priced and decent food.

Location: U Shape Center in Jeddah’s Rawdah Street.

Paradise

Tucked away on a street corner in Sahafa district, Paradise is easily one of the best Desi restaurants to open up in Jeddah. Like they say, don’t judge a book by its cover, and in this case don’t let the simple and understated exterior fool you. The restaurant offers fresh and exotic food in generous portions that makes up for the flaws. It may not be fine dining but the food is better than that served in extravagant restaurants around town. Even though it is quiet on a weekday, service is on point apart from when the waiter might tell you to ‘get tea from outside’ because it is unavailable. Rest assured anything you order is bound to taste good. Not for the faint hearted but true to Indian and Pakistani cuisine- the spices make the magic work. Best Chili Paneer in town.

Location: Crossing of Sahafa, Tadamoun Al Arabi, Jeddah.