Makkah Province (Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the spiritual heartland of Islam and one of Saudi Arabia's most significant regions, encompassing the holy city of Makkah, the cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah, the mountain resort city of Taif, and the Red Sea city of Yanbu. The province draws millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, while Jeddah welcomes all visitors with its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district, vibrant Red Sea coastline, and modern urban culture.
Makkah Province's culinary identity is deeply rooted in Hejazi cuisine — the cooking tradition of the Hijaz region that blends Arabian, African, South Asian, and Levantine influences accumulated through centuries of pilgrimage trade. Jeddah is the gastronomic capital, offering everything from freshly grilled Red Sea fish to international fine dining. Traditional dishes include kabsa (spiced rice with meat), mandi (slow-roasted lamb), sayadiyah (fish over spiced rice), and jareesh (porridge). All food is halal-certified.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Makkah.
Kabsa
Saudi Arabia's national dish — fragrant basmati rice cooked with spices, dried fruits, and your choice of lamb, chicken, or camel meat
Where to try: Al Romansiah, Al Harir Restaurant, any traditional Saudi restaurant
Price: SAR 35-65 ($9.35-17.35)
Mandi
Whole lamb or chicken slow-cooked in an underground clay oven over fragrant wood, served over saffron rice
Where to try: Mandi Al Salam Taif, traditional mandi restaurants in Jeddah
Price: SAR 30-120 ($8-32)
Sayadiyah
Jeddah's signature dish — whole fish (often grouper or sea bass) baked over caramelized onion and spiced rice
Where to try: Sammak Al-Basli, Al Nakheel Restaurant
Price: SAR 55-90 ($14.70-24)
Albaik Broasted Chicken
Saudi Arabia's most beloved fast food — uniquely seasoned broasted chicken that locals queue for
Where to try: Albaik branches throughout Makkah Province
Price: SAR 20-50 ($5.35-13.35)
Jareesh
Traditional cracked wheat porridge cooked with meat and spices — a Hejazi comfort food served at family gatherings
Where to try: Al Harir Restaurant, traditional Saudi restaurants
Price: SAR 20-35 ($5.35-9.35)
Kunafa
Hot crispy shredded pastry filled with melted cheese, soaked in rose water syrup — the quintessential Arabic dessert
Where to try: Al-Mukhtar Sweets, Arabic sweet shops throughout Jeddah
Price: SAR 15-25 ($4-6.70)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Al Nakheel Restaurant
A beloved Jeddah institution serving charcoal-grilled Red Sea fish and classic Saudi seafood dishes for over 40 years. The open-air fish grilling area and authentic atmosphere make it a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Known for: Charcoal-grilled whole Red Sea fish
Al-Balad area, Jeddah
Al Tazaj
Saudi Arabia's most popular national fast food chain, founded in 1989 and the first Saudi fast food brand. Known for their perfectly marinated grilled chicken, hummus, and fresh Arabic bread. Branches throughout Makkah Province.
Known for: Marinated grilled chicken — the original Saudi fast food
Multiple branches, Jeddah and Makkah
Al Romansiah
A landmark Saudi restaurant chain serving traditional Arabian cuisine in a family-friendly setting. Known for authentic kabsa (spiced rice with meat), mandi, and fresh Saudi breads. One of the most popular restaurant chains in the kingdom.
Known for: Authentic Saudi kabsa and mandi rice dishes
Multiple branches across Makkah Province
Sammak Al-Basli
Established in 1949, this is arguably Jeddah's most historic seafood restaurant, famous for timeless recipes passed down through generations. Located in Al-Balad, it serves the Red Sea's freshest catch in traditional Hejazi style.
Known for: Traditional Hejazi seafood recipes since 1949
Al-Balad, Jeddah 21411
Arabesque at Shaza Makkah
An elegant all-day dining restaurant at Shaza Makkah hotel offering a broad halal menu spanning Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African cuisines. Family-friendly with attentive service.
Known for: Pan-Arabian fine dining for pilgrims in Makkah
Shaza Makkah Hotel, Ajyad, Makkah 24231
ROKA Jeddah
The acclaimed international ROKA brand brings its signature robata grill concept to Jeddah, offering sophisticated Japanese cuisine with panoramic city views. Known for exceptional quality and sleek contemporary design.
Known for: Robata grill and premium Japanese cuisine
Jeddah (Jeddah Gate Tower)
Inhabit Restaurant
A stylish Jeddah restaurant with a plant-forward menu and creative international dishes, popular with young Saudis and expats. Most dishes are under SAR 100 ($27), making it excellent value for the quality.
Known for: Creative international cuisine at accessible prices
Al Rawdah District, Jeddah
Al Kofeia
A popular Palestinian restaurant in Jeddah serving authentic Levantine mezze, mixed grills, and the traditional mansaf (lamb in yogurt sauce). Nothing on the menu exceeds SAR 95 ($25), offering excellent value for generous portions.
Known for: Authentic Palestinian home cooking
Al Zahra District, Jeddah
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Japanese
ROKA Jeddah
Nobu Jeddah
Nozomi Restaurant
Seafood
Al Nakheel Restaurant
Sammak Al-Basli
Tabuk Fish Market Restaurant
Italian
Madeo Jeddah Yacht Club
Le Vesuvio
Lebanese
Fakhr El-Din
Kababji Grill
Mediterranean
Nare Restaurant
La Mer Beach Restaurant
Pan
Arabesque at Shaza Makkah
Zaafaran Palace Restaurant Makkah
Saudi
Café Bateel
Al Harir Restaurant
Traditional Saudi
Al Romansiah
Mataam Al-Watan
Afghan
Al Afghan Restaurant Makkah
Arabic Sweets
Al-Mukhtar Sweets
Armenian
Lusin Restaurant
Emirati
Reem Al Bawadi
Indian
India Palace
International
Zouk Restaurant Taif
International Halal
Makkah Hilton Restaurant
Modern International
Inhabit Restaurant
Modern Saudi
Makan Restaurant
Pakistani
Faisalabad Restaurant Makkah
Palestinian
Al Kofeia
Saudi Café
Java Time
Saudi Fast Food
Herfy
Saudi Fried Chicken
Albaik
Saudi Grilled Chicken
Al Tazaj
Saudi Street Food
Maiz wa Lahm
Steakhouse
Butcher's Kitchen
Traditional Yemeni
Mandi Al Salam
Turkish
Turkish House Restaurant
Yemeni
Bab Al Yemen Restaurant
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Shawarma
Rotisserie-cooked beef or chicken carved into flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and tahini
Find it at: Street carts and shawarma shops throughout Jeddah and Makkah
Fuul Medames
Slow-cooked fava beans with olive oil, lemon, and spices — the traditional Jeddah breakfast
Find it at: Early morning fuul stalls in Al-Balad and old market areas
Samboosa
Crispy fried pastry triangles filled with spiced minced meat or cheese, especially popular during Ramadan
Find it at: Street vendors and traditional bakeries throughout the province
Grilled Corn
Corn on the cob grilled and dusted with spices, lime, and butter — a favorite evening street snack
Find it at: Evening food carts along Jeddah Corniche and city parks
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Souq Al-Alawi Fish Section
The early morning fish section of Jeddah's historic souq brings fresh Red Sea catches daily
Hours: 5AM-9AM daily
Al Balad Spice Market
Aromatic spice stalls in Al-Balad offering Saudi saffron, rose water, oud, and exotic spices
Hours: 9AM-12PM and 4PM-11PM
Taif Fruit and Honey Market
Mountain markets in Taif selling locally grown pomegranates, grapes, peaches, and prized Sidr honey
Hours: 7AM-12PM and 4PM-9PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
All restaurants in Saudi Arabia are 100% halal-certified by law
Prayer times (5 times daily) cause restaurants to temporarily close — plan meals accordingly
Friday is the main family dining day — popular restaurants fill up quickly from noon onwards
Most restaurants offer family sections and single sections — families use the family entrances
Tipping 10-15% is appreciated but not mandatory; check if service charge is included
Restaurants in Makkah city are accessible to Muslims only
Ramadan dining has special hours — no eating in public during daylight hours, but iftar dinners are spectacular
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options widely available, especially in Indian, Lebanese, and international restaurants. Traditional Saudi food tends to be meat-heavy but vegetable mezze and rice dishes are common.
- Halal
- All restaurants in Saudi Arabia are 100% halal by law — no pork and no alcohol
- Gluten free
- Gluten-free options are limited but growing in international restaurants; rice-based Saudi dishes are naturally gluten-free
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | SAR 15-40 per meal ($4-10.70) | Street food, fast food (Albaik, Al Tazaj, Herfy), and simple local restaurants |
| Mid-range | SAR 50-150 per meal ($13.35-40) | Sit-down casual restaurants, seafood grills, and Lebanese restaurants |
| Upscale | SAR 200-800+ per meal ($53-213+) | Fine dining restaurants, hotel restaurants, and special occasion dining |