Madinah’s culinary scene is thriving, offering a delightful blend of tradition, modern flavours and international influences. For steak enthusiasts, the city has become a hotspot, with top steak places in Madinah (also known as Medina) offering unique spins on a simple classic. From perfectly grilled ribeye to melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon, these establishments cater to all preferences, with plenty of new and exciting options to explore.
Whether you’re seeking an elegant restaurant for a special occasion or a laid-back venue for family meals, you’re bound to find something you’ll like. Then there’s the hidden gems that are popular with locals. With places to suit every budget and taste preference, here’s our pick of the best in Medina.
1. Swiss Butter
A must-visit for any steak lover visiting Medina, Swiss Butter offers a focused menu that’s centred around three juicy mains: beef filet, chicken breast and salmon filet, all topped with their iconic Swiss Butter sauce. The mains are paired with a fresh mesclun salad, a warm baguette, and your choice of fries or a baked potato – simple and delicious. This classic Saudi steakhouse is known for its simplicity and loved for its quality and consistency. Don’t miss their decadent molten chocolate fondant or the classic pain perdu for dessert. Located in Aloroba Mall, there are a further five branches across the Kingdom.
2. Redston
Redston is a popular steakhouse on King Abdullah Road, offering a mouth-watering selection of perfectly cooked cuts of beef alongside other dishes. Here, steaks are served with sides like super creamy macaroni and cheese, mashed potato and sauteed vegetables. One of Madinah’s high-end steak restaurants, the atmosphere here is fun and theatrical, making it a good choice for date nights or dinners with friends. You can even choose your serving option: classic service, live cooking or a cutting show. Meat really is the star of the show here, but for those who would prefer something else, Redston serves pasta, fish and chicken dishes too.
3. Skill on the Grill
Skill on the Grill has a catchy name and a menu that you won’t forget any time sooner either. It’s located in Al Khalidiyyah and offers a tantalising menu of grilled meat and chicken, and outstanding platters that are ideal for sharing with the family. Burgers and sandwiches are jam-packed with fillings; there’s the Philly Steak Sandwich, oozing with cheese, and the Crunchy BBQ Sandwich made with their sweet and sticky BBQ sauce.
For something entirely different, the magnificent chicken parmesan with pasta white sauce is a unique blend of crispy-coated chicken and creamy pasta. Finally, for those who want something on the lighter side, the salads are a popular choice and when enjoyed as a starter, adds a balance of freshness to hearty meals. Plus, it means you might have a little room left for dessert!
4. Cow Ribs
If you’re looking for a TikTok-approved restaurant in Medina, Cow Ribs might just be it. This place specialises in melt-in-the-mouth wagyu, a premium type of beef that originates from Japan and is renowned for its exceptional quality, tenderness and rich flavour. The Cow Ribs Wagyu Burger is a menu mainstay, made from grilled wagyu steak that's been smoked for 12 to 16 hours. The smoked ribs are truly indulgent and great when washed down with a refreshing Blueberry Mojito Mocktail. While it is more expensive than other steak restaurants in Medina, the food at Cow Ribs is well portioned and heavy on flavour. Definitely worth the cost for a special occasion.
5. Legend BBQ
Another meat-focused addition to Medina’s growing culinary scene, Legend BBQ is a popular dining spot that feels like you’re at a Texas barbecue. The restaurant offers smoky and chargrilled options of high-quality meat cuts. Dining is casual and the staff are friendly, always willing to help recommend their tried and tested favourites. What makes Legend BBQ extra special is their selection of homemade sauces that enhance every dish, particularly the crispy, fluffy, loaded fries. With artful presentation and signature sauces this go-to for locals makes an otherwise casual dining experience feel both special and satisfying.
6. Chopper
Chopper is a smoked meat restaurant in Medina that’s gained a loyal following. The industrial interiors are cool and moody, but the staff are anything but. You’ll be made to feel like royalty here, with service that goes above and beyond to ensure you get the best possible experience. The colourful smoked meat burger platters are not just highly photogenic, but also incredibly delicious. The meat is cooked to a superior quality and the array of sides and embellishments add a fresh, creamy or tangy touch to the smokiness of the meat. The ribs platter topped with jalapeño has a spicy finish, and the chicken mix slider is a tower of chicken burgers served with a rainbow of dipping sauces. This Medina restaurant is so epic, you really have to try it to believe it.
