Just like Saudi’s other major cities, Makkah, or Mecca, teems with restaurants offering unforgettable bites. Its diverse food scene caters to various budgets, depending on whether you’re looking for a quick bite in the middle of a busy day exploring, want a big blowout at an upscale eatery or to enjoy a leisurely meal soaking in the city’s vibrant energy. Here are some of our favourite places to eat in Medina.
1. Al Rehab
Al Rehab, overlooking the Grand Mosque, is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re with a group of family and friends with differing tastes. On the mezzanine floor of the InterContinental Dar Al Tawhid Makkah, guests have a world of choice with a buffet full of international food stations – Mediterranean, Asian and European – for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The restaurant, which won the number one spot as the Travellers’ Choice in Makkah by Tripadvisor, also has an à la carte menu and hosts themed evenings with Arabic and seafood as the star cuisines. The beautiful Islamic-inspired decor is another reason to get Al Rehab on your list.
2. Gürkan Şef Steakhouse
The famous restaurant chain originating from Istanbul can be found on Makkah’s Ibrahim Al Jufaili Road. Two things guests of celebrity chef and TV personality Gürkan Topçu, aka Gürkan Şef, are sure to find are his magical touch and an entertaining, elegant yet cosy ambience.
Şef, known as the Meat Artist, has garnered a name for offering only the best quality meats, including dry-aged and wet-aged steaks. From veal loins aged for 28-40 days and tomahawk veal chops to tender loins, rib-eyes, steak and frites, and smoked meat with cheddar cheese and herbs, meat lovers have a wide variety to choose from. However, the maestro also offers other options for vegetarians, including salads and pastas.
3. AL BAIK
South Africa has Nando’s, the US has McDonald’s and Saudi has AL BAIK, a fast food heavyweight and much-loved homegrown hero. And in Makkah, you can enjoy its famous juicy, crispy and flavourful battered, broasted chicken (slightly different to fried chicken as it is cooked in a pressure fryer) in the iconic Clock Towers. Beware, though, you might have to brave a queue for this casual, family-friendly outing. It will be worth the wait though – people actually take some for family and friends back home when leaving from Jeddah’s international airport.
Other than spicy or regular broasted chicken pieces, complemented by the signature garlic sauce, the biggest restaurant chain in Saudi offers other chicken choices like nuggets, healthier baked options, burgers, sandwiches and shawarma. And if chicken isn’t on your wish list, shrimp and fish fillets also come in sandwiches or nuggets.
4. The Oasis
The Oasis is in the five-star Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah, just steps from the Grand Mosque. It’s on our prettiest restaurant list for the gorgeous views it commands of the holy site and its interiors. The decor melds Saudi heritage with contemporary details, creating a refined yet inviting atmosphere.
Additionally, the LUXE Global Awards’ 2023 Global Winner for Best Luxury Hotel has something for everyone. It’s a fantastic spot for trying traditional Saudi cuisine, like lamb or chicken kabsa. But if you’d prefer to stick to Asian or western favourites, this restaurant is still a winner with its wide-ranging appeal – choose from a variety of foods from the buffet or an a la carte option. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
5. Sahtein
Sahtein is an authentic Lebanese restaurant with a novel approach. Found at the Hilton Hotel & Convention Jabal Omar Makkah on Ibrahim Al Khalil Road, it is the perfect go-to during pleasant weather thanks to its open-air terraces. The eatery also has separate private dining room and a kids’ menu.
You’ll find all the mezze classics here. There’s taboule, warak enab, kibbeh, babata harra, and different types of hummus. One to try is the eatery’s unique take on a classic, Hummus Sahtein, which comes topped with muhammara and walnuts. And the usual array of grilled chicken and meat follows, including shish taouk, kebabs and lamb skewers, shank and chops. For something different, go for the Kebab Cherry, which adorns lamb kebabs with cherry sauce and nuts. Seafood aficionados aren’t left out thanks to the grilled jumbo shrimps or sayadieh, which has been given a twist by swapping the customary fish for grilled salmon.
