Visitors to Abha are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining with a view. Because of the city’s mild weather and mountainous location, many of its restaurants and cafes have glorious outdoor terraces overlooking misty green peaks or sparkling city lights.
As for the food itself, there’s a surprising diversity in the cuisines on offer here, with several outstanding Pakistani and Indian restaurants in Abha, as well as Turkish, Italian, Chinese and more. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to get stuck into local flavours too, with restaurants specialising in the region’s most famous dishes, such as jareesh and saleeg, as well as Saudi favourite, chicken kabsa.
Prices tend to be reasonable – even at locations with those priceless mountain views – and the service is typically warm and hospitable. These are some of the best places to eat in Abha.
1. Bab Al Turath
Most visitors to Abha will be eager to taste some traditional Aseeri flavours, and Bab Al Turath is one of the best places in the city to get stuck into the cuisine. The restaurant’s decor is inspired by traditional Aseer homes, with palm trees, heritage paintings and colourful textiles creating an old-world atmosphere. The menu features some of the region’s best-loved dishes, such as jareesh, saleeg and chicken madhbi. Enjoy a strong Saudi coffee, served from a traditional dallah coffee pot, before you leave.
2. Al Karkand
Al Karkand is one of Abha’s top-rated seafood restaurants, located just a few minutes’ drive away from Waterfall Park. Fresh shrimp and fried local fish are the restaurant’s specialties and they also do a creamy seafood soup, as well as tagines, pasta dishes, salad and fried rice. Al Karkand is a particularly popular choice for families as there’s a kids menu and an indoor play area with a small slide and playhouse – perfect for keeping the littlest diners entertained.
3. Coffee shops
Cafe culture is huge in Saudi Arabia, and Abha is no exception, with countless coffee shops serving baked treats, snacks and light bites along with coffees. The airy, light-filled Kaya Cafe is one of the prettiest in the city, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace surrounded by jacaranda trees. The cafe serves a range of breakfast dishes as well as tiramisu, cheesecake and French toast. Fog Coffee in Abha High City is another beautiful place to sit, with spectacular – and often foggy – views over the mountains. The specialty coffees are great here, as are the desserts; try the cookies or date-topped cheesecakes.
4. Olive Garden
The Abha branch of Olive Garden is one of the best-loved restaurants at Sky Village, with a lively, welcoming vibe, friendly staff and spacious interiors ideal for large gatherings of family and friends. When the weather permits, however, the alfresco dining area is a scenic spot for catching a gentle breeze and admiring the hilltop views as you eat. Olive Garden’s menu is full of familiar Italian food and some Italian-American twists: think several different kinds of alfredo pasta, plus lasagne, carbonara, steak and ravioli. There’s even a ‘Create your own pasta’ option for anyone who feels like getting creative with their meal.
5. Karamna
Also in Sky Village, Karamna is one of the most glamorous places in Abha for Middle Eastern fine-dining. This elegant restaurant serves a mix of Lebanese and Gulf dishes, including mezze, manakish, kabsa and saleeg, as well as generous platters of grilled meats. The mocktails are a treat – try the refreshing pomegranate mojito – and there’s a decadent selection of desserts available, including knafeh, baklava and chocolate ice cream. The views over Abha by night are superb, and customers rave about the attentive and friendly service – Karamna is a great option for an upmarket night out.
6. The Burger Origin
If you’re craving a classic juicy burger in Abha, The Burger Origin is your best bet. This ever-popular spot has branches all over Saudi, and the Abha outlet can be found on King Abdul Aziz Road, not far from the Abha Dam. There are great beef and chicken burgers on the menu, as well as cheesy fries, crinkle-cut chips and samosas. Service is quick and efficient whether you’re eating in at the industrial-style dining area or getting your order to go. It’s a lively spot for a late snack with friends, as the restaurant stays open until 4am.
7. Mahrani Restaurant
Can’t agree on what cuisine to order? Mahrani Restaurant does a roaring trade in Indian, Chinese and Arab food, and even has a couple of Italian dishes on the menu. Everything from Canton Chicken to Paneer Masala is on offer, and the dishes get consistently excellent reviews. A great choice for families with picky eaters.
8. Tolie
For authentic Turkish food, there’s no better destination than Tolie restaurant, east of Abha in Khamis Mushait. This welcoming eatery is known for its friendly staff, and is an excellent pick for a date night or special occasion. The mouthwatering menu includes a range of Turkish dishes, including lamb chops, kebabs, grills, fresh salads and mezze platters and the food comes beautifully presented on decorative dishes. The breezy rooftop terrace, illuminated with colourful Turkish lamps, is a romantic place to sit and relax with a sweet mint tea after your meal.
9. La Scene
Al Rashid Mall has a food court with an array of casual dining outlets that are bound to hit the spot if you need to refuel after a morning’s shopping. La Scene, with its elegant blue colour scheme and soft cushioned seating, is one of the most stylish. Lunch options include Caesar salads, club sandwiches, pizza and beef sliders. The pastries here are also excellent, especially the croissant boule chocolat.
10. Pakistani cuisine in Abha
Some of the best budget-friendly eats in Abha can be found in the city’s Pakistani restaurants, which serve everything from biryanis to mutton, chicken and beef karahi, barbecue grills and masala curries. Mataam Zouq Samar Pakistani Restaurant is one of the most popular in Abha for eating-in, with tables and chairs as well as raised carpeted dining areas. Madinah Karachi Pakistani Restaurant 2 is another great-value canteen, with authentic dishes including daal mash and Karachi-style chicken biryani on the menu. There’s a handy drive-through option if you’re dining at home or enjoying a picnic in the park.
