In an age where wellness is more about mindful choices than calorie counts, the newly opened Nabati Eatery offers a refreshing take on conscious dining.
Located in Jeddah's Al Rawdah District, Nabati is Saudi Arabia’s first plant-based eatery with a holistic approach, one that nourishes both body and planet. This isn’t just about being “healthy” in the usual sense; it’s about eating in a way that’s as kind to the earth as it is nourishing for us.
Every dish at this Jeddah restaurant is crafted with organic, pure ingredients, free from stabilisers, gluten, sugar, and soy - and of course, love.
Nabati’s zero-waste philosophy and dedication to scratch-made, plant-based cuisine taps into a global wellness movement, showing that dining out can still mean caring deeply for your body—and the environment.
The story of Nabati is as inspiring as the food it serves. Behind this eco-conscious eatery is Ola Kayal, Nabati’s founder and head chef.
Ola’s journey began in 2019 in Miami, where Nabati started as a simple school project making vegan ice creams from fresh, whole ingredients. Her creations quickly whipped up a strong following of those who craved her rich, dairy-free flavours. When she returned to her hometown in Saudi Arabia, Ola brought her popular pints with her, selling them at local health markets and pop-up events. This past August, she expanded her passion into a full-fledged eatery, offering her community a place to embrace wellness through nourishing, plant-based dining.
Stepping into Nabati feels like entering a space designed to help you unwind and reconnect. The atmosphere is earthy, fresh, and contemporary, with rustic touches that adds a comforting charm. Sunlight spills in through the floor to ceiling windows, making it an ideal spot for a midday recharge or a cozy weekend lunch.
The original Nabati ice cream counter is proudly on display, offering a selection of Ola’s signature vegan flavours alongside homemade waffle cones and fun toppings like homemade Nutella and raw cocoa nibs.
Nabati’s menu is all about plant-based goodness that proves simple flavours can be hearty and satisfying. The dishes are great for sharing - if you're in the mood to sample a bit of everything. I started with a bowl of kale chips paired with Nabati’s best-selling ABC juice—a refreshing, cold-pressed mix of red apple, beetroot, and carrot. Each sip was the perfect blend of sweet and earthy, setting the stage for a meal that felt like a treat for both the palate and the body.
Next came Nabati’s mac and cheese, a true comfort food classic. But this isn’t just any mac and cheese—it’s made with a creamy, cashew-based “cheese” sauce so rich and authentic, you’d be hard-pressed to believe it’s entirely dairy-free. The gluten-free pasta is topped with mushrooms and a crunchy pecan crumb, adding layers of texture and flavour that elevate the dish. Another highlight was the “Nabati Forest,” a colourful medley of oven-grilled cauliflower, broccoli, butternut squash, and mushrooms, tossed with white beans and drizzled in Nabati’s signature dressing.
Who knew a plate of veggies could feel this satisfying?
And of course, I couldn’t leave Nabati without trying the ice cream—the very creation that started it al. I went for the Nabati Ribbon, a dreamy swirl of vanilla, chocolate, and caramel. It felt indulgent but still light—a dessert that’s as good for you as it is for the planet, leaving out all the 'bad stuff' but keeping every bit of yumminess intact.
For those who love breakfast at any hour, Nabati has an all-day breakfast menu that’s worth exploring. From the Nabati Benedict with a plant-based twist to the chickpea omelet and fluffy blueberry pancakes, each dish takes classic flavours and adds a unique, nourishing spin.
Nabati isn’t just an eatery—it’s part of a growing wellness movement that’s taking shape in Saudi Arabia and beyond. For anyone seeking to eat mindfully, this is a place where every bite is packed with flavour and purpose, leaving you feeling nourished and inspired.
Price Range: $$
Dishes to Order: Nabati Forest, Mac & Cheese
@nabati.eatery
Kayal Street, AlRawdah, Jeddah
