Downstream from the breezy North Corniche, where the Rosewood looks out to the Red Sea and beyond, stands Jeddah Boulevard, one of the coastal city’s most elegant and glamorous shopping malls.
A fixture of any guest’s itinerary, as well as a hangout spot for Jeddawis of all ages, Jeddah Boulevard is quickly becoming a destination for luxury brands eager to bring their custom to the Kingdom.
With so much to choose from – high-end shops, smart and classy restaurants, lively cafes selling all manner of sweets and pastries – you’ll never run out of things to do at Jeddah Boulevard, no matter how many times you visit.
What is Jeddah Boulevard?
Opened in 2015, Jeddah Boulevard was one of the first modern luxury malls to be built with international visitors in mind, and as such, it has set the standard for high-end shopping experiences in the city.
Located on the furthest southeastern edge of ritzy Ash Shati, Jeddah’s premier postcode, the mall has long been home to luxury brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, and Gucci, as well as gastronomic extravagance at the famous celebrity restaurant haunt, Novikov.
That’s not to say that Jeddah Boulevard is expensive and exclusive – there are all manner of different options for every kind of budget and group, friends and families alike. Here are just a few of the shops, restaurants and cafes at Jeddah Boulevard that you’d be a fool to miss.
Best shops in Jeddah Boulevard
If you’re on the lookout for the latest and greatest in fashion, Jeddah Boulevard has a whole host of luxury brands on site, ready for you to explore at your leisure in their beautiful boutiques. Take a step inside some of the best shops and allow yourself to swoon over the stylings at your disposal – you might just find your new favourite outfit.
1. Giorgio Armani
Few names evoke a sense of raw glamour like Giorgio Armani, and in the luxury brand’s flagship boutique in Jeddah Boulevard, that glamour is on proud display. Visit at night, and experience the drama of the brilliant white light beaming from its frontage – it’s a destination in itself, and one of the most indulgent retail experiences at Jeddah Boulevard.
The luxury shopping experience at Jeddah Boulevard isn’t limited to fashion. You can pick from the most beautiful array of jewellery and accessories, crafted by many of the world’s leading luxury brands. Whether you want to treat that special someone in your life, or better still, treat yourself, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the best shops in Jeddah Boulevard.
2. Loro Piana
A study in superlative elegance, decked out in calm cedar wood with warm light and plush furnishings, the Loro Piana boutique at Jeddah Boulevard is a sight to behold, and a delight to shop in. Softness is the marker of the luxury brand’s style: for gentle pastels and an air of refinement, there’s nowhere better in Jeddah Boulevard.
3. Tiffany’s
Everybody knows the appeal and the attraction of a ring from Tiffany’s – and if they don’t, they should, because Tiffany’s jewellery always means that little bit more to somebody. If you’ve got an excuse to do so, head down to the boutique store in Jeddah Boulevard and buy something beautiful for the one you love.
4. O100
Blessed with access to the brightest talents in perfumery – both international and, of course, domestic, taking advantage of Saudi’s world-leading fragrance industry – O100 smells like paradise. Nowhere else in Jeddah can match O100 for variety or expertise; it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy and experience new scents.
Best restaurants in Jeddah Boulevard
Whether it’s a luxury dinner for two, a feast for a party of six or bites that can satisfy the whole family, Jeddah Boulevard has an array of excellent restaurants catering to all budgets and appetites. Here are our three favourite restaurants, each equipped to match your mood at any time of day.
1. Baco
With a cool, casual atmosphere and an array of incredible street food options on offer from 1pm to 1am each day, Baco is the buzziest spot in Jeddah Boulevard right now. Whenever you visit, you’ll catch a sense of why: bao buns piled high with fried chicken and daikon slaw; the sticky, Indonesian-style Indomie noodles. As restaurants in Jeddah Boulevard go, it’s unmissable.
2. Novikov
A long-time international celebrity haunt, now installed with unparalleled grandeur on the western corner of Jeddah Boulevard, Novikov is the place to see and be seen in the city, not to mention dine on incredible seafood. There are few other places to match it for a special occasion, or even a glamorous lunch after a day of shopping.
3. Karam Beirut
It is no secret that Lebanese cuisine is one of the most exquisite in all of the Middle East, and at Karam Beirut, classic dishes like fatayeh, mutabal and shishbarak fattah are executed magnificently, just as you’d find them in the Lebanese capital. Go with a large group, and order as much of the menu as you can.
Best cafes in Jeddah Boulevard
Restaurants are not the only luxurious offering available at Jeddah Boulevard. The cafes are just as elegant, just as innovative – and if eaten in enough volume, just as decadent as any of the gourmet options available elsewhere in the mall. Choose from one of the three best cafes in Jeddah Boulevard, and you’ll find something in there that delights you.
1. Dots
You’ll see Dots from a distance: its distinctive powder pink facade pops out against the tan brick and gold that cascades around the rest of the mall. On some days, you might even see a queue, and with good reason: its doughnuts are an international hit, coming in all manner of sweet and daring variations. Go in, and see what the fuss is about.
2. Noug
Noug, tucked away inside the main courtyard of Jeddah Boulevard, is the quintessential modern Arabian cafe. Defined by its impeccable art deco interior, and with spaces that play host to jazz bands and panel conversations, it feels both tranquil and convivial – a cultural hub, as well as a respite from a long day shopping in Jeddah Boulevard.
3. La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita; the good life, as embodied in one of the longest-established cafes in Jeddah Boulevard, which offers a little taste of Italian terrazzo culture whenever you may want it. Take your seat outside, lean back in your chair with a coffee and a pastry, and watch life go by – a treat that’s not too expensive, but every bit as enjoyable as anything else at the mall.
