Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual diner, these dining experiences promise a fusion of culture and flavours.
AlUla, a sought-after destination for Saudi locals and international tourists alike, promises a blend of captivating activities and serene surroundings. Yet, AlUla’s extraordinary landscapes are only part of its appeal. Across this ancient corner of Saudi Arabia, restaurants serve everything from traditional kabsa to contemporary Levantine plates and French tasting menus. Dine among date palms, settle into a candlelit courtyard or book a table overlooking sandstone cliffs. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely lunch between heritage tours, a quick bite near Elephant Rock or a special-occasion dinner, our guide to the best restaurants in AlUla puts the destination’s diverse dining scene on the menu.
Ducasse in AlUla
French technique meets the produce of the Saudi oasis at Alain Ducasse’s seasonal restaurant near Jabal Ikmah. Conceived as a dining experience closely connected to its surroundings, the pop-up pairs a palm-filled setting with menus that explore regional ingredients through a contemporary French lens. Previous highlights have included pâté en croûte with green date condiment, blue crab cake with burnt lemon and fennel, and slow-cooked camel with foie gras and puff potatoes. Grilled spiny lobster with tamarind and curry leaves demonstrates the kitchen’s adventurous approach. This is a special-occasion table to watch for when seasonal reservations return.
Where: Ducasse in AlUla, Jabal Ikmah, AlUla
Contact: https://ducasse-alula.com
AlNakheel Cafe
Warm bread straight from a clay oven sets the tone at this relaxed Old Town address. AlNakheel Cafe combines Hijazi and Lebanese influences, with generous tables suited to a spread of dishes shared among friends. The signature round bread is a natural companion to mixed grills, while muttabaq offers crisp pastry filled with sweet or savoury ingredients. Outdoor seating looks towards mudbrick buildings, the oasis and distant mountains, giving the meal a distinctly AlUla backdrop.
Where: AlNakheel Cafe, Huna AlUla, AlUla Old Town
Contact: www.experiencealula.com
Beit El Sabban
Egyptian comfort food takes centre stage at Beit El Sabban, a seasonal pop-up that places familiar family recipes within AlUla’s atmospheric surroundings. Menu highlights include hawawshi, bread filled with seasoned meat, and roz meammar hammam, a creamy baked rice dish with pigeon. Fattah mozzah layers rice, bread and tomato sauce beneath tender lamb shank, making a substantial centrepiece. The carefully considered setting adds to the sense of occasion, while the cooking offers a welcome introduction to Egypt’s rich tradition of home-style hospitality.
Where; Beit El Sabban, AlUla Oasis, AlUla
Contact: @beitelsabban
Charcood
Fire does the heavy lifting at Charcood, where charcoal grilling and slow roasting shape a menu developed by Catalan chef Jaume Puigdengolas. Located beside the pool at Cloud7 Residence AlUla, the restaurant pairs its cooking with views of the surrounding sandstone mountains. Premium meat cuts anchor the offering, supported by seafood and seasonal vegetables treated to open flames and careful charring. The result is a menu built around smoke, texture and the character of each ingredient. With its poolside tables and desert setting, this is an appealing address for diners who like their evening meal centred on the grill.
Where: Charcood, Cloud7 Residence AlUla, Al Aziziyah, AlUla
Contact: @cloud7alula
Daimumah Restaurant
Situated in the idyllic Daimumah Oasis, Daimumah Restaurant invites guests to dine amidst ancient farmland and palm-scattered landscapes. Positioned near the western entrance of this picturesque oasis, the open-air eatery offers a unique setting for a memorable meal. Guests can unwind on the shaded deck, surrounded by citrus trees, and explore an eclectic menu featuring a fusion of local flavours and international favourites. From shareable starters to memorable mains, topped off with a refreshing selection of palate-cleansing sorbets, Daimumah Restaurant is a wonderful stop to savour diverse and delightful dishes.
Where: Daimumah Restaurant, Daimumah, AlUla
Contact: www.experiencealula.com
Entrecôte Café de Paris
Tucked away in AlUla Old Town, the FACT award-winning Entrecôte Café de Paris brings the charm of Swiss cuisine to AlUla. Its piece de resistance is the legendary Café de Paris secret sauce, crafted by Chef Boubier in 1930, promising a taste of culinary history. What makes Entrecôte distinctive is its commitment to simplicity, offering a single menu formula. Its closely guarded recipe remains central to the experience, coating the beef and giving those fries another purpose. The focused approach makes this an easy choice for steak lovers seeking a familiar indulgence within AlUla’s historic surroundings.
Where: Entrecôte Café de Paris, AlUla Town, AlUla
Contact: www.entrecote.me
Eric Kayser
For a French bakery stop with an AlUla outlook, Eric Kayser occupies a scenic spot on the Oasis Fringe. The internationally recognised baker’s signature bread is the main attraction, joined by pastries, sandwiches and casual dishes that suit a pause between sightseeing stops. Choose something from the bakery selection, add a coffee and take time to appreciate the greenery beyond the table. The setting gives this familiar name a distinctly local appeal, combining the rituals of French café culture with views of the oasis.
Where: Eric Kayser, The Oasis Fringe, AlUla Old Town, AlUla
Contact: https://maison-kayser.com
Fish Face
Colourful bowls and sushi rolls give Fish Face its identity in AlJadidah Arts District. Drawing on Japanese sushi traditions and Hawaiian poke, the restaurant offers a casual meal that fits neatly between gallery visits and a wander through the artsy neighbourhood. Poke bowls are the obvious particular draw, allowing diners to build a combination around fish, vegetables and sauces, while sushi rolls provide an alternative for the table to share. Choose it for an informal seafood stop during a day exploring AlUla.
Where: Fish Face, AlJadidah Arts District, AlUla Old Town, AlUla
Contact: @fishface.ksa
Fresh House
Eating well on the road is the premise behind Fresh House, founded by two Saudi entrepreneurs and located in AlUla’s Old Town. Its calorie-counted dishes take inspiration from several cuisines, with choices ranging from fish and vegetables to Indian curries and Mexican wraps. Customisable bowls offer another route, allowing diners to select their base, protein, greens, toppings and sauce. The breadth of the menu makes it useful for groups and the Old Town location makes for a practical stop for a balanced meal between outdoor adventures.
Where: Fresh House, AlUla Old Town, AlUla
Contact: https://freshhouse.com
Harrat
Sandstone cliffs provide the backdrop at Harrat, Banyan Tree AlUla’s restaurant in Ashar Valley. Regional cooking sits alongside international favourites, with seasonal ingredients sourced from farms around AlUla. For a meal rooted in the destination, start with muhammara and soft flatbread before sharing margoog, a generous lamb and vegetable stew. Finish with the moringa cake, which gives dessert a connection to one of the area’s distinctive ingredients. Indoor seating and an outdoor terrace offer different ways to enjoy the setting, making Harrat a versatile choice for a leisurely resort lunch or dinner framed by the desert.
Where: Harrat, Banyan Tree AlUla, Ashar Valley, AlUla
Contact: www.banyantree.com
Heart Of The Oasis
Between date palms and old mudbrick dwellings, Heart Of The Oasis makes the landscape part of the meal. Fire lamps illuminate the dining area, while an open kitchen allows guests to follow the cooking as it unfolds. The menu centres on produce from the oasis and meat dishes shaped by fire, with marinated cuts and slow-roasted preparations at the heart of its appeal. Rather than relying on elaborate surroundings, the restaurant draws its atmosphere from the greenery and historic buildings around it. It is a setting suited to lingering over a shared meal as daylight fades.
Where: Heart Of The Oasis, AlUla Oasis, AlUla
Contact: @heartofoasis
JOONTOS
JOONTOS is the signature restaurant at Dar Tantora The House Hotel, offering a marvellous entry into Saudi cuisine, modernising classic dishes with a Spanish touch. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there is pleasure in beginning the day with a Dates Waffle slathered in syrup, a bowl of masoub made from spiced bread and creamed banana, or a traditional shakshouka. Tradition reigns supreme with Kabsa, Mandi, and fantastic flatbreads topped with pumpkin, minced beef tenderloin or mozzarella and charred tomatoes. By building relationships with local farmers and suppliers, the kitchen can prioritise locally sourced ingredients, and it’s easy to see why the restaurant has received MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recognition. The courtyard is particularly atmospheric after dark, when dinner becomes an unhurried introduction to the Kingdom’s culinary traditions.
Where: JOONTOS, Dar Tantora The House Hotel, AlUla Old Town, AlUla
Contact: @joontos_alula
La Palma Restaurant
AlUla’s rock formations provide much of the drama at La Palma, the all-day restaurant at Shaden Resort. Arabic and international cooking share space across its dining offering, with buffet service giving groups the freedom to assemble a meal around different tastes. The rocky resort’s food selection includes chicken fajitas, sandwiches and fries, alongside its broader regional offering and desserts. Outdoor tables make the most of the mountain setting and canyon views, particularly when the weather invites a slower meal.
Where: La Palma Restaurant, Shaden Resort, Al Hail Road, AlUla
Contact: https://shadenresort.sa
Maraya Social
Perched atop the world’s largest mirrored building, the FACT award-winning Maraya Social, brought to life by acclaimed chef Jason Atherton, offers a fine dining experience like no other. As one of the most lauded restaurants in AlUla, Maraya Social showcases a delightful array of sharing plates and exquisite mocktails, curated with seasonal produce and blending Arabian, British and Mediterranean influences in Atherton’s signature style. AlUla citrus-cured salmon with smoked yoghurt is a distinctive starting point, followed by wood-fired prawns or grilled aged Angus striploin. Dessert continues the local connection through AlUla orange crème brûlée, while pistachio and honey cake offers another sweet finish. Beyond the exceptional cuisine, Maraya Social serves as a superb setting for socialising, overlooking the rock-strewn canyons of Ashar Valley.
Where: Maraya Social, Maraya Concert Hall, Ashar Valley, AlUla
Contact: https://marayasocial.com
Nasim Hegra
Within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nasim Hegra at The Chedi Hegra offers contemporary Levantine cooking in a remarkable setting. Guests can choose the restaurant and lounge, rooftop dining at Skyview or a private space for a more intimate gathering. The menu gives familiar dishes luxurious twists, from lobster kibbeh and baby lamb arayes to spiced toothfish sayadieh. A substantial Wagyu tomahawk serves as a centrepiece for sharing, while Barni date warm cake celebrates AlUla’s own produce. Signature mocktails and traditional Saudi coffee complete an experience that connects regional flavours with the surrounding heritage.
Where: Nasim Hegra, The Chedi Hegra, Hegra, AlUla
Contact: @nasimhegra
OKTO
High above the oasis at Harrat Viewpoint, OKTO has paired contemporary Greek cooking with one of AlUla’s most memorable panoramas. Developed by chef Ntinos Fotinakis, the concept takes visual inspiration from the volcanic landscape through its distinctive black theme. Previously served dishes include chicken gyros with tzatziki, tomato and red onion, alongside truffle fries with Parmigiano Reggiano. The food is designed for sharing, but the wider appeal lies in sunset views, open skies and the feeling of dining above the valley. The drive up the winding road is part of the adventure, rewarding diners with a cinematic panorama.
Where: OKTO, Harrat Viewpoint, AlUla
Contact: @okto.sa
Pizza Bar IOI
Neapolitan pizza gets a spectacular backdrop at Pizza Bar IOI, an open-air restaurant in AlUla. A central oven anchors the space, turning out pizzas with the blistered, spotted crusts associated with the Naples tradition. Handmade pasta, crisp salads and seasonal Italian dishes round out the offering, making it possible to build a leisurely meal beyond the pizza selection. The familiar Italian cooking and dramatic scenery make this a must-visit restaurant in AlUla, especially for a table timed around sunset.
Where: Pizza Bar IOI, King Abdulaziz Park, AlUla
Contact: @pizzabar.restaurant
Prima Classe
Food and drink thread the railway narrative with restraint at The Chedi Hegra. Prima Classe, set in the historic station, does more than nod to golden-age train travel. A restored, black-and-crimson Locomotive 964 steam engine sits as the dining room’s centrepiece, while sections of original track remain visible beneath glass panels in the floor. Breakfast sets the tone with a cloud-light omelette scented with orange blossom and rolled in pistachio for texture, and the playful “Hegra Crush”, a tartine of camel cheese, banana and peanut butter that works as a salty-sweet jolt before a day’s exploring. By night, the room softens into a bistro that sweeps east and west, tracing a path from the romance of Paris and Venice to the vibrant flavours of Cairo and Tangier.
Where: Prima Classe, The Chedi Hegra, Hegra, AlUla
Contact: www.ghmhotels.com
Saffron
Thai flavours find a striking home at Saffron, Banyan Tree AlUla’s signature restaurant in Ashar Valley. The kitchen’s Thai chefs interpret traditional dishes through a contemporary menu, with fragrant herbs, coconut milk and carefully balanced spice running throughout. Lobster pad Thai provides an indulgent take on a familiar favourite, while southern-style braised beef Massaman curry offers a richer option. Crispy spiced chicken with kaffir lime adds another distinctive choice. Save room for Sangkaya Sam Rod, a trio of crème brûlées flavoured with ginger, pandan and Thai tea, and enjoy the contrast between the cuisine and its desert surroundings.
Where: Saffron, Banyan Tree AlUla, Ashar Valley, AlUla
Contact: www.banyantree.com
SALT
Few burger stops can compete with SALT’s setting beside Elephant Rock. The regional favourite’s food-truck roots are ideal for an informal meal beneath one of AlUla’s most recognisable natural landmarks. Burgers and sliders lead the menu, supported by sweet potato fries and soft-serve ice cream. Arrive as the afternoon light begins to soften, find a table and watch the rock’s outline change against the sky.
Where: SALT, Elephant Rock, AlUla
Contact: @findsalt
Shawerma Habteen
A well-filled wrap is the main attraction at Shawerma Habteen in AlJadidah Arts District. This casual address focuses on seasoned meat and the familiar appeal of freshly prepared shawarma, making it a convenient option for a quick meal between exploring the neighbourhood’s creative spaces. Shawarma sandwiches and fries keep the ordering straightforward, with the emphasis firmly on a satisfying handheld bite. The setting and format suit visitors who want an informal stop without committing to a lengthy lunch. Add it to your list for an easy street-food fix, checking the branch’s opening status before making the trip.
Where: Shawerma Habteen, AlJadidah Arts District, AlUla Old Town, AlUla
Contact: @habteen_sa
Shrimp Nation
Roll up your sleeves for a seafood feast at Shrimp Nation in AlJadidah Arts District. The restaurant combines Eastern seafood influences with Louisiana Creole flavours, creating a casual experience built around sharing. Boiled shrimp, crab, mussels and lobster feature alongside corn and a selection of sauces, while dynamite shrimp and crispy seafood baskets offer alternatives to the main event. Order a spread for the table and settle into the cheerful business of cracking, peeling and dipping.
Where: Shrimp Nation, AlJadidah Arts District, AlUla Old Town, AlUla
Contact: @shrimpnations
Somewhere
Beetroot rice, kale tabbouleh and Wagyu baos hint at the adventurous approach behind Somewhere. Set among the greenery of AlUla’s oasis, this Arabic-meets-Mediterranean restaurant borrows ideas from further afield while keeping familiar regional flavours at its core. Hummus and fatteh provide comforting starting points, while the colourful rice and bao dishes lend themselves to a varied order shared across the table. Baklava and layered cakes offer a sweet conclusion. The leafy surroundings soften the pace, showcasing why Somewhere is a FACT award-winning restaurant in AlUla.
Where: Somewhere, AlUla Oasis, AlUla
Contact: @somewhere
Tama
The name Tama means “here and now” in Aramaic, an appropriate invitation at Our Habitas AlUla’s restaurant overlooking Ashar Valley. Its menu draws on Middle Eastern flavours, local farms and spices associated with the historic incense route. Moringa ribeye is a distinctive main course, while roasted red pepper baked fish and New Zealand lamb chops with za’atar labneh offer further reasons to settle in. Earlier in the day, freshly baked bread with local jams or ginger honey makes a gentler introduction. The pool and surrounding sandstone formations complete a setting that encourages diners to slow down.
Where: Tama, Our Habitas AlUla, Ashar Valley, AlUla
Contact: www.ourhabitas.com
Tofareya
Tofareya is a love letter to Saudi heritage, served one dish at a time. Set in AlUla Old Town, the restaurant specialises in traditional recipes that feel both nostalgic and refined. Expect sharing plates of kabsa perfumed with local orange, red jareesh and slow-cooked meats that echo family gatherings. Executive Chef Abdulrahman Albashiri treats each course as an edible story, drawing inspiration from AlUla’s landscapes, legends and centuries of trade routes. Warm hospitality, heritage-inspired décor and comforting Saudi desserts make Tofareya a must-visit for travellers keen to taste the region’s past and present.
Where: Tofareya, AlUla Old Town, AlUla
Contact: @tofareya
Villa Fayrouz
Lebanese hospitality anchors Villa Fayrouz, an Old Town restaurant suited to tables that like to order generously and share. The menu covers hot and cold mezze, homemade pastries and charcoal-grilled meats, with fatteh and seafood widening the choice. Distinctive options include kebab with raspberry and saffron shish taouk, while lamb cutlets offer a familiar favourite. Dessert deserves consideration, particularly mafroukeh or ashta with banana and honey. With a culinary identity developed over more than two decades, the brand offers a reassuringly established approach to Lebanese dining, set against the character and atmosphere of AlUla’s historic centre.
Where: Villa Fayrouz, AlUla Old Town, AlUla
Contact: @villafayrouz.sa
Wild Flower
Fresh produce from the surrounding oasis shapes the menu at Wild Flower in Daimumah. Its shaded deck offers a comfortable pause among the palms and citrus trees, with dishes that move between Middle Eastern and international flavours. Avocado hummus and beetroot hummus make colourful starters, while watermelon salad offers a refreshing counterpoint. More substantial choices include lemon and garlic pasta with grilled chicken, and Moroccan-style roasted chicken. Parmesan truffle fries are another option for the table. Combine a meal with a wander through Daimumah’s farms and art installations, allowing time to appreciate the landscape supplying the kitchen.
Where: Wild Flower, Daimumah, AlUla
Contact: @wildflower.ksa
7Ribs
Smoked meat takes priority at 7Ribs, the Saudi barbecue brand’s AlUla address in Old Town Market. The menu offers several ways to explore its speciality, from brisket tacos and brisket fries to smoked chicken wings. Larger appetites can move on to smoked and grilled meats or Wagyu steaks, with sauces including ranch and barbecue available to complete the order. The appeal is obvious: hearty portions of meat, familiar sides and a casual approach that suits a hungry group. After a day spent walking through heritage sites, this is the sort of substantial meal that rewards arriving with an appetite.
Where: 7Ribs, Old Town Market, AlUla
Contact: @7ribs