Niyyali is a new fine dining restaurant located at the Shangri-La Hotel in Jeddah, where flavor, creativity, and culture align to bring the true essence of Lebanese cuisine.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony of Niyyali was held under the patronage of Fawzi Kabbara, the ambassador of Lebanon to the Kingdom, last week.
The truly authentic and elevated dining experience offers fabulous seating plans with urban architecture and lighting inspired by the stars in the sky. The welcoming and prompt staff leave no stone unturned to ensure a pleasant visit.
The restaurant’s name is the Lebanese Arabic word that means “lucky me.”
Using top-quality products for its recipes, the menu offers a deep dive into Lebanese flavors, and includes both traditional and fusion options.
Ali Al-Hajj, the executive chef who created the menu, has brought a unique, modern twist to the dishes which offer an immersive gastronomic journey of multifaceted flavors.
During our visit, we were delighted by the variation in each bite. Our meal began with signature dishes including hummus truffle, which was decorated with a drizzle of white truffle oil and truffle flakes; shrimp fatteh, which was unusual but delectable; and fattouch, the star amongst starters.
Those in the mood for a touch of seafood should try the whole roasted lobster that comes with a mix of parmesan and akawi cheese. We tried the mixed grill platter, a selection of juicy and tender kebabs, chicken tawouk, and beef tikkas.
For dessert, we were served a platter of seasonal fruits, and halawet jebneh, a Syrian dessert that is beloved in the Levant, which is a roll of dough served with qashta and mascarpone cheese and garnished with pistachio, sugar syrup and rose jam.
Our experience at Niyyali was made even more special as we were seated in the terrace area that overlooks the Red Sea and the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the second-longest racetrack on the Formula One season calendar.
The intimate and picturesque ambience of the restaurant makes it the perfect venue for couples who want to spend some time together or celebrate special occasions. The outdoor seating is also great for friends and families who want to dine in and enjoy hookah with a view.
