Where We Are Going Today: ‘Noto’ Italian cuisine in Jeddah

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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Noto’ Italian cuisine in Jeddah
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Updated 05 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Noto’ Italian cuisine in Jeddah

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  • The menu at Noto is as extensive as it is impressive

Nestled in Tahlia street at Jeddah Walk, Noto offers an Italian dining experience inspired by the timeless beauty of Sicily.

Drawing design cues from baroque architecture and Sicilian village charm, this restaurant is decorated with chandeliers, elegantly dressed tables with white linens, and plush, comfortable sofas. The ambiance is perfect for fine dining, with an inviting, lively atmosphere enhanced by live entertainment.

Noto’s dedication to Sicilian culture extends to its logo, which features the symbolic Sicilian lion, and its menu, which presents a harmonious fusion of Greek, Latin, and Arabic influences.

Every dish celebrates the heart of Sicily with flavors that feel both classic and inventive, promising a sensory journey that delights every palate.

The menu at Noto is as extensive as it is impressive. From the antipasti selection, highlights include the ricciola, a delicate yellowtail sashimi with lime vinaigrette and candied tomatoes, and the signature melanzane alla parmigiana, which transforms eggplant into a rich, layered dish.

For something warm, the zuppa di porcini e funghi di stagione is a seasonal mushroom soup that feels both comforting and earthy. For cheese lovers, the burrata al tartufo with truffle adds a luxurious touch to the meal.

In true Italian fashion, the pasta menu is rich, featuring classics like spaghetti al pomodoro with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, the lasagne alla bolognese, and paccheri al branzino e pomodorini, a seabass pasta paired with juicy cherry tomatoes.

Exclusive offerings like the fettucine al caviale, with caviar, add an elevated twist to traditional Italian fare. Risotto fans will be delighted by the creamy risotto ai funghi, made with seasonal mushrooms.

For main courses, the secondi selection impresses with standout dishes such as the tagliata di black angus, accompanied by a decadent parmesan potato espuma and black truffle jus, and the agnello, succulent lamb chops seasoned with herb oil and sun-dried tomatoes. Diners can also enjoy fiorentina, a perfectly roasted T-bone steak from the grandi piatti menu.

The pizza menu features artisanal options such as the pizza funghi with truffle and mushrooms and the calzone filled with turkey ham and mushroom, offering a taste of Italian comfort.

To end on a sweet note, desserts like the traditional tiramisu and the creamy panna cotta with red berry sauce are satisfying options.

Check @noto.ksa on Instagram for more details.
 

 


Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

Risotto competition at the
Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)
Updated 22 November 2024
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Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)
  • Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals

RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.

Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”

Mozzarella demonstration at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.

The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.

Risotto competition at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.

The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.

Red Sea grouper at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”

Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.

Rosewater-glazed lamb at the "Italy meets KSA" dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. (AN photo)

“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”

The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.

 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh
Updated 21 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh

Soul Bowl, an on-the-go healthy meal station is catching the eye of Riyadh’s foodie and wellness fiends with their nutritious bowls and sandwiches.

While most tend to order for delivery, you can enjoy a comfortable and quaint indoor dining experience in their store in As Sahafah; where the neutral colors, soft warm lighting, and pop of green offer a welcoming atmosphere for both solo and social dining.

Soul Bowl’s menu offers a wide selection of salads, bowls, flatbread sandwiches, wraps, soups, and rice meals, as well as fresh juices, desserts and acai bowls. 

Their wraps and bowls are a hit, with the chicken chipotle wrap and the Mexican bowl as big standouts. 

The chicken used is clearly of high quality and cooked very well, and the rest of the ingredients, such as the greens, rice, sauces, feel very fresh. The flatbread sandwiches, however, are a bit of a hit or miss.

The main courses they offer range from tandoori chicken to beef stroganoff.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh
Updated 20 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh

Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh

Gosha, with several branches in Riyadh, has gained a loyal following for its fresh-baked flatbreads and creative flavor combinations.

This modern bakery is the go-to spot for fans of stone-baked delights, offering a unique twist on traditional recipes. 

The thyme with pomegranate flatbread is the star of the menu. Its tangy, earthy flavors are perfectly balanced and complemented by the crispness of the bread. Another top pick is the honey labneh flatbread, offering a delightful sweet-and-savory profile. The falafel wrap also deserves praise for its crispy, flavorful filling that feels hearty and fresh.

Gosha’s menu caters to those seeking variety, offering several options suitable for breakfast or light snacks. 

However, one thing missing from the experience is the addition of fresh beverages. It would be great to pair these delicious flatbreads with fresh juice, tea, or coffee, creating a more complete dining experience.

Overall, Gosha impresses with its innovative take on traditional flavors, vibrant presentation, and consistently high quality.

This is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious bite in Riyadh.

For more information, check the bakery’s Instagram @qooshah.


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Balcona 99’ Egyptian cuisine in Jeddah

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Updated 19 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Balcona 99’ Egyptian cuisine in Jeddah

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  • The menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Egypt

Balcona 99, in As-Salamah in Jeddah, has been delighting diners with its authentic Egyptian cuisine, offering an experience rooted in tradition.

The ambiance captivates from the moment one enters, with intricately carved hieroglyphics and symbolic artwork evoking Egyptian heritage.

Traditional melodies, warm decor and striking geometric tiles come together to create a space that feels both vibrant and welcoming.

Guests can choose between the elegant dining area, the cozy lounge ideal for shisha or the outdoor terrace, which becomes especially appealing during the cooler months.

The menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Egypt. To start, the appetizers set the tone for an unforgettable meal.

The fattoush and hummus are light and refreshing, while the roqaq meat, a crispy, flaky pastry filled with spiced meat, stands out as a favorite, especially when paired with the zesty chili sauce.

Mombar, stuffed eggplants, zucchini and peppers, also offer a delicious glimpse into Egyptian culinary artistry.

Moving on to the mains, the tawajen section features oven-baked rice paired with duck, pigeon, quail, chicken or other meat, alongside stews such as daoud basha and potato with chicken or meat.

The okra with meat stew is particularly delightful, its tender beef simmered in a fragrant tomato broth. The Egyptian fatta, served with trotters, lamb chops or chicken, is a hearty and satisfying choice that reflects the comfort food aspect of the cuisine.

For those who enjoy grilled dishes, the selection includes succulent quails, pigeon stuffed with rice, veal brochettes, kofta, lamb chops and beef liver.

Each is prepared to perfection, offering smoky, juicy flavors that leave a lasting impression. Classic dishes such as Balcona koshari and veal escallop pane add even more variety to the feast.

Desserts at Balcona 99 are the perfect conclusion to a rich meal. Whether it’s the soft, syrup-drenched balah el-sham, the creamy rice pudding, or the indulgent cheese kunafa, each dessert showcases the sweet simplicity of Egyptian flavors.

Check @balcona.sa on Instagram for more details.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ruhi’ - Indian dishes in Riyadh

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Updated 18 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Ruhi’ - Indian dishes in Riyadh

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  • The restaurant’s open kitchen lets you watch as skilled chefs prepare your meal, adding an interactive element to the dining experience

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mumbai right in the heart of Riyadh at Ruhi, located in The Zone.

This restaurant offers a delightful array of Indian dishes. From fragrant biryani to creamy butter chicken, there’s something for everyone, vegetarians included.

A standout feature of Ruhi is the ability to customize the spice level of your dishes — perfect for those who prefer milder flavors.

The restaurant’s open kitchen lets you watch as skilled chefs prepare your meal, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.

For lunch, they offer attractive deals, including a combo featuring chicken curry or butter chicken, salad, plain rice, naan, and a soft drink for just SR85 ($23). For beef lovers, a similar lunch option is available for only SR95.

Don’t forget to explore the dessert menu, where you can indulge in unique treats like the citrus mango baba and the praline dome.

Signature dishes include jasmine ka jhinga, featuring jumbo prawns marinated in Kashmiri saffron and jasmine, and patta sarson ke murg, crispy chicken served with Ruhi’s special sauce.

Ruhi is open daily from noon to 1:30 a.m., making it a convenient option for lunch or late-night cravings.

For more details, check out @ruhi.ksa on Instagram.