Located on Prince Sultan Road in Jeddah, Abu Melhem is a Lebanese restaurant known for delivering traditional flavors in a casual setting.
The warm, inviting decor sets a welcoming tone, hinting at the comfort food that awaits. The seating area is modest, and the restaurant is often preferred for take-away rather than dine-in.
Abu Melhem’s extensive menu includes cold and hot appetizers, grills, sandwiches, shawarma, and manakeesh.
The cold mezze — tabbouleh, fattoush, hummus, and mutabbal — arrive fresh and well-seasoned, though some grape leaves are slightly under-marinated.
Hot appetizers such as fried potato cubes and arayess sandwiches are crisp and flavorful, especially the beef arayess, which is generously stuffed.
Sandwiches and shawarma dominate the mains, with options ranging from chicken and beef kabab to Angus beef shawarma. The chicken shawarma platter features tender meat with a well-balanced garlic sauce, while the tawouk makloubeh offers a hearty, layered option.
On the grill, the mixed grill platter is a highlight, featuring perfectly cooked kabab chicken, beef, and succulent lamb.
Manakeesh is another strong point, with fresh dough and toppings that appeal to both traditional and cheese lovers.
Overall, Abu Melhem delivers a broad taste of Middle Eastern flavors. While a few dishes could use more consistent seasoning, generous portions make it a worthwhile stop.
