If you thought you had to travel to Riyadh or Jeddah for a good meal out then think again – the bustling metropolis that is Khobar is a gastronomic playground that beckons both locals and tourists alike with an insatiable appetite for exceptional cuisine.
From hidden gems that promise to tantalise taste buds with authentic Middle Eastern dishes to avant-garde eateries that are redefining global fusion, if you’re ready to take on the best restaurants in Khobar then here’s exactly where you need to head.
Sponsored: Ziba
Located in the trendy area of Shorofat Park, Ziba is one of the newest Middle Eastern restaurants in Khobar. Serving up contemporary Persian cuisine in a cosy setting, the restaurant caters to a wide range of palettes. From meaty kebabs to kashk-o-badamjan with eggplant and everything in between, this is the place to be when the cravings hit. Want dinner with a view? Bite into rose and pomegranate-infused dishes in the charming outdoor dining space overlooking the cityscape.
From SAR125 per person. Open Sun-Wed noon-midnight, Thu-Fri 8am-1am, Sat 8am-midnight. Shorofat Park, @ziba.saudi.
Sponsored: SOLD OUT
Want to experience 90’s American cuisine without leaving Khobar? Then head down to Al Janubiyah because SOLD OUT has crafted some 90’s vibes along with cheesy and meaty burgers. Using only the finest ingredients, the eatery has redefined the classic burger to be bold and unique. Whether you prefer a juicy beef patty or a tender chicken, you will find something to satisfy every palate at SOLD OUT. So prepare to bite into SOLD OUT’s beef burger (SAR28), cheesy old skool fries (SAR18) and the crispy truffle chicken burger (SAR32). ). Looking to hang out at home with your buds? The fast-casual restaurant offers the F.R.I.E.N.D.S sharing box where you can split your Chandlers and Phoebes while sipping on handcrafted mocktails, available in all the major delivery applications.
From SAR45. Open daily 11.30am-1am. Prince Sultan Road, Al Rakah Al Janubiyah, @soldout.saudi.
Sponsored: TAKARA
The most exclusive Japanese restaurant and a classic of the Eastern Province, home-grown TAKARA is known for offering a modern twist on traditional Japanese fare. The Al Yarmouk restaurant’s signatures include sashimi and nigiri, but it is the kunafa shrimp tempura that has locals and tourists alike flocking to the eatery. The cosy spot offers plates of incredibly stylish food that tastes top-notch, too. The restaurant also serves vegetarian and vegan dishes along with fruity mocktails. Reservations for TAKARA can be made via takarasaudi.com.
From SAR250 per person. Open Sun-Wed 3pm-midnight, Thu-Fri 1pm-1am, Sat 1.30pm-midnight. Al Yarmouk, takarasaudi.com / @takara.saudi.
Burger Boutique
In the business of utter meaty marvels, you can tuck into some of the best burgers in town at Burger Boutique which are not only delicious but healthy too. Using only the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers and devoid of antibiotics and hormones, see if for yourself with the likes of The Black burger with Wagyu, smoked mature cheddar and caramelised onions and Solar Gravity with a bacon & cheddar infused patty with American cheese and a special sauce. There’s a huge selection of loaded fries to seal the deal – our favourite are the Fuji fries with sweet potato, sweet chilli mayo and a unagi glaze. Don’t mind if we do.
Al Shamalia, instagram.com/burgerboutique (053 001 0652).
Eatsy
The only restaurant in Al Khobar recognised by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants team, Eatsy is a popular restaurant among locals for elevated Italian cuisine in a romantic setting. All twinkling lights (dozens of light fittings hanging at different heights from its soaring ceilings) and brick-lined alcoves, it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with highlights such as pizzas – our favourite comes topped with burrata – plus pastas like lasagne and arrabiata. Breakfast is more internationally influenced, with eggs done every way including freekeh, Jordanian labneh and muhamara or black truffle and sourdough toast. We’ll take one of each.
Prince Turkey Street, Alkurnaish, instagram.com/eatsy.sa (050 963 6888).
Enab
From its traditional Middle Eastern décor to the top-notch Lebanese cooking, it’s authenticity all the way at this popular all-day dining restaurant in Kempinski Al Othman. Best enjoyed in the evening – a live oud player serenades guests daily between 8-11pm, Enab’s diverse selection spans everything from dips and salads to manakeesh, lamb shank, mixed grills and seafood that will be sure to delight even the most discerning of diners. The best bit? It’s open until 2am, so you can head on down for a late-night feast.
Kempinski Al Othman, kempinski.com/en/hotel-al-othman/restaurants-bars/enab-beirut (013 829 4207).
La Gondola
Al Khobar’s star Italian channels the traditional ambiance of a local trattoria into everything from its décor to its food, treating diners to classic favourites including pizza, pasta and risotto among a laidback vibe which screams ‘dolce vita’. Under Italian management since the very beginning, La Gondola is as authentic as they come, from the music and service right down to the cooking techniques that transcend generations. A huge bowl of steaming carbonara is our recommended order of the day at this always lively neighbourhood favourite.
10th St, sanbok.com/gondola.php (92 000 7000).
Lucca
An award-winning steakhouse with numerous locations across the Kingdom, Lucca is a great shout for everything from a business lunch to birthday dinner. Firing up some of the top pieces of meat in the city in its chic, dimly-lit surroundings, cuts here are the crème de la crème including black angus tomahawk, Wagyu and an indulgent asado for two people, with daily specials including the likes of rack of lamb, chicken al mattone or grilled salmon with veg for those after something a little lighter. Whatever you choose, it’s all insanely good.
King Faisal Road, Al Bandariyah, luccasteakhouse.com/ksa (013 849 3800).
Maharaja by Vineet
While Khobar may have lots of great casual curry spots, if you’re looking to dine on more upscale Indian cuisine, Maharaja by Vineet should be your first port of call. Brainchild of thrice-starred Michelin chef Vineet Bhatia, the restaurant’s palatial design is fit for royalty, as is the innovative menu of redefined Indian classics including tandoor grills, curries, stews, biryanis and other rice dishes. And let’s not forget the breads and desserts – it all gets a holi high five from us.
Mövenpick Al Khobar, maharajaeast.com (013 898 4999).
Nozomi
What do Rihanna, Jay Z and Usain Bolt have in common? They are all huge fans of Nozomi, the award-winning fine Japanese restaurant which started life in London back in 2004. Nestled in the trendy Al Matal Complex, its Al Khobar branch promises a vibrant social dining experiences that blends Japanese culinary traditions with European flair, with highlights including e marinated yellowtail sashimi, grade 9+ wagyu beef with homemade pickles and ponzu truffle sauce, and the popular black cod with pickled relish and miso. Just be sure to save room for the signature Nozomi tiramisu – it’s been a constant in our lives ever since Nozomi opened back in 2022.
6536 Al Matal, Alkurnaish, nozomiksa.co (92 001 2681).
Zooba
Looking to spice up your lunch date with a little contemporary Egyptian street food? Say no more. Hailing from Cairo, Zooba is a fast-casual, colourful place that you’ll remember just as much for the décor as you will for the food. Serving up all the classics like ta’ameya (light and fluffy fritters made of mashed fava beans), shakshouka, chicken shawarma and hawashi, otherwise known as freshly ground grass-fed beef brisket served with tomatoes, onions, hot peppers and cilantro, it’s one of our favourite spots for brunch in Al Khobar.
Fouad Center, instagram.com/zoobasaudi (013 855 6669).
Zaatar w Zeit
A Khobar staple that needs no introduction, Zaatar w Zeit is the archetypal Lebanese fast food restaurant that always delivers on excellent food, a friendly environment and stellar service. As comforting as a big hug from your gran, hearty staples like wraps, manakeesh and Lebanese salads grace the expansive menu, so you’ll be sure to find something you like. What’s more, prices here remain reasonable year after year, giving us all the more reason to sing its praises. Which we do on a regular basis.
Prince Faisal Bin Fahd Road, zaatarwzeit.net/KSA/Menu (013 802 2650).
