JD Lounge is a relaxing restaurant and cafe that offers a distinctive, sophisticated ambiance. What first drew me to it, however, is its fun reading corner, as I often struggle to find spots where I can read in peace without the distracting hum of other people’s conversations.
The venue is simple but elegant, with a French-style interior that is both modern and classy, with obvious attention to detail and a lovely music selection. It is highly recommended for anyone who is in Jeddah, especially if they feel like a fancy dinner that will delight the palate and leave you feeling fully satisfied, as it serves generous portions of delicious food.
I was particularly delighted to discover JD Lounge serves rose lattes as I have been wanting to try one for a long time. It was worth the wait. The beautifully arranged pink concoction was served topped with edible rose petals and rose powder. The aesthetic of the drink and the rich, mixed aroma of coffee and rose took my breath away before I had tasted a drop — and then when I had my first sip, it was better than I had dreamed, with the rose flavor sweet but not overwhelming.
JD Lounge can be found in northern Obhur, across from King Abdullah Medical City.
Where We Are Going Today: JD Lounge
Where We Are Going Today: JD Lounge
- t is highly recommended for anyone who is in Jeddah, especially if they feel like a fancy dinner
Where We Are Going Today: Taste and Tales by Chef Shagufa
- We shared three platters among the six of us, and needless to say, the portions were generous and the flavors satisfying
Relatively new on the block, Taste and Tales by Chef Shagufa, located in Jeddah’s Al-Rehab district, has been making quite a buzz on social media.
So, on a cool Friday morning at 7:00 a.m., five of my cousins and I decided to visit the restaurant to experience its much-talked-about traditional South Asian breakfast for ourselves.
We ordered the restaurant’s hyped breakfast thali (platter), which included sooji halwa (semolina pudding), kheer (rice pudding), chickpea curry, potato curry, pickles, pooris (fried, fluffy bread), and paranthas (layered flatbread), all served in beautiful copper serveware.
We shared three platters among the six of us, and needless to say, the portions were generous and the flavors satisfying.
Personally, I enjoyed everything on the platter except the semolina pudding, which I found a little bland for my taste.
For drinks, five of us ordered milk tea, which was fairly good. One of my cousins opted for their famed Pakola lassi and couldn’t stop raving about it. Since she didn’t let any of us sample it, we’ve decided it’s something to try on our next visit.
Our total bill came to SR150 ($40), slightly higher than what nearby restaurants charge for similar breakfast platters. However, the taste, presentation, and overall ambience more than make up for the difference.
Not many South Asian restaurants in Jeddah offer decent dine-in breakfast seating for families, but Taste and Tales stands out. With its simple interiors and modest seating, the space is clean, comfortable, and welcoming. It’s definitely a place I’d visit again with my female friends, cousins, and family.
