Where We Are Going Today: Sanbok Restaurant

If you’re a fish fan and you find yourself in the Eastern Province, you simply can’t miss Al-Sanbok Restaurant. (Supplied)
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Updated 28 February 2020
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Where We Are Going Today: Sanbok Restaurant

If you’re not a vegan or a vegetarian, then your first instinct when visiting a coastal city is probably to grab some seafood, right? If you’re a fish fan and you find yourself in the Eastern Province, you simply can’t miss Al-Sanbok Restaurant.

Located on the Dughaither Leisure Island in Alkhobar, Al-Sanbok remains, in their own words, “a pilgrimage of seafood committed to giving the ultimate dining experience.” 

The extensive menu features a staggering 19 different ways of cooking any seafood of your choice from the fresh catch of the day selection, with waiters ready to suggest the best way of having the chef prepare your choice.

We went with our host’s selection of lobster prepared two ways: One was a creamy, decadent traditional thermidor, with generous chunks of tail meat in a rich cream sauce and topped with a crunchy layer of broiled cheese. The other was prepared in the restaurant’s Thai style, which consisted of breaded and fried pieces of lobster in a delicate brown sauce flavored with lemongrass and coconut. 

As for fish, we chose a fat seabass from the display case, which was filleted, lightly grilled with a bit of olive oil and sprinkled with olives, capers and chilies. The fish was cooked to absolute perfection: Tender, flaky and perfectly spiced, with the capers providing a particularly nice touch.

If you’re not a fan of seafood, the restaurant offers a traditional Middle Eastern mixed grill platter as well as steaks, chicken and vegetarian-friendly pastas and sides. 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Go Greek’ in Jeddah

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Updated 02 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Go Greek’ in Jeddah

  • The dark blue-and-white-themed story with pink bougainvillea tucked in corners gives off a nice, cool, fresh vibe

While doomscrolling on social media before bed one night, my phone flashed a post about a brand new place called Go Greek that had just opened in Jeddah. I saved it like I always do, but quite unusually, I did not conveniently forget about it. 

So, a few days later after dinner my husband and I drove to one of the new hot spots in town, La Paz Plaza, which houses Jeddah’s Go Greek store.

It was crowded with the queue spilling out of the doors — but rightfully so, because when we got our hands on the yogurt bowls, it was clear why: They were seriously so good! It makes you want to go back for more. 

The dark blue-and-white-themed story with pink bougainvillea tucked in corners gives off a nice, cool, fresh vibe. 

The store has four large vending machines, each with two flavor options. 

You can sample the flavors before you fill your cup depending on your appetite. You are then guided to the next station to choose toppings, with myriad options ranging from different kinds of berries and tropical fruits to seeds, granolas and crumbles.

I went for the dark chocolate and vanilla cup, and my husband chose the pineapple and coconut-flavored cup, which tasted remarkably like pina colada. The yogurt was fresh, rich and creamy, with the berries giving it the right kick of tanginess, while the chia seeds and granola delivered the perfect texture and crunch. 

Payment is done by the gram, weighed right in front of you.

On another counter, they also have plain, Lotus Biscoff and honey-flavored yogurts. I bought a few grams from each to have it at home the next day; and the Lotus Biscoff and honey-flavored ones are indulgent on their own, with no toppings needed. 

Staff members are polite and attentive, and the service efficient. It is definitely worth a visit.