Where We Are Going Today: Caffeination cafe

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Caffeination’s main Alkhobar branch is open from 5.30 a.m. till midnight most days. A soft opening was held recently for their second branch, which is located in Riyadh in Larsen Valley. (AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
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(AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
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(AN photo by Jasmine Bager)
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Updated 12 October 2022
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Where We Are Going Today: Caffeination cafe

Caffeination cafe, already well known in Alkhobar’s Olaya neighborhood for its bottled iced coffees and ice-cream sandwiches made from fresh cookies, has recently revamped its menu.

We tried the spicy tuna sandwich, which consisted of slices of bread layered with fresh avocado, flaky tuna marinated in hot sauce, and greens.

Caffeination’s lattes, both iced and hot, hit the spot, but their refreshing iced tea mojitos really deliver the kick you need. We tried the peach-flavored version, which was sweet, but not too overpowering. They also offer a variety of non-dairy milk for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant.

The Wi-Fi is a bit spotty, but there is plenty of seating upstairs and downstairs, as well as a few places to plug in your devices. A large picnic-style wood bench faces the wall near the stairs, and there are four smaller tables with multiple chairs.

Framed pieces of art on the walls and small potted plants add to the comfortable decor.

Soft music is played throughout the cafe, but is turned off during prayer times. A prayer rug is available for customers to use. There is only one restroom, so you might have to wait your turn.

Several full-length mirrors are ideal for a mirror selfie, or for jolting you back into working mode when you catch yourself staring into space.

Caffeination’s main Alkhobar branch is open from 5.30 a.m. till midnight most days. A soft opening was held recently for their second branch, which is located in Riyadh in Larsen Valley.

Follow @caffeinationco for the address, operating hours and special offers. They also deliver locally on most food apps.


Where We Are Going Today: Le Fournil

Updated 11 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Le Fournil

JEDDAH: La Fournil in Jeddah is a bakery that prioritizes wholesome and healthy ingredients.

The bakery’s name comes from the French word for “oven,” reflecting the traditional craftsmanship at the heart of its concept.

The speciality provided is natural yeast sourdough bread, offering a variety of shapes and sizes designed to suit dietary needs, including gluten sensitivity.

Among its standout offerings is the San Francisco-style sourdough bread, which takes up to three days to prepare. 

I sampled the sourdough coated with a traditional blend of Saudi grains. The bread stood out for its balanced texture and rich flavor and paired particularly well when served at home with labnah, salmon and olives.

After purchase, the bread is sliced upon request using a slicing machine and elegantly packed in a paper bag.

Founder and baker Abdulmohsen Bai brings more than 25 years of baking experience to the venture. He oversees production and develops new recipes, adding personal touches to each type of bread. 

La Fournil operates a single branch in Mohammadiyyah and does not supply other bakeries.

One of the bakery’s most distinctive features is its custom-built pizza oven that you see when you first enter the bakery, designed and constructed by Bai himself.

La Fournil offers more than 10 varieties of sourdough bread, with prices ranging from SR7 to SR37 ($1.87 to $9.87) depending on the type and ingredients.

For more information, visit their Instagram @lefournilksa.