Where We Are Going Today: Al-Nofarah cafe in Riyadh

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Updated 16 September 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: Al-Nofarah cafe in Riyadh

  • Savory food options at Al-Nofarah are limited as the cafe specializes in sweets

In the heart of the busy As Sulimaniyah neighborhood in Riyadh, Al-Nofarah opens daily and from 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. six days a week, offering customers a variety of coffee options, fresh juices and fruits, and Arabian sweets.

The cafe opened in 2019 for takeaway orders, and recently opened for customers to dine in.

The atmosphere and decor at Al-Nofarah, including its fountains and art, are distinctly Syrian and evoke walking along the streets of old Damascus. Even the cafe’s name is reminiscent of a classic Syrian spot.

From the fragrance of Turkish coffee and Syrian jasmine in every corner to the classical Arabic music playing in the background, the cafe is the ideal spot for a late-night hangout with friends or family, or to grab an indulgent bite on the weekends.

The juice menu and snacks are delectable. Among the highly recommended options is the fruit salad with local cream, or one of the drinks from the list of fresh fruit juices.

Savory food options at Al-Nofarah are limited as the cafe specializes in sweets.

However, it offers a Syrian breakfast and a selection of manakeesh, which is a Levantine flatbread topped with herbs, cheese, ground meat, or vegetables.

Manakeesh is like a pizza but boasts Middle Eastern flavors. It can be eaten for breakfast with tea or as an appetizer or late snack. It can also be sliced or folded, depending on personal preference.

For dessert, try halawa with cheese, baklava, or basbousa if you are craving something classic. Or you can browse the seasonal menu which includes Levantine ice cream options in summer or sahlab, a creamy drink, which is perfect during winter.

For updates and more information, check out the cafe’s Instagram @nofarah.sa.

 


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.