Where We Are Going Today: ‘Cwtch’ - European dining experience

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Updated 22 September 2023
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Cwtch’ - European dining experience

  • Cwtch’s menu showcases elevated European flavors, with a focus on quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail

Located in Al-Murjan district, Jeddah, Cwtch is a culinary gem that offers a refined European dining experience, taking gastronomy to new heights. The restaurant’s name, derived from the Welsh language, perfectly captures the essence of comfort and affection that every guest is meant to experience through their delightful dishes.

Some may find the overall simplicity of the place to be slightly underwhelming. However, the focus on quality ingredients and attention to detail may overshadow the desire for bold and innovative culinary creations.

Whether you visit for a regular meal or to celebrate a special occasion like Saudi National Day, Cwtch promises to delight your senses and leave a lasting impression.

Cwtch’s menu showcases elevated European flavors, with a focus on quality ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. From the starters, such as the wagyu beef tartar mixed with Cwtch’s signature tartar sauce, to the Andalusian prawns PIL PIL served with homemade baguette, and the delectable Rockefeller oysters baked with a creamy white wine sauce, each dish is a testament to the culinary expertise of the kitchen team.

The salad bar at Cwtch offers exciting choices, including the creamy burratina salad served with serrano tomato carpaccio and rocket salad, as well as the prawn and kimchi salad, which combines flavors in a unique and refreshing way. The commitment to using the finest ingredients is evident in every dish, such as the slow-cooked chicken and the oven-baked gnocchi with cream, bacon, broccoli, mushroom and parmesan.

When it comes to the main courses, Cwtch delivers exceptional flavors. The Dover Sole Meuniere, pan-fried with butter, capers, and a white wine sauce, offers a delicate and delightful seafood experience. The roasted whole corn-fed chicken Provencale, cooked with Provencale herbs and served with roasted potatoes, is a mouthwatering option.

For meat lovers, the wagyu rib eye and the veal cutlet Milanese, with their golden and crunchy exteriors, are truly satisfying. The sides, including truffled mashed potatoes, asparagus and rainbow carrots, perfectly complement these main dishes. Do not forget to pair your meal with their curated drinks, such as the refreshing mojito passion fruit or the captivating blue unicorn.

The culinary delights at Cwtch are accompanied by exemplary service. The staff members are attentive, knowledgeable, and dedicated to ensuring that every guest’s needs are met. From the moment you step into the restaurant until the end of your meal, you are treated like a VIP, receiving personalized care and service that enhances the overall dining experience.

In addition to their regular menu, Cwtch offers special culinary creations to celebrate Saudi National Day. Indulge in the heavenly Pistachio White Chocolate Crisp Nebrow, a baked treat coated with luxurious white chocolate and sprinkled with pistachio slivers. The Grenisher’s Pistachio Mousse with white chocolate crumble is another must-try, with its dense and creamy texture that combines pistachio paste, fluffy egg whites, cream, and crumbles for a truly decadent experience.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Alkofeia in Jeddah

Updated 06 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Alkofeia in Jeddah

  • The menu is extensive, with a plethora of dishes prepared fresh

In my household, weekends are a chance to step away from mundane daily chores and unwind, which usually translates into eating out and trying something different.

And, so while driving with my husband around Jeddah’s Rawdah district, Palestinian restaurant Alkofeia caught our attention with its unusual warm rustic facade.

The interiors of the multi-story restaurant exude an old-world Middle Eastern charm, with miniature roped furniture strategically hanging from the ceiling and vintage sign boards plastered across the walls. The abstract wooden tables, chairs with traditional Palestinian embroidered covers and distinctive cutlery add a unique touch. The restaurant is spacious, with both indoor and outdoor seating.

The menu is extensive, with a plethora of dishes prepared fresh.

For starters, we ordered the beetroot hummus, which was super creamy and flavorful; and the fattoush salad — which was quite fancifully served by the waiter — was fresh, crisp and tangy with the right amount of pomegranate molasses. We also shared a comforting bowl of barley soup.

For the main course, I had chicken maqlouba, which also comprised finely sliced potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes and toasted almonds; it was simply delicious. My husband had a traditional meat and rice dish garnished with toasted almonds; he quite enjoyed it but I did not. Different palates, I guess.

Both dishes came with a side of small bowls of plain yogurt.

For drinks, both of us had pomegranate juice, finely balanced between sweet and sour.

The prices are wallet-friendly given the prime location and generous portion sizes. We had enough leftovers to take home for lunch the next day.

The servers are friendly but could be a little more attentive considering the restaurant was not busy when we went.

This was my second visit — and surely, not my last.