Where We Are Going Today: ‘Noto’ Italian cuisine in Jeddah

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Updated 05 November 2024
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Noto’ Italian cuisine in Jeddah

  • The menu at Noto is as extensive as it is impressive

Nestled in Tahlia street at Jeddah Walk, Noto offers an Italian dining experience inspired by the timeless beauty of Sicily.

Drawing design cues from baroque architecture and Sicilian village charm, this restaurant is decorated with chandeliers, elegantly dressed tables with white linens, and plush, comfortable sofas. The ambiance is perfect for fine dining, with an inviting, lively atmosphere enhanced by live entertainment.

Noto’s dedication to Sicilian culture extends to its logo, which features the symbolic Sicilian lion, and its menu, which presents a harmonious fusion of Greek, Latin, and Arabic influences.

Every dish celebrates the heart of Sicily with flavors that feel both classic and inventive, promising a sensory journey that delights every palate.

The menu at Noto is as extensive as it is impressive. From the antipasti selection, highlights include the ricciola, a delicate yellowtail sashimi with lime vinaigrette and candied tomatoes, and the signature melanzane alla parmigiana, which transforms eggplant into a rich, layered dish.

For something warm, the zuppa di porcini e funghi di stagione is a seasonal mushroom soup that feels both comforting and earthy. For cheese lovers, the burrata al tartufo with truffle adds a luxurious touch to the meal.

In true Italian fashion, the pasta menu is rich, featuring classics like spaghetti al pomodoro with fresh cherry tomatoes and basil, the lasagne alla bolognese, and paccheri al branzino e pomodorini, a seabass pasta paired with juicy cherry tomatoes.

Exclusive offerings like the fettucine al caviale, with caviar, add an elevated twist to traditional Italian fare. Risotto fans will be delighted by the creamy risotto ai funghi, made with seasonal mushrooms.

For main courses, the secondi selection impresses with standout dishes such as the tagliata di black angus, accompanied by a decadent parmesan potato espuma and black truffle jus, and the agnello, succulent lamb chops seasoned with herb oil and sun-dried tomatoes. Diners can also enjoy fiorentina, a perfectly roasted T-bone steak from the grandi piatti menu.

The pizza menu features artisanal options such as the pizza funghi with truffle and mushrooms and the calzone filled with turkey ham and mushroom, offering a taste of Italian comfort.

To end on a sweet note, desserts like the traditional tiramisu and the creamy panna cotta with red berry sauce are satisfying options.

Check @noto.ksa on Instagram for more details.
 

 


Where We Are Going Today: Wild Flower

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Updated 25 January 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Wild Flower

  • The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone

If you are ever in AlUla and looking for a dining experience in the heart of the oasis, overlooking its lush farmlands and surrounded by palm trees, I highly recommend checking out Wild Flower in Daimumah. 

What is really unique about Wild Flower is its farm-to-table concept: as you discover the different vegetables and herbs grown in Daimumah, such as eggplant, coriander, tomatoes, spring onions, arugula, and chili peppers, you get the burst of flavor from the fresh produce straight to your plate.

The menu offers a modern fusion concept: from Italian dishes to Middle Eastern cuisine with a local twist, there is something for everyone.

We started off the meal with some cold mezze. The avocado hummus and beetroot hummus, served with beetroot chips, were light and refreshing as we took a break from the harsh sun under the restaurant’s shaded seating area.

We really enjoyed the watermelon salad that had an interesting mix between tangy and sweet, but the crunchy parmesan truffle fries are a must. 

For mains, we opted for the vegetarian biryani, which was not anything to write home about, but the lemon garlic pasta dish, served with grilled chicken, was definitely one we would go back for.

We also really enjoyed their Moroccan-style roasted chicken, which was super juicy and spiced to perfection.

The service, although a bit slow, was OK. The staff did their best to accommodate our needs. When I ordered an iced ginger lemonade and was served hot ginger tea instead, they were happy to change the order. The spot is moderately priced and perfect for sharing if you are going with a large group.

It is also a great spot to visit solo. While there is a small entry fee for Daimumah, you can explore the farms, pick vegetables to take home, feed the goats, join an art workshop at The Nest, see art installations, and learn about AlUla’s landscape, flora and fauna — and then finish the visit with a good meal.