Where We Are Going Today: ‘Cuz Balcony’ restaurant in Dammam

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For more information, check their Instagram @cuz_ksa. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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For more information, check their Instagram @cuz_ksa. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Updated 10 April 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Cuz Balcony’ restaurant in Dammam

If you’re looking for a quiet morning with sea breeze and a cozy brunch, Cuz Balcony in Dammam is a charming hidden gem. Located on a sunny rooftop with a panoramic view of the sea, the restaurant offers a warm, homey ambiance that feels more like a family gathering than a commercial space. The staff — especially the owners — are incredibly kind and make you feel instantly welcome. 

Their CUZ platter for SR53 ($14.13) is perfect for sharing — a diverse spread of creamy labneh, fresh cheese, flavorful eggplant dip, and other savory sides, served with warm, soft bread. 

The lahm b’ajin (SR54) was equally impressive — a freshly baked flatbread topped with spiced minced meat, caramelized onions, arugula, pomegranate seeds, and toasted nuts. The mix of sweet and savory flavors with a crispy crust makes it one of the most memorable dishes on the menu. 

The French toast (SR53) was rich and satisfying — soft inside, crispy outside, and lightly sweetened with a smooth cream topping.

The avocado egg (SR54) came layered over warm bread and greens, with balsamic glaze and assorted dips on the side — light, creamy, and balanced.

To drink, the karak (SR14) stood out with its deep flavor and traditional serving in a classic black teapot, while the hot Americano (SR14) was bold and well-brewed.

One downside, however, was that several dishes were already sold out by the time we arrived late morning. With such a focused menu, it would’ve been great to explore more, especially on a first visit. Hopefully, they’ll expand availability as the place continues to grow in popularity. 

Still, everything we tried was truly delicious, the staff was exceptionally warm, and the seaside view made it all the more special. 

For more information, check their Instagram @cuz_ksa.


Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

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Where We Are Going Today: Chicken Industry in Qatif

If you were to ask me what the perfect weekend treat-yourself meal is, my first choice would be fried chicken, followed by fried chicken, followed by a burger (but make it fried chicken).

One of my favorite spots for this delicious indulgence is Chicken Industry in Qatif, which, over the past few years, has become a hometown classic.

They also opened another branch in Olaya, Alkhobar.

The great thing about Chicken Industry is that you really cannot go wrong with any item on their menu; the burgers, broasted, twister, tenders, and nuggets are all very well-seasoned, juicy, and crispy.

All their menu items are available in spicy and mild options.

They have a few burger selections.

The original chicken sandwich, which comes with American cheese, pickles, and their signature industry sauce (a must to get on the side with any order), is their take on the classic Popeyes/Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich.

For the big kahuna, the chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin that my mouth is watering just thinking about it. (Instagram: @chickenindustry.ksa)

If you want to try a different type of sauce, you could give the black pepper buttermilk sandwich a go — a good option for those who like a balance of flavors between creamy and slightly zingy.

My go-to, however, is the chicken zinger, which comes with American cheese, mayonnaise, and lettuce — a no-fuss burger that has all the right toppings, sauce, and seasoning for the chicken.

Although, I would appreciate the option to add tomato as well for a little something fresh in there.

All of the Chicken Industry burgers come with a soft brioche bun. No notes; it’s a great bun.

The twister, made with two crispy tenders, is also a crowd favorite and comes in a few different options: the original with mild sauce, the fiery twister with spicy sauce, the classic with pepper mayo, and the spicy twister with pepper mayo as well.

Whether you do not want to commit to the full bun burger or just prefer a tortilla, the twister is a great option to either accompany or be the star of your meal.

Now onto the big kahuna: the broasted. If you really want to indulge, this is the option for you.

It comes with four pieces, either spicy or mild (trust me, get the spicy), and is served with garlic sauce on the side.

Although nothing compares to the Chicky Fry broasted, this one is a very close second. The chicken is so juicy and flavorful with wonderfully crispy skin; my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Their nuggets are good, though not amazing — fun to snack on, but I wouldn’t call them a necessity and definitely not as good as their tenders or other options.

And I must say the Chicken Industry French fries could use some improvement; not the greatest texture or flavor, just sort of meh. I will continue to order them because at the end of the day, they are fries, and they’re alright. Besides, no fried chicken meal is complete without fries.

And do not forget to get the sauces on the side: the cheese, the garlic, the industry mild or spicy, buffalo, barbecue, and buttermilk, depending on your preference. They all complement the meal very well.