Where We Are Going Today: Tar’fay cafe in Alkhobar

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Updated 31 May 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: Tar’fay cafe in Alkhobar

  • Tar’fay hosts a treasure trove of items and every space is full of vibrant and inspiring art to help fuel your creative energy as you fuel up on caffeine

In historic northern Alkhobar — where tradition and the contemporary collide — lies a quintessential Eastern Province cafe: The eclectic and quirky world of Tar’fay.

A kaleidoscope of color and craft, the cafe is the best-kept local secret.

Everything we tried was delicious — their famous cake slice, affectionately known as “cake heart of Khobar,” features a tiny red heart in the corner and goes for SR15 ($4).

Opened in 2023, the cafe is the brainchild of a Saudi woman creative whose name it proudly carries. More than just a cafe, Tar’fay hosts a variety of artsy events; their recent calendar has been packed with workshops like junk journaling, rubber-stamp making and a teddy bear workshop.

This is the place where you would take someone from out of town to show them the aura and essence of Alkhobar.

It is also the spot in which locals park their laptops and work while sipping on some coffee or matcha.

Tar’fay hosts a treasure trove of items and every space is full of vibrant and inspiring art to help fuel your creative energy as you fuel up on caffeine. They even have fun mugs that feel like a hug for your hands.

It is an Instagram and TikTok haven but also a great spot to slow down and delve into a physical book — many of which are supplied on the coffee tables.

Tar’fay is a gathering space for creatives with a large communal table and plenty of nooks to nestle in and read, or scroll on your phone.

The cafe is open daily. Check out Tar’fay’s Instagram page for more @tarfay.sa.

 


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.