Review: A cinematic dining experience at Munchies in Safwa

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Munchies in Safwa city, Qatif governorate. (Supplied)
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Munchies in Safwa city, Qatif governorate. (Supplied)
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Munchies in Safwa city, Qatif governorate. (Supplied)
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Munchies in Safwa city, Qatif governorate. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 June 2025
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Review: A cinematic dining experience at Munchies in Safwa

  • With dim lighting, cozy seating, and attention to music and mood, the ambiance supports the food without overshadowing it
  • Menu offers variety, with more than 50 items ranging from Italian comfort dishes to bistro classics

SAFWA: Munchies in Safwa city, Qatif governorate, may not catch your eye at first. There are no flashy signs or strong online presence to draw you in. But those who visit will find a unique dining experience.

Ahmed Al-Quraish opened the restaurant in 2023. It operates on a reservation basis and relies mostly on word of mouth.

The low-key approach continues inside, where the interior feels more like a carefully designed set than a typical restaurant.

With dim lighting, cozy seating, and attention to music and mood, the ambiance supports the food without overshadowing it.

The menu offers variety, with more than 50 items ranging from Italian comfort dishes to bistro classics.

A recent visit started with a crispy Caesar salad, generous in size and flavor, followed by hot arancini with a molten center. Both had a good balance of texture and temperature.

The main dishes were well prepared. The wagyu steak arrived cooked as requested, served with creamy mashed potatoes. It was tender, well seasoned and satisfying.

The pasta was rich and silky with a proper bite, and the fish and chips were golden and crisp.

The dessert menu focuses on enjoyable flavors. The chocolate cake was fudgy, the choux pastries flavorful, and the vibrancy and refreshing nature of the passion fruit cake stood out.

Munchies occasionally offers live music or themed events, but at its core are thoughtful food and atmospheric surroundings, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Munchies is open from 3:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. This spot delivers consistent quality and ambiance.

The overall experience is worth making a reservation for. Check their Instagram, @munchiesksa, for more details.


Georgina Rodriguez closes out the year with family time, public appearances

Updated 30 December 2025
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Georgina Rodriguez closes out the year with family time, public appearances

  • Partner of Ronaldo shares photos of Christmas, holidays
  • Speculation they will celebrate New Year’s Day in the UAE

DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez has been marking the end of the year with family in the region, sharing moments from public appearances alongside her longtime partner, Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as quieter holiday time together.

One of those appearances included her attendance at the Globe Soccer Dubai Awards 2025, where she showed her support for Ronaldo alongside his eldest son, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.

The footballer was awarded Best Middle East Player 2025, marking his third consecutive win in the category.

For the ceremony, Rodriguez opted for a sleek, body-skimming black evening gown featuring a high neckline and long fitted sleeves, detailed with subtle, evenly spaced embellishments.

She wore her hair long and straight, pairing the look with soft, glowing makeup. The ensemble was completed with statement diamond jewelry, including stud earrings, a sparkling watch and her large oval-cut engagement ring.

Now in its 16th edition, the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony was held at Atlantis The Royal. Ronaldo received the award from Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

After accepting the trophy, Ronaldo said he was focused on continuing his career and adding to his achievements.

“I want to carry on going. You know what my goal is. I want to win more trophies and I want to reach the number that you all know,” he said. “I will reach that number for sure, if there are no injuries, inshaAllah.”

Currently on 956 career goals following a recent brace against Al-Akhdoud, Ronaldo is now 44 goals away from reaching the 1,000-goal milestone.

Ahead of the event in the UAE, fan spotted Rodriguez with Ronaldo in a casual moment walking at Atlantis. She wore jeans paired with a black top, leather jacket, beige hat and black heels.

The model also shared a short video offering a glimpse into how she celebrated Christmas, showing an intimate, family-focused gathering at home.

The family — including Ronaldo, Rodriguez, Ronaldo Jr., Eva Maria, Mateo, Alana Martina and Bella Esmeralda — wore matching pajamas and were seen dancing together toward the Christmas tree in the clip.

Fans are still waiting to see where the family will celebrate New Year’s Eve, after spending the occasion in Dubai last year. This has led to speculation that they may remain in the city for the celebrations.