Where We Are Going Today: Ghar Restaurant in Jeddah

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Updated 16 February 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Ghar Restaurant in Jeddah

  • The restaurant’s selection of soups, salads and rice and noodle dishes provides a balance between lighter and heartier options

Located on Jeddah’s Sari Street, Ghar is an Asian fusion concept that draws attention for its cave-inspired interior, with stone-textured walls and lantern-style lighting. The setting leans heavily on luxury and creates a sense of separation from the city’s usual dining scene.

I began with a mix of starters, including the Ghar special gyoza. This comes with two filling options, chicken or shrimp, served alongside a spicy dip that balanced the flavors. The Wagyu skewers were a must try, evenly cooked and retaining both juiciness and tenderness.

The sushi selection is extensive. I tried the crunchy heaven roll with shrimp tempura and sweet spicy sauce, the Wagyu nigiri topped with togarashi sauce, and the crazy roll filled with tempura shrimp and crabstick in a spicy mix. The rolls were well assembled and had good texture, though some were heavy on sauces which reduced the taste of the base ingredients.

The restaurant’s selection of soups, salads and rice and noodle dishes provides a balance between lighter and heartier options. The miso soup sets the tone with bold flavors, making it a fitting start before the main course. 

For mains, I ordered the black-on-black Wagyu filet and the sea bass. The filet was served with the restaurant’s house sauce, while the sea bass came with lemon sauce and mashed potatoes. 

Both dishes were prepared as described, though portion sizes compared to pricing may not suit every diner. If you want a fuller portion, the best options are the curry crunch chicken and Yama lamb, popular choices that combine rice or pasta with protein-focused plates.

Dessert included the San Sebastian cheesecake and boulder date cake, both suitable for sharing and ending the meal on a sweet note. 

A meal for two at Ghar costs around SR500–600 ($133 to $160). For more details, visit @gharjdh.

 


Where We Are Going Today: Auria

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Updated 02 March 2026
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Where We Are Going Today: Auria

  • The restaurant itself is very spacious, offering seating on both sides of the dining area

Situated on the bustling Takhassusi Road, Auria offers a high-end dining and bakery experience in the heart of the capital.

The best way to describe the restaurant is modern and cozy, featuring dim lighting, comfortable seating, and attentive staff.

Before diving into the menu and recommendations, it is worth noting the restaurant’s no-children policy — a choice that feels somewhat unusual given that Riyadh is such a family-oriented city.

Those arriving with children under the age of 13, whether with a reservation or as a walk-in, can expect to be turned away and denied service.

The restaurant offers a fine-dining experience characterized by smaller, more refined portions at a higher price point.

Most starters range from SR55 ($15) to SR75, while the majority of main dishes fall between SR85 and SR135.

Among the starters, the highly recommended dishes include the crispy shrimp tempura — four pieces served with a zesty chili-yuzu mayo — and the lobster kari, which features prawns, cream cheese, and a vibrant coriander-jalapeno dressing.

Another top-rated starter is the grilled corn salad, a vibrant mix of avocado, citrus, and fresh herbs topped with caramelized nuts. The shrimp salad also makes for a refreshing beginning, though it remains a third-choice contender when compared to the standout corn salad.

Regarding the pasta, both the penne arrabbiata and the rigatoni pecorino felt somewhat standard. While well-executed, they were not quite as exciting as the rest of the menu.

For the main courses, there is a choice of several proteins, including sea bass, lamb, veal, chicken and steak. Of these, the most highly recommended are the grilled prime angus fillet and the veal al limone.

The steak was exceptionally tender and juicy, yielding easily to the knife, while the veal was light and buttery with a bright citrus finish.

We were warmly greeted with traditional Saudi coffee, and throughout our meal, our coffee cup was never allowed to run dry.

The restaurant itself is very spacious, offering seating on both sides of the dining area.

While the oversized, cozy chairs are a key attribute of the luxurious ambiance, they are quite heavy and difficult to adjust, often requiring the assistance of a server to help you slide in or out of the table.

In addition to the lunch and dinner service, the restaurant offers a breakfast menu which we have not tried yet.

While the no-children policy and the premium price point may be factors, the quality of the food and the quiet, upscale atmosphere make it a notable, under-the-radar destination in Riyadh.