The start of Italian Cuisine Week was inaugurated in Jeddah on Monday — and with the event running until Sunday Nov. 27, it is not too late to sample the special meals being created in some of the city’s top restaurants.
The opening day in Jeddah attracted more than 300 people, who came to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and delicious Italian food.
The Italian and Saudi cultures have a lot in common, including the values of family, hospitality, and traditions.
Italian Cuisine Week highlighted this – and the fact that food from the European country is both delicious and healthy, with the latter being a particularly important concern in Saudi Arabia.
“Our aim is to promote the philosophy that Italian lifestyle is simple but exclusive,” said Elisabetta Martini, Consul General of Italy in Jeddah.
“We want to promote our brand, but we also want to promote our philosophy of having a healthy diet, as it is very important when it comes to places like Saudi Arabia where people suffer from diabetes and obesity.”
The opening of the festival – which is sponsored by Saudi brands Sharbatly Fruit and Saudia Airlines — hosted special guest Chef Marco Martini from Rome. Chef Marco is owner of The Corner restaurant, and in 2013 was named the best emerging chef in Italy. He cooked two dishes on the first day of the festival, in addition to a dinner that was personally served by him.
Among the visitors who attended on the first day was Matthias Mitman, the Jeddah-based Consul General of the United States.
“It is a great opportunity by my colleague Elisabetta Martini to promote Italian food and bring it to Jeddah, as Jeddah is known as a marketplace for lots of different foods,” he said.
“Italian food is very popular in the United States, and I think it is going to be very popular with Saudis as well.
“I think food helps open people’s minds up to different tastes, different experiences and they have a better appreciation of other cultures when they sample and try their foods.”
Several social media celebrities made it to the opening day, including members of Foodies KSA, a Saudi Arabia-based group of food lovers who review restaurants, share recipes and healthy tips, and cover food events.
Speaking to Arab News, Foodies KSA member Baraa Al-Khateeb said he thought the Italian Cuisine Week was a “brilliant” initiative. “They really pushed the limit and it was a very interesting idea to bring the Italian food and culture here in my home city Jeddah. We loved how the festival stays for a week so people who missed the opening day, will get the chance to enjoy it.”
Al-Khateeb is also a food consultant and photographer at the Food Links Magazine.
The Saudi social media star who goes by the name ‘Teacher Muhammed’, known for giving English lessons on Instagram and Snapchat, was also among the visitors.
“I think the place was fantastic, the food was amazing… I have had the chance to try new dishes and some new pasta recipes,” he said. “In my opinion, Italian food is the best on earth and today’s experience proved my point!”
Teacher Muhammed stressed that, despite the language barrier, food and music can bring people together — something seen later in the evening with a musical performance by pianist Vincenzo Provenzano and singer Azad Iqbal.
There are many Italian restaurants operating here in the Kingdom, but according to Elisabetta Martini, it is important to differentiate between the authentic ones — which have Italian chefs and use Italian ingredients — and those that just have Italian names. “If someone wants to use Italian-sounding names to attract their clients, it is also good and I’m not blaming them, as it proves that the word ‘Italian’ is a symbol of quality and prestige,” Martini added.
While the opening night of Italian Cuisine Week was held at the Italian Cultural Club, events are being hosted in different restaurants for the remainder of the week, with each applying its own fees and accepting individual bookings.
On Friday, Nov. 25, there will be a brunch at the Park Hyatt in Jeddah at 1 p.m., followed by the cutting of a ribbon at the Italian corner in Manuel Supermarket (Star Avenue branch) at 7 p.m., and a dinner at 10 p.m. at Rossopomodoro Italian restaurant. On Sunday, the Intercontinental Hotel will host an Italian-inspired dinner at 6 p.m.
So it is not too late to sample some of the treats on offer, along with a slice of that “simple but exclusive” Italian lifestyle.
Italian Cuisine Week a draw for Jeddah foodies
Italian Cuisine Week a draw for Jeddah foodies
Where We Are Going Today: Crosto bakery in Dammam
- The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal
If you’re in Dammam and looking for a flavorful brunch or a light meal, the recently opened bakery Crosto offers a cozy atmosphere and a versatile menu catering to different tastes.
The maple shrimp for SR46 ($12) was the highlight of our visit — perfectly cooked shrimp complemented by a sweet maple glaze. The chicken sliders (SR33) were another favorite — juicy, tasty, and served on fresh buns. The Turkish shakshuka and Crosto avocado are worth trying too.
The Crosto Om Ali provided a warm, creamy, comforting conclusion to the meal.
Crosto’s Turkish Coffee is a must-have for coffee enthusiasts. Its authentic preparation and rich taste paired perfectly with the desserts, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The atmosphere at Crosto is welcoming and casual. However, the service during our visit was a little slow, which might be a concern if you’re in a rush.
With its mix of regional and international flavors, Crosto could be a good choice for your next outing in Dammam.
For more information, check their Instagram @crosto.sa.
Italian and Saudi flavors blend in embassy dinner and cooking competition
- Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals
RIYADH: A group of 15 Saudi and Italian chefs created a seven-course dinner titled “Italy meets KSA,” combining both cuisines at Ritz Carlton’s Azzuro Restaurant.
Daniele Chiari, Italian chef and head of Dinner Incredible, the hosts of the event, told Arab News: “Tonight’s event in Riyadh is inspired by the shared love for storytelling and culture through cuisine. As a chef, I see food as a universal language that connects people, and Saudi Arabia’s culinary traditions are incredibly rich and diverse, just like Italy’s.”
The event featured a culinary risotto competition between top Saudi chefs, which was won by Omar AlKhaldi, who received a scholarship fund from ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts.
The event also had a display of fresh mozzarella cheese for tasting, made in the Kingdom by Sana cheese company, which specializes in Italian cheeses.
“This evening, we aim to create a bridge between these two cultures, highlighting how local Saudi ingredients and techniques can harmonize beautifully with Italian culinary artistry,” Chiari said.
The evening concluded with a seven-course tasting dinner highlighting Italian and Saudi flavors. The menu included a pumpkin tart, cream of beans soup with shredded camel meat, a Red Sea grouper served with truffle, and a Saudi-coffee twist on the famous tiramisu.
Highlighting similarities between Italian and Saudi cultures that can be sensed in their cuisines, Chiari said: “Both Italy and Saudi Arabia place great importance on hospitality, family, and the tradition of sharing meals. In terms of food, there’s a deep respect for natural, high-quality ingredients in both cuisines. Just as Italians value simplicity and the authentic taste of their produce, Saudis take pride in the purity and flavor of their spices, grains, and meats.”
Chiari spoke about the ability of food to cross international borders and connect communities.
“Food is one of the most powerful ways to build connections and foster understanding between cultures. It transcends language, politics, and borders, allowing people to experience something deeply personal yet universally relatable. By crossing international borders through food, we’re not just sharing recipes — we’re sharing history, values, and creativity.”
The competition was organized by the Italian Embassy in Riyadh, the Italian Trade Agency, and ALMA, the School of Italian Culinary Arts, in collaboration with Sitaf and the Royal Protocol.
Where We Are Going Today: Soul Bowl restaurant in Riyadh
Soul Bowl, an on-the-go healthy meal station is catching the eye of Riyadh’s foodie and wellness fiends with their nutritious bowls and sandwiches.
While most tend to order for delivery, you can enjoy a comfortable and quaint indoor dining experience in their store in As Sahafah; where the neutral colors, soft warm lighting, and pop of green offer a welcoming atmosphere for both solo and social dining.
Soul Bowl’s menu offers a wide selection of salads, bowls, flatbread sandwiches, wraps, soups, and rice meals, as well as fresh juices, desserts and acai bowls.
Their wraps and bowls are a hit, with the chicken chipotle wrap and the Mexican bowl as big standouts.
The chicken used is clearly of high quality and cooked very well, and the rest of the ingredients, such as the greens, rice, sauces, feel very fresh. The flatbread sandwiches, however, are a bit of a hit or miss.
The main courses they offer range from tandoori chicken to beef stroganoff.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Gosha’ bakery in Riyadh
Gosha, with several branches in Riyadh, has gained a loyal following for its fresh-baked flatbreads and creative flavor combinations.
This modern bakery is the go-to spot for fans of stone-baked delights, offering a unique twist on traditional recipes.
The thyme with pomegranate flatbread is the star of the menu. Its tangy, earthy flavors are perfectly balanced and complemented by the crispness of the bread. Another top pick is the honey labneh flatbread, offering a delightful sweet-and-savory profile. The falafel wrap also deserves praise for its crispy, flavorful filling that feels hearty and fresh.
Gosha’s menu caters to those seeking variety, offering several options suitable for breakfast or light snacks.
However, one thing missing from the experience is the addition of fresh beverages. It would be great to pair these delicious flatbreads with fresh juice, tea, or coffee, creating a more complete dining experience.
Overall, Gosha impresses with its innovative take on traditional flavors, vibrant presentation, and consistently high quality.
This is a great option for anyone looking for a quick, delicious bite in Riyadh.
For more information, check the bakery’s Instagram @qooshah.
Where We Are Going Today: ‘Balcona 99’ Egyptian cuisine in Jeddah
- The menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Egypt
Balcona 99, in As-Salamah in Jeddah, has been delighting diners with its authentic Egyptian cuisine, offering an experience rooted in tradition.
The ambiance captivates from the moment one enters, with intricately carved hieroglyphics and symbolic artwork evoking Egyptian heritage.
Traditional melodies, warm decor and striking geometric tiles come together to create a space that feels both vibrant and welcoming.
Guests can choose between the elegant dining area, the cozy lounge ideal for shisha or the outdoor terrace, which becomes especially appealing during the cooler months.
The menu is a tribute to the diverse and flavorful dishes of Egypt. To start, the appetizers set the tone for an unforgettable meal.
The fattoush and hummus are light and refreshing, while the roqaq meat, a crispy, flaky pastry filled with spiced meat, stands out as a favorite, especially when paired with the zesty chili sauce.
Mombar, stuffed eggplants, zucchini and peppers, also offer a delicious glimpse into Egyptian culinary artistry.
Moving on to the mains, the tawajen section features oven-baked rice paired with duck, pigeon, quail, chicken or other meat, alongside stews such as daoud basha and potato with chicken or meat.
The okra with meat stew is particularly delightful, its tender beef simmered in a fragrant tomato broth. The Egyptian fatta, served with trotters, lamb chops or chicken, is a hearty and satisfying choice that reflects the comfort food aspect of the cuisine.
For those who enjoy grilled dishes, the selection includes succulent quails, pigeon stuffed with rice, veal brochettes, kofta, lamb chops and beef liver.
Each is prepared to perfection, offering smoky, juicy flavors that leave a lasting impression. Classic dishes such as Balcona koshari and veal escallop pane add even more variety to the feast.
Desserts at Balcona 99 are the perfect conclusion to a rich meal. Whether it’s the soft, syrup-drenched balah el-sham, the creamy rice pudding, or the indulgent cheese kunafa, each dessert showcases the sweet simplicity of Egyptian flavors.
Check @balcona.sa on Instagram for more details.
