Authentic Greek food has made its way all the way from Greece to the tables of Eat Greek restaurant in Dubai.
Located in the newly opened outdoor mall, The Beach at JBR, the two-story casual dining restaurant has a prime place on the beach with a commanding view of the glittering Arabian Gulf and the iconic Palm Jumeirah.
Eat Greek offers an outdoor dining area overlooking The Beach at JBR with basic steel chairs, square wooden tables and umbrellas to keep you from the glazing Dubai sun during the lunch time.
Once inside the restaurant, you cannot miss the rustic urban feel, thanks to the basic wooden chairs, square wooden tables and long leather sofas. You will fall in love with the reused white bird cages wrapped with light wires that hang from the ceiling, they give a very country feel. The walls are designed with exposed bricks and at some places are covered with old wooden doors to truly reflect the edgy urban style of the restaurant. There is an open kitchen where you can see the food being prepared. In the center of the restaurant is a large communal table for diners who visit in groups.
The hall on the first floor has walls tastefully done in white bricks and are reminiscent of the Greek Islands. A smaller outdoor terrace offers a more intimate beach-side view.
You cannot help but feel at home, thanks to the welcoming and efficient staff who are always standing by your side to assist you in whichever way.
The menu is an easy read because Greek food is familiar to many Arabs.
For appetizers, we ordered the famous Tzatziki made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic and fresh herbs. It comes in a small bowl topped with an olive, olive oil and shredded cucumber. I would say it works great as a dip along with fresh bread that is served once you are seated. The bread basket comes from their in-house bakery. A visit to any Greek restaurant is incomplete without ordering a Greek salad. So we ordered the Eat Greek salad, it was light and colorful. Olives, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, green bell peppers and feta cheese, all drizzled with extra virgin olive oil made the dish special.
The Baked Feta Cheese is highly recommended. It consists of creamy grilled feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and topped with fresh sliced tomatoes and onions.
We also loved the Octopus with eggplant mousse; it is a great choice for those who love seafood. You can taste the charcoal from the grilled octopus and the mousse is full of flavor.
For main course, you get to choose from grilled fillet steaks, burgers, Greek sandwiches, and grilled meats and fish among other dishes. The Moussaka Burger is made with a 200 gram beef pattie, caramelized onions and grilled eggplant, topped with béchamel sauce. It is a must try. The Pita Chicken Skewer Sandwich is a great choice, consisting of grilled chicken skewer mixed with tzaziki, tomato, onions and potato chips wrapped in pita bread. For sharing, the beef, lamb, chicken and vegetable skewers are a fantastic choice. They are beautifully presented — the skewers hang from a metal hanger over potato chips. The meat is soft and flavorful. I definitely loved it!
You should also try the Moussaka, it is a famous traditional Greek dish that was adapted to and twisted by the Arabic culture. In Greece, they make it with over-baked potatoes, eggplant, minced meat and cover it with béchamel sauce. You can eat it just like that or with rice or bread.
For dessert, we were confused with the variety of options the restaurant has. Some are traditional Greek desserts, while others are modern day favorites with a twist, such as the chocolate baklawa, which comprises hazelnuts, honey syrup and praline ice cream. This beautiful combination is flaky, flavorful and melts in your mouth.
Another great choice is the authentic Greek orange cake served with vanilla ice cream. You will fall in love with the warmth of the cake and you would not want to share it with anyone.
Most of the drinks at Eat Greek are freshly made with local and exotic fruits. The Virgin Katerina is a must-try. It is basically tomato juice with cucumber, salt and pepper. Another drink worth trying is Eros, a mocktail consisting of strawberries, cranberry juice, fresh lime and brown sugar.
Opening hours: From 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Expect to pay: AED 150
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Email: [email protected]
Eating the Greek way in Dubai
Eating the Greek way in Dubai
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.