Food Guide to Al Khobar: Seafood, International Dining and Local Cuisine

Al Khobar has a more diverse and internationally sophisticated food scene than almost anywhere else in Saudi Arabia outside Riyadh and Jeddah. Decades of expatriate presence from the oil industry — American, British, Indian, Lebanese, Filipino, and Korean communities among others — have built a restaurant market that reflects genuine international variety. The Gulf coastline adds fresh seafood that distinguishes it from most inland Saudi cities.

Gulf Seafood Restaurants

Fresh seafood from the Arabian Gulf is Al Khobar’s standout food experience. Several dedicated fish restaurants in the city operate on the select-and-grill model — you choose from a displayed catch and pay by weight.

Al Saif Seafood Restaurant on the Corniche area is one of the most established — popular with local families for weekend seafood dinners. The hamour (grouper) at approximately SAR 75–90 per kilogram and bawal (pomfret) at approximately SAR 60–80 per kilogram are the most consistent choices as of 2026. Shrimp is available grilled or in spiced curry-style preparation, priced from approximately SAR 50 per kilogram.

For a more refined seafood experience, the Al Bander Restaurant at the Sheraton Al Khobar serves grilled and baked Gulf fish in a Gulf-view setting. Expect approximately SAR 130–200 per person for a full meal. The presentation is more considered than in the neighbourhood fish restaurants, and the service levels are higher.

Lebanese Cuisine

Lebanese restaurants occupy a central place in Al Khobar’s dining landscape. The format — mezze sharing plates, charcoal grills, fresh bread — is well-suited to group eating, and the quality is generally high.

Al Tazaj is a widespread Saudi chain but Al Khobar’s Lebanese-style grill restaurants offer a more authentic step up. Layali Al Sham and similar Levantine grills in the Prince Turki Road area serve cold mezze (hummus, fattoush, tabbouleh, moutabal) followed by charcoal-grilled shish tawook, kofta, and lamb chops. A full Lebanese mezze and grill meal for two costs approximately SAR 100–180 as of 2026.

Nusret (Nusr-Et) steakhouse has an Al Khobar location — the Turkish-originated chain serving premium grilled meats, popular for special occasion dining. Expect approximately SAR 200–400 per person.

Saudi Kabsa

Traditional Saudi kabsa is available throughout the city. Najd Restaurant in the central area serves kabsa, jareesh (crushed wheat with lamb), and margoog (meat and vegetable stew) in a setting with traditional floor seating. A lamb kabsa platter for two costs approximately SAR 90–140. The restaurant is popular with Saudi families and provides an authentic mid-city alternative to the international options.

Indian and Pakistani Restaurants

The large South Asian community in the Eastern Province supports numerous Indian and Pakistani restaurants of genuinely high standard. Bukhara Restaurant on Prince Faisal bin Fahd Road is one of the better-regarded — serving North Indian and Mughlai cuisine with good biryani and tandoor dishes. A full meal for two costs approximately SAR 80–150. Numerous smaller Pakistani restaurants in the Al Aqrabiyah commercial district offer excellent value biryani and dhal for approximately SAR 20–35 per person.

Japanese and East Asian Dining

Al Khobar’s international dining scene extends to credible Japanese options — unusual in most Saudi cities. Sushi Masa and several other Japanese restaurants serve sushi, ramen, and robata-grilled dishes. A mid-range Japanese meal for two costs approximately SAR 120–200. China Garden and similar Cantonese restaurants in the Dhahran area cater to the Eastern Province’s Chinese expatriate community.

Coffee and Casual Dining

The Starbucks, Costa, and Tim Hortons branches throughout Al Khobar are predictably present — popular with families and younger Saudis for casual meetings and studying. For a more distinctively Saudi coffee experience, local qahwa cafes serving Arabic coffee with dates are found in the souk areas near the old commercial districts.

Karak tea houses (specialising in the thick, spiced sweet tea that is ubiquitous across the Gulf) operate across the city, particularly in the residential neighbourhoods. A glass of karak costs approximately SAR 5–10.

Al Baik

Al Baik has multiple branches in Al Khobar, including in the main commercial areas and malls. Standard pricing (approximately SAR 25–45 per person) and the reliably consistent product. The Al Khobar branches tend to be slightly less queued than the Mecca or Jeddah originals, though weekend evenings still draw significant waits.

Practical Notes

Most restaurants in Al Khobar maintain family sections and mixed seating. The city’s cosmopolitan character means dining atmosphere is generally more relaxed than in some other Saudi cities. Restaurants typically open noon–3pm for lunch and 6pm–midnight for dinner, with many family-oriented places remaining open until 1am on weekends. See the Al Khobar city guide for transport and broader visit planning.

To round out your visit, compare Tours near Al Khobar for food and culture experiences, and pick up a Saudi eSIM so you can navigate local streets without burning mobile data.

See Also

• Things to Do in Al Khobar
• Al Khobar Hotels
• Dammam City Guide
• Saudi Arabia Food Guide