So you are searching for the best Italian restaurant in Jeddah and all you get your hands on is some instant pasta and frozen pizza.
You are not alone.
When I first arrived in Jeddah this was the problem I faced. I couldn’t find any spot that sold good Italian food in the city.
But
After spending years in Jeddah and trying the best and the worst Italian restaurant I finally found four places which make you feel like it came from somewhere near Rome (and not your freezer).
The places I am going to mention are:
- Nino
- San Carlo Cicchetti
- Le Vesuvio
- Piatto
Each one brings a unique taste to the table and all these are worth trying.
Let me tell you why these places are my favorite and why you should have these Italian restaurants on your must visit list.
1. Nino
This is one of those restaurants which is a blend of both casual and fancy. Unlike other restaurants where usually the lights are dim or yellow they have kept it simple.
You will get to see a bright dining area, the chairs are modern, and the colors are mostly grey and black with a little purple here and there.
I really love the checkered design on the floors. The whole dining area feels specious and you won’t feel like they have jumbled the place with too many chairs or tables.
The Menu?
The menu here is big.
I MEAN REALLY BIG!
You will find every Italian dish here like:
- pasta
- pizza
- risotto
- grilled meat and seafood.
Want an Italian dish that is a bit cheesy?
I will pick the Farfalle Al Forno for sure. Their steaks section is also diverse and two of my favorites on this section of the menu are Peppercorn Steak and Beef Medallions.
How about some healthy Italian food?
They have got some fresh salads like Kale & Quinoa.
The desserts section needs some attention too but usually people come here for the main Italian dishes. If you have never been here before then I would recommend trying the Liquid Tiramisu and Pecan Pie Milk Cake for desserts.
If you want Italian food in Jeddah with some calm vibes and great décor then I highly recommend visiting this restaurant.
2. San Carlo Cicchetti
If you like fancy places then you will love this Italian restaurant in Jeddah. When you walk inside you will feel like you just got onto a movie set.
The ceiling is weird but in an elegant way.
Its full of huge round lights that look like pasta or maybe mushrooms (depending on what you are craving). It gives the restaurant a nice low glow to keep its elegance.
The chairs are comfy and the marble floor adds that premium touch to the whole dining area.
My favorite thing is the small shelves with cute stuff on them. It makes the place feel more like a home or should I say an Italian home.
The Italian Menu
I tried multiple dishes but if I had to pick only one to eat the next time I visited it would be their Truffle and Pecorino Ravioli.
If you are a cheese lover you will not want to miss the Lasagne al Forno.
I was with a group of five and the Pizza Burrata disappeared within seconds from the table.
If you’re a fan of classic Italian pasta, this place takes it seriously
and
they make all the dough fresh right there.
Oh and yeah!
If you are a seafood lover you will enjoy their Royal Lemon Seabass.
Their desserts section is limited but definitely worth a try so don’t even think about skipping those.
3. Le Vesuvio
This is probably the only Italian restaurant in Jeddah where you will find a full grown tree in the middle of the dining area.
Yes, a real one. It sits at the center of a big round table like it owns the place.
The whole restaurant feels calm, bright and has the right ambiance to make it a spot where you can relax, whether you’re with friends or having a quiet lunch.
What You Get On The Menu?
Now onto the good part.
The menu items.
If you are looking for authentic Italian pizza in Jeddah then I would highly recommend trying their Pesto Pollo or Tartufo pizza topped with black truffle cream and fresh truffle slices.
Oh and their pasta?
Its worth every riyal.
I would recommend trying either the asagna Ai Forno or the inguini Pesto which is fresh and has a touch of healthiness too.
And the desserts?
The tiramisu is a no skip.
4. Piatto
This place is great for almost any occasion. You can pull up in shorts without feeling odd or you can come in with your friends or family and still feel at home.
The thing I noticed instantly was the big, curved bar with a clean white front and a brick wall behind it. This gives the restaurant a nice cozy feel without going over the board.
The seating is all mixed comfy sofas here, bar stools there, and plenty of regular tables in between.
What’s On The Menu?
Well, the menu has everything one can ask for. You want pizza?
You got it in multiple different flavors.
Want pasta?
The options will spin your head around.
Oh and for the healthy food lovers their salads are definitely a must try.
Overall, the place is fancy but not in that expensive way.
