The Red Sea is an experience that extends far beyond its luminous waters and sun-soaked sands. Led by Red Sea Global, a world-class culinary scene is emerging here: one where heritage meets innovation and Saudi cuisine is showcased on the global stage. From fire-grilled feasts at Desert Rock to communal seafood dining at Tabrah, these five standout restaurants capture the Red Sea’s growing identity as a luxury travel destination, rivalling the likes of the Maldives and Seychelles.
Nyra
Nyra is nestled in the heart of Desert Rock, a spectacular newly-opened resort in the rocky Hejaz mountains. Designed by Oppenheimer Architecture in partnership with Red Sea Global, this incredible, cave-like resort is a masterpiece of Nabatean-inspired architecture, and its dining options are just as triumphant. Nyra embraces wood-fire cooking with a contemporary twist, using protein-aging techniques to create extraordinarily tender meat and seafood. This Red Sea restaurant is led by chef Osman Sezener, a Michelin-starred restaurateur and pioneer of the farm-to-table movement.
After a hearty meal at Nyra, Desert Rock’s dazzling rooftop terrace awaits on the mountain top. Aptly named The Observatory, this late-night lounge is the perfect after-dinner spot, with gourmet pastries, shisha, and craft mocktails, all enjoyed under the blanket of stars.
Al Sarab
Six Senses Southern Dunes was one of the first five-star resorts to open its doors in The Red Sea archipelago. Its on-site restaurant, Al Sarab, serves an exceptional selection of traditional Saudi Arabian dishes in a fine-dining setting. The menu ranges from Arabic tapas to wholesome local dishes such as Saleeg, a milk-based rice and meat dish native to the Hejaz region. The outdoor dining area of Al Sarab is particularly lovely, with desert orange sunsets blazing beautifully across the rugged landscape.
Gishiki 45
For a small slice of Japan in The Red Sea, there is Gishiki 45. Located in The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, this intimate beachfront restaurant serves a contemporary Japanese menu with locally-sourced seafood and sushi. The art of culinary showmanship is brought to life here, with a traditional tea ceremony and live cooking shows. After a meal in Gishiki 45, guests may head over to the St. Regis Bar for inventive mocktails, elevated light bites, and live music.
Sita
Meaning “six” in Arabic, Sita brings a world of flavours to The Red Sea with its six distinct pavilions, each inspired by the region’s historic bazaars. Sita’s French patisserie invites morning indulgence with rich coffee and buttery, flakey pastries, while the Levantine restaurant entices with the warm aroma of freshly baked bread from its centrepiece clay oven. Beyond dining, epicureans will delight in exploring Sita’s spice library or taking part in a traditional bread-making class. This Red Sea restaurant is located in Nujuma, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, on the beautiful Ummahat Island.
Tabrah
Also located in Nujuma, Tabrah is a seafood restaurant that pays homage to Saudi Arabia’s rich fishing traditions. The Kingdom’s western coast is among the most biodiverse in the world, with bountiful waters that have sustained communities for centuries—from the Nabataeans and early Arab tribes to the merchants of the Ottoman era. Today, the menu at Tabrah thoughtfully celebrates the culinary history of the Red Sea region with an abundance of locally-caught seafood served in a communal setting.
