Must-Try Makkah Restaurants: A Foodie’s Guide to Local Favorites

Get ready to enjoy some of Makkah's best restaurants

As the Isha call to prayer echoes through the streets, the white marble courtyards around Al Haram shimmer under the soft glow of lanterns, and a warm breeze carries the scent of grilled meats and freshly baked khubz, also known as traditional Arabic bread.

That’s the heartbeat of food in Makkah – warm, shareable dishes steeped in centuries of hospitality and culture. While many visitors focus on prayer and reflection, tasting the best food in Makkah adds a deeper connection to the city’s spirit. From humble family-run kitchens to established dining spots near the Haram, Makkah restaurants reflect the city’s diversity and its longstanding tradition of welcoming the world.

It’s only fitting to start this list off with Al Baik – Saudi Arabia’s legendary fried chicken chain. But this eatery isn’t just any fast-food spot, it’s an icon loved by locals and visitors alike. Founded in Jeddah in the 1970s, Al Baik has achieved near-mythical status across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Foodies obsess over their crispy chicken recipe – marinated, spiced, and fried to golden perfection. You’ll often find long queues are a permanent feature outside its branches. Yes, it’s that good!

Don’t worry – there are several Al Baik restaurants in Makkah, but the one closest to the Haram is a particular favourite. After long hours of worship, nothing hits the spot like a box of hot fried chicken, a soft bun, tangy garlic sauce, and a generous serving of fries.

If you’re looking for a lighter, but equally satisfying chicken meal, Al Tazaj is another local favorite that specialises in flame-grilled chicken marinated in local spices. Their meal combo with yellow rice and salad is a perfect post-prayer dish that hits the spot: it’s smoky, fragrant, and full of flavour.

To experience authentic food in Makkah, locals often head to Al Qarmoshi, one of the city’s more traditional eateries. The menu features beloved Hijazi dishes such as balila (chickpeas with spices and vinegar) and foul medames (slow-cooked fava beans). These are the simple and comforting all-day breakfasts that locals have enjoyed for generations.

If you prefer something quick and on the go, Shawarma Shaker is a popular street-food style spot that has several branches across the Holy City. They serve some of the juiciest chicken or beef shawarma wrapped in soft bread with tahini, fresh parsley, and pickles. It’s proof that some of the best food in Makkah may look basic, but it’s anything but that. It’s a great place that offers honest and fast service.

More local eateries worth discovering

While the big names are easy to find, some of the most memorable Makkah restaurants are tucked away in quieter corners of the city. These local eateries represent the side of food in Makkah that many visitors miss: authentic, affordable, and full of character.

Beloved for its breakfast and traditional Hijazi dishes, Abu Zaid serves everything from masoub (mashed banana and bread with cream and honey) to areeka (a rich mix of wheat, dates, and ghee). It’s the ideal spot to start your morning before visiting the Haram.

Another traditional Saudi eatery is Al Romansiah, which serves standout kabsa, mandi, and other local recipes – which we’ll share more about later! They serve a tasty kabsa with juicy tender beef that just falls off the bone and melts in your mouth.

Because Makkah welcomes millions of pilgrims from every corner of the globe, you’ll find many local restaurants offering international and regional dishes to suit every taste. There’s no shortage of tasty Indian, Turkish, Egyptian, and even Western cafés scattered across the city. If you’re looking to discover more dining inspiration, check out Accor’s Makkah & Madinah Dining Guide.

Hearty Saudi food in the Holy City

Beyond the famous fried chicken and shawarma, Makkah restaurants offer a chance to taste Saudi Arabia’s mixed culinary heritage. These are several dishes you simply shouldn’t miss:

Kabsa is as traditional as it gets. In fact, it’s considered the national dish of Saudi Arabia. Made of fragrant rice cooked with meat and local spices (like cardamom!), many restaurants serve it with chicken or lamb. But really, every version has its own twist.

Mandi is another must-try dish. Originating from Yemen, but widely enjoyed across the Kingdom, mandi is a tender meat and rice dish typically cooked underground, giving it a smoky aroma and rich flavour. It’s served with a spicy tomato-coriander sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.

Next is Mutabbaq, a crispy-stuffed pancake filled with minced meat, eggs, and spices, often sold by street vendors. Sweet variations can include cream or banana. Either way, it’s the ultimate comfort snack when wandering through Makkah’s lively neighbourhoods.

Last but not least, we have Saleeg, which is a creamy rice cooked with milk and chicken stock. This dish from the Hijaz region feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Tips for dining out in Makkah

Dining in Makkah is as much about timing as it is about flavour. The city is in sync with the call of prayer, so timing your meals becomes part of the experience. You’ll notice many Makkah restaurants briefly close during prayer, only to reopen moments later. Keep a bit of cash on hand, as smaller local eateries and street food vendors sometimes don’t accept cards.

Also – it goes without saying: dress modestly and comfortably, especially when dining near the Haram, where the sacred atmosphere extends beyond the mosque and Kaaba. And with the Arabian desert sun high above, always keep water nearby to stay hydrated and refreshed. Each meal here is a chance to slow down, give gratitude, and savour the moment.

In Makkah, food is more than nourishment – it’s part of the city’s hospitable character. Every meal tells a story of generosity, of travellers meeting locals, of recipes passed down through generations. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of kabsa, sampling shawarma sandwiches, or grabbing an Al Baik combo before heading back to the Haram, food in Makkah connects people in the most human way possible.

So next time you’re here, don’t just eat – explore. From the famous Makkah restaurants near the Kaabah to the hidden local kitchens tucked in narrow lanes, every bite brings you closer to the city’s heart.

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Must-Try Makkah Restaurants: A Foodie’s Guide to Local Favourites

Get ready to enjoy some of Makkah's best restaurants

More local eateries worth discovering

Hearty Saudi food in the Holy City

Tips for dining out in Makkah

Member Benefits

Welcome drink

Priority welcome

Late check-out

Food

Hajj & Umrah

Hotels

Shopping

Travel

Uncategorized