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Fermento, located on King Abdul Aziz Road in Al-Shati area, brings a genuine slice of Italy to Jeddah, offering diners an experience that goes beyond just food. The ambiance captures a classic Italian vibe, with warm lighting, rustic touches, and a cozy atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have stepped straight into a trattoria in Rome.

The menu at Fermento is a celebration of Italian cuisine, starting with a variety of appetizers that impress both in presentation and flavor. Crostini classico, topped with cherry tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, and basil, is simple yet vibrant, while crostini burrata elevates the experience with creamy cheese, olive oil, and fresh herbs.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the salmone crudo, cured salmon with ceviche-style marinade served alongside crispy rice crackers. Meat appetizers such as carpaccio di manzo classico and beef tartare highlight the restaurant’s attention to quality, using tender cuts and balanced seasonings.

Salads like the burrata salad combine fresh ingredients with creative touches, including pistachios and a balsamic pomegranate glaze. Pasta dishes range from the classic spaghetti al frutti di mare, brimming with shrimp, scallops, calamari, and mussels, to risotto caprese, creamy with tomato and topped with burrata.

Gnocchi al pecorino and rigatoni al salmone affumicato offer hearty, flavorful options for cheese and seafood lovers alike.

Pizzas at Fermento, such as the Chef Ricci pizza speciale and pizza bianca al salmone, are generously topped, while mains like grilled tagliata di manzo, spicy lamb chops, and grilled filetto di salmone showcase skillful preparation and robust flavors. Oven-roasted vegetables and rosemary potatoes make for comforting sides.

Mocktails are usually recommended by the waiters as a speciality, include options like the Passion Italiana and Yuzu Spritz, which are refreshing though some flavors can be slightly overpowering. End your meal with their authentic Italian dessert, the affogato.

The only drawbacks are the slightly high prices, with a meal for two typically ranging between SR300 ($79.98) and SR400. For more informaton visit @fermento.ksa.

If you plan to dine at Al-Kofeia, be sure to take the bus or Uber — finding a parking space at this restaurant can be challenging, especially on weekends or during busy periods.

Located in the heart of Al-Tahlia Street, the restaurant serves mainly Palestinian cuisine, as well as a few other Middle Eastern dishes, including Jordanian mansaf and Saudi kabsa.

When I entered, I immediately noticed the decor. Although the Palestinian identity is clearly evident, the interior seems a bit cluttered, with random pieces of art, quotes, and signs.

The waiter recommended I try the Jordanian mansaf, maqluba, or the grape leaves with moza — the most popular items on the menu. 

It was my first taste of mansaf, and I had to take a sip of water with almost every mouthful. The spices were perfectly measured, but the dish was salty, mushy overall, and lacked texture.

The grape leaves, however, were delicious and well-cooked.

Considering the presentation and range of ingredients, many of the items on the menu were quite expensive. For example, the mansaf cost SR76 ($20), much higher than usual rates.

A pleasant surprise was the availability of a prayer room and a breastfeeding room for women, which shows consideration for customers. Al-Kofeia clearly welcomes all family members.