Niyyali — Restaurant in Makkah Region

First I wanted to book a dinner for an occasion and was shocked to see the earliest is in few days and that made me determine to try it out. I settled for a middle of the week table at 7pm, tried to get a 8-9pm one by phone and was told no availability! Went with wife and arrived at 7pm, we were taken to an outdoor table.. when we reached it has few remnant of previous serving then we were asked to wait at another table until it gets cleaned.. we ended up on the alternative table. 3/4th of tables were actually empty and I though it will be crowded by 8-9pm given the no availability I was told. Decided to pick their signature dishes.. truffle hummus, sea food salad and the mighty whole grilled lobster along with kebbeh and sambousah. Truffle hummus was a thing that can be called a signature dish.. sea food salad, kebbeh and sambousa were at best average. Bread was served cold and dry.. soft drink came in after finishing the starter after a reminder.. the waiter for took our order, gave us his name as the one who will wait on our table was not seen after that moment..finished and now waiting for the most expensive item on the menu and no one cleaned out table or change plates for a good 20min after we finished eating to the extend I lighted a cigar.. the lobster came in 45min after we finished the starter and we felt so full before even trying it.. it was cold - and I expected it to come hot given the time it took to bring it - and very chewy that I asked for tooth picks. We left around 9-9:15pm and the tables were still 3/4th were empty outdoor and indoor..service was slow and it was obvious the waiters were either new or lack prior experiences in waiting.

Very average for the booking hype and location. I’d wouldn’t try again...

I had an exceptional dining experience at NYYALI, the Lebanese restaurant in the luxurious 5-star Shangri-La hotel in Jeddah. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was elegant and inviting, setting the perfect mood for a memorable meal. The authentic Lebanese flavors were impeccable, with every dish crafted to perfection – a true treat for the senses! The service was outstanding, attentive yet discreet, adding to the overall high-quality experience. We’ve been served by very polite and elegant waiters. Each dish at Niyyali is meticulously prepared using high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic and memorable Lebanese dining experience. • Eggplant Shrimps Moutabal: A creative twist on the classic moutabal, this dish combines smoky grilled eggplant with succulent shrimp, resulting in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. • Hummus Truffle: This luxurious take on traditional hummus incorporates the earthy richness of truffle, offering a unique and indulgent flavor profile. • Smoked Lamb Shank: Slow-cooked to perfection, the lamb shank is infused with aromatic spices, delivering tender meat that melts in the mouth. • Wagyu Ras Asfour Bel Karaz: This dish features tender Wagyu beef cubes cooked with a tangy cherry sauce and garnished with pine nuts, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes. Desserts: Um Ali: A traditional Middle Eastern dessert, Um Ali is a warm, comforting bread pudding made with layers of pastry, milk, and nuts, baked to golden perfection. Fresh fruits also were served Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in the finest Lebanese...

First time here and I absolutely love this restaurant! The service was top notch. Our waiter Ahmad was the best. He offered to take photos for us without asking. He even knew the right angles and where the best lighting is. He also served our food except for the grill entree.

We sat outside and the weather was perfect. A nice breeze comes through every now and then. Very little wait time from the moment you place an order. Not sure if it's because it was a Sunday evening and not packed.

Bare in mind that I've never had Lebanese cuisine and I don't really enjoy a lot of Mediterranean cuisine, but I was pleasantly surprised.

FOOD: We ordered 2 appetizers and they are enough for 2.

Fattouch: Fresh ingredients and the dressing was great. Great combination of flavors! Rating = 5/5

Lamb Kebab Fettah: the lamb was very flavorful! Loved it! Rating = 5/5

Roasted Cauliflower: very soft and the flavors were not hitting. My expectation was that it would be crispy and have a roasted flavor. It's an entire cauliflower and too much for 2 people. Didn't enjoy it. Rating = 0/5

Mixed grill for 2 (entree): lamb, beef, and chicken. Comes with Garlic sauce and tahini sauce. All meats were very flavorful!! The sauces were fresh and homemade. Rating = 5/5

They give you complimentary almonds and flavored iced tea. The iced tea was tasty. Not too sweet.

The decor and design of the restaurant is elegant and luxurious.

If you come, do yourself a favor and ask for Ahmad! If I ever return back to Jeddah, I'm...