OKTO At Harrat Viewpoint — Restaurant in Medina Province

I recently dined at OKTO located at Harrat Viewpoint in Al Ula, and unfortunately, it was a disappointing experience from start to finish.

Upon entering the restaurant at 6:30 PM, we noticed an unpleasant odor that affected the overall ambiance. After placing our order, we waited for over an hour before the food arrived. While the staff did offer a complimentary appetizer to compensate for the delay, it didn't quite make up for the extended wait.

Here’s my experience with the dishes:

Mushroom Pasta: The dish lacked flavor and tasted mostly like plain cream. To make matters worse, it was served cold, as if it had just come out of the freezer.

Cheese Pies: We were told this was a traditional Greek dish with a mix of cheeses. However, it resembled a samosa topped with sugar syrup and cardamom, which was not what we expected and didn't align with the description.

Lamb Orzo: This was the most disappointing. The meat had an off-putting taste that seemed rancid, making it inedible.

When we shared our concerns with the manager, we felt our feedback was not acknowledged appropriately. Instead of addressing the issues, the manager seemed more focused on proving us wrong rather than offering a solution.

Considering the high prices, the quality of food and service did not meet expectations. The only redeeming quality of the restaurant is its location, which offers a stunning view.

I hope the management takes this feedback seriously to improve the dining experience for...

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience, OKTO in AlUla is a must-visit. Perched atop a mountain, this restaurant offers a spectacular view that enhances the entire experience. The panoramic vistas of AlUla's breathtaking landscapes are nothing short of stunning, making it the perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.

The atmosphere at OKTO is delightful. The blend of elegant decor and the natural beauty surrounding the restaurant creates a serene and inviting environment. Whether you’re there for a special occasion or just a casual outing, the ambiance is sure to impress.

As for the food, it is as exceptional as the view. The menu features a variety of dishes that celebrate local flavors and ingredients, all beautifully presented. Each bite is a testament to the culinary skill of the chefs. The service is equally commendable—attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that your dining experience is seamless and enjoyable.

One tip: since the restaurant is located at the top of the mountain, it can get a bit windy, especially in the evening. I recommend bringing a light jacket to stay comfortable while you soak in the views.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our time at OKTO and can’t recommend it enough. If you’re in AlUla, make sure to treat yourself to this fantastic...

I had high expectations about the place overall, but I was shocked. We had a reservation yesterday on 5:30 pm. There was an empty table on the front side of the restaurant facing the view. A foriegn blonde lady wearing leather pants with a high bun told us it’s reserved for a company and 2 tables were to be joined! The weird thing is that only ONE was left and all the other tables were full! How come 2 will be joined! She insisted to sit on a table at the back of the bar where all tables had ladies wearing abayas just like i am. Moreover, she said that ppl on the front view after some time ask to switch sides. Of course, she was lying. How come a person facing sunset would change that! The table wasn’t OK as well. The chair where i was sitting, was wiggling and the waiter wanted to add a tissue under to fix but no hope. We were not pleased! Afterwards, 2 men came asking for a frontt view table and sat on the table we wanted. An arab employee came and we told him that the lady was lying and someone took that table. We wanted to move the other side and we did. Another bad move is that the waiter brought the bill without asking! He wasn’t our waiter. When asked, he said his colleague asked him to do it! This is NOT acceptable by any means! Service is not good at all for those very...