If you are looking for AlUla Old Town restaurants, you will find a growing selection of places to eat within one of the destination’s most historic areas. From Saudi and Lebanese restaurants to French dining, international options and cafés, Old Town offers different settings and styles of dining within walking distance of its heritage streets.
For visitors searching for Old Town AlUla restaurants, the choice often comes down to more than cuisine. Location, opening hours, atmosphere, the time of day and whether reservations are recommended can all make a difference.
This guide highlights some of the places worth considering during your visit.
Old Town AlUla Restaurants: What to Expect
AlUla Old Town is more than a place to grab a meal. With its historic streets, shops and cafés, dining here can easily become part of a day spent exploring the area.
There is a good mix of places to eat, from traditional Saudi and Lebanese restaurants to French dining, international options and casual cafés. Some of the restaurants you can find around Old Town include Tofareya, AlNakheel Cafe, Entrecôte Café de Paris, 7Ribs, Fresh House and Villa Fayrouz.
That makes Old Town a convenient choice if you want to have lunch or dinner without leaving the historic area, whether you are stopping for a meal between visits or ending the day with dinner after exploring the streets.
Restaurants in AlUla Old Town by Cuisine
The restaurant selection in Old Town covers several different cuisines, so there is no single type of dining that defines the area.
Saudi Restaurants in AlUla Old Town
If you want to try Saudi food in AlUla Old Town, you have a few options to choose from. Tofareya serves traditional Saudi cuisine, while Joontos at Dar Tantora takes a more modern approach to local flavours.
For visitors interested specifically in Saudi dishes and what to try during a trip to AlUla, our What to Eat in AlUla guide offers a separate food-focused resource.
French Dining in Old Town
For French dining in AlUla Old Town, Entrecôte Café de Paris is a popular choice. The restaurant follows the classic Café de Paris concept, with steak and fries served with its signature sauce.
It is open daily from 4 PM to midnight and offers both lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, although walk-ins are also welcome, making it a convenient option for an evening meal after exploring Old Town.
Lebanese Restaurants in Old Town
Villa Fayrouz offers Lebanese dining in Old Town and is another option for visitors looking for a restaurant with a different culinary style.
The restaurant is currently listed as open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, although its published daily hours are currently 4 PM to midnight. Reservations are recommended, with walk-ins also welcome.
International and Contemporary Options
Old Town also has international and contemporary dining options, including 7Ribs and Fresh House, alongside its Saudi, French and Lebanese restaurants.
If you want to explore dining options beyond Old Town, see our guide to the best restaurants in AlUla.
Dining at Dar Tantora in AlUla Old Town
For visitors staying in or exploring Old Town, Joontos at Dar Tantora is another dining option within the historic area.
Joontos is listed as a modern Saudi restaurant at Dar Tantora, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, and the restaurant is open daily.
The restaurant is located within Dar Tantora The House Hotel, a heritage hotel set among restored mudbrick dwellings in the heart of Old Town.
Guests staying at the hotel can dine on site, while other visitors can consider Joontos as part of their Old Town dining plans.
Choosing an AlUla Old Town Restaurant
The best restaurant for you will depend on what you are looking for rather than simply choosing the most highly rated or most talked-about place.
| If you are looking for… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Traditional Saudi dining | Tofareya |
| Modern Saudi dining | Joontos |
| French dining | Entrecôte Café de Paris |
| Lebanese dining | Villa Fayrouz |
| International options | 7Ribs |
| Modern fusion | Fresh House |
| A café stop | One of Old Town’s cafés |
There are also several cafés in Old Town, including Jazean, Archi Cafe, Minzal, 70’s Cafe, Groon, Tomoor AlUla and Wacafe.
NOTE: Restaurant availability and operating hours can change, so this table is best used as a starting point when planning where to eat.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Old Town Restaurants?
The best time depends on your plans for exploring AlUla Old Town.
During the day, you can combine lunch with a walk through the historic streets and nearby shops. In the late afternoon and evening, the area becomes particularly suitable for combining sightseeing with dinner.
Experience AlUla currently notes that many Old Town facilities open from around 8 or 9 AM, while the streets become livelier from around 3 PM.
If you are planning to dine at a restaurant where reservations are recommended, booking ahead can make your evening easier, particularly during busy periods.
Do You Need a Reservation at Old Town AlUla Restaurants?
It depends on the restaurant. Entrecôte Café de Paris and Villa Fayrouz recommend making a reservation, although both accept walk-ins. Joontos at Dar Tantora also recommends booking ahead.
If you are planning to dine during a busy evening, it is a good idea to reserve your table in advance.
Parking and Getting Around Old Town
Old Town is designed around pedestrian access, so visitors should expect to park outside the central pedestrian areas and continue on foot.
For example, Entrecôte Café de Paris lists free parking at the Old Town South Parking, while Villa Fayrouz lists free parking at the Old Town North Car Park. Shuttle services are also available from designated parking areas to the Old Town entrance.
This is useful to keep in mind when planning a dinner reservation, particularly if you are visiting in the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to eat in AlUla Old Town?
AlUla Old Town has a range of restaurants covering Saudi, French, Lebanese, international and modern fusion dining. Current options include Joontos at Dar Tantora, Entrecôte Café de Paris, Villa Fayrouz, Tofareya, 7Ribs and Fresh House. The right choice depends on the type of cuisine, setting and meal you are looking for.
What types of local cuisine can I find in AlUla Old Town?
Visitors can find traditional and modern Saudi dining in AlUla Old Town. Tofareya is listed as a traditional Saudi restaurant, while Joontos at Dar Tantora offers modern Saudi cuisine. Joontos serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with its menu developed by Chef Jaume Puigdengolas.
How can I make a reservation at a restaurant in AlUla Old Town?
Reservation policies vary by restaurant. Joontos recommends booking in advance, while Entrecôte Café de Paris and Villa Fayrouz also recommend reservations but accept walk-ins. It is best to check the restaurant’s current booking information before visiting, particularly for dinner.
Are there vegetarian options at AlUla Old Town restaurants?
Yes. Vegetarian choices can be found at restaurants offering broader or contemporary menus, although the available dishes vary by restaurant. Fresh House in Old Town offers a modern fusion menu with options including poke bowls, Indian curries and Mexican wraps. For specific dietary requirements, it is best to check the current menu with the restaurant before visiting.
Are there restaurants in AlUla Old Town open for breakfast?
Yes. Joontos at Dar Tantora serves breakfast daily from 7:00 to 11:00. Villa Fayrouz is also listed as serving breakfast, although its current published opening hours are from 4:00 PM to midnight, so visitors should check the latest schedule before planning a breakfast visit.
Are there fine dining restaurants in AlUla Old Town?
Yes. Entrecôte Café de Paris and Joontos are both currently listed as fine dining restaurants in AlUla Old Town. Entrecôte serves French cuisine, while Joontos at Dar Tantora focuses on modern Saudi cuisine. Both recommend reservations.
Are there restaurants with outdoor seating in AlUla Old Town?
Some restaurants and cafés in Old Town offer different dining settings, but outdoor seating availability can vary by venue and season. It is best to check directly with the restaurant when making a reservation if outdoor seating is important to you.
Plan Your Visit to AlUla
Dining in AlUla Old Town can easily be combined with exploring the historic streets, shops and cultural attractions in the area. Whether you are looking for Saudi cuisine, French dining, Lebanese food, a modern restaurant or simply a café stop, the area offers several options within the same destination.
And if you are staying in the historic district, discover Dar Tantora Hotel in Alula Old Town.