Best Pizza Places in Jeddah: Where to Go for a Proper Slice
19 min read · Jeddah, Saudi Arabia · best pizza ·

Best Pizza Places in Jeddah: Where to Go for a Proper Slice

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Nora Al-Qahtani

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I have spent the better part of a decade eating my way through Jeddah, and if there is one thing I can tell you with absolute certainty, it is that finding the best pizza places in Jeddah requires more than a quick Google search. This is a city that has quietly built one of the most exciting food scenes in the Gulf, and pizza, believe it or not, is one of the categories where Jeddah truly shines. From old-school Italian joints in Al-Rawdah to trendy Neapolitan spots in Al-Shati, the range of styles and quality will surprise you. I have eaten at every single place on this list, some of them dozens of times, and I am going to walk you through exactly where to go, what to order, and when to show up so you do not waste a single meal.

The Classic Italian Experience at Top Pizza Restaurants Jeddah

When people talk about the top pizza restaurants Jeddah has to offer, the conversation almost always starts with the Italian-owned spots that have been here for years. These are the places that built the foundation, the ones where the dough recipes were brought over from Naples or Rome and adapted to local tastes without losing their soul. What I love about these restaurants is that they do not try to be trendy. They just make good food, consistently, and they have been doing it long before pizza became the social media darling it is today.

1. Il Forno, Al-Rawdah

Il Forno sits on a quiet stretch in Al-Rawdah, and if you did not know it was there, you would probably drive right past it. The exterior is modest, almost understated, but step inside and you are greeted by the smell of wood-fired dough and fresh basil that hits you like a wall. This place has been a neighborhood staple for years, and the family that runs it still handles most of the cooking personally. I have been coming here since before the area got its recent wave of new restaurants, and the quality has never dropped.

The Vibe? Cozy, family-run, no pretense whatsoever. You feel like you are eating in someone's home.

The Bill? Expect to pay between 45 and 85 SAR per person, depending on whether you go for appetizers and drinks.

The Standout? The Margherita DOP, made with San Marzano tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella that they import directly. It is the simplest thing on the menu and the best.

The Catch? They do not take reservations on weekends, and the wait can stretch past 40 minutes on a Thursday or Friday evening. Get there early or be prepared to sit in the small waiting area with nothing but a cup of Arabic coffee to keep you company.

The Insider Detail? Ask for the off-menu truffle pizza. It is not listed, but if you mention it to the server, they will make it for you. It uses a seasonal black truffle paste that the owner brings back from Italy twice a year, and it is extraordinary.

Il Forno connects to Jeddah's character in a way that is easy to miss. This city has always been a place where immigrant communities, particularly from the Levant and Southern Europe, have settled and put down roots. The Italian families who opened restaurants like this one in the 1990s and early 2000s helped shape the dining culture that Jeddah enjoys today. You can taste that history in every bite.

2. Bella Pizza, Al-Hamra

Bella Pizza on Al-Hamra is the kind of place that locals argue about endlessly. Some people swear it is the best pizza in the city. Others say it has declined in recent years. I fall somewhere in the middle. The pizza here is genuinely good, especially the thin-crust options, but the real reason to come is the atmosphere. The restaurant occupies a corner spot with large windows that let in the late afternoon light, and there is a small outdoor section that fills up fast during the cooler months from November through February.

The Vibe? Lively and loud, especially on weekend evenings. Families, groups of friends, couples, everyone ends up here.

The Bill? Around 50 to 90 SAR per person. The seafood pizza pushes the price up if you are not careful.

The Standout? The Diavola, with spicy salami and a drizzle of chili oil that they make in-house. It has a real kick to it.

The Catch? The parking situation is genuinely terrible. Al-Hamra is one of the denser neighborhoods in Jeddah, and the streets around Bella Pizza are narrow. I have circled the block for 20 minutes trying to find a spot. Use a ride-hailing app if you can.

The Insider Detail? They do a lunch special on weekdays from 12:30 to 3:00 PM that includes a personal pizza, a salad, and a drink for 35 SAR. Almost nobody knows about it because they do not advertise it online. Just walk in and ask.

Bella Pizza represents a specific era in Jeddah's dining evolution, the mid-2000s when the city started seeing a wave of mid-range casual dining spots that were not quite fast food but not fine dining either. These places gave young Saudis a place to hang out, socialize, and develop a palate for international cuisine. You can still feel that energy when you walk in.

Where to Eat Pizza Jeddah: The New Wave

The where to eat pizza Jeddah conversation has shifted dramatically in the last five years. A new generation of chefs, many of them Saudi-born and trained abroad, have opened spots that are more experimental, more design-forward, and more ambitious than anything the city has seen before. These are not your father's pizza places. They are sourdough-focused, ingredient-obsessed, and they treat pizza as a craft rather than just a menu item.

3. Zaatar w Zeit's Pizza Counter, Multiple Locations

I know what you are thinking. Zaatar w Zeit? The chain? Yes, but hear me out. Their pizza counter, which operates as a separate section in several of their Jeddah branches, particularly the one on Tahlia Street, serves a style of flatbread pizza that is uniquely Jeddah. It is not Italian. It is not American. It is something in between, a fusion that reflects the city's position as a crossroads of cultures. The dough is slightly chewy, almost like a mana'eesh base, and the toppings lean toward local flavors.

The Vibe? Fast-casual, bright, efficient. You order at the counter and they call your number.

The Bill? Between 25 and 50 SAR per person. This is the most affordable option on the entire list.

The Standout? The zaatar and labneh flatbread pizza. It sounds simple, but the quality of the zaatar blend they use is noticeably better than what you get at most other chains.

The Catch? The Tahlia Street location gets absolutely packed during lunch hour on weekdays. The line can stretch out the door, and finding a table becomes a competitive sport.

The Insider Detail? If you go to the Tahlia branch after 9:00 PM on a weeknight, the pizza counter often has leftover flatbreads that they will customize for you at a discount. Just ask the staff what is available and they will throw something together.

Zaatar w Zeit tells the story of Jeddah's modernization. This is a city that has embraced chain dining and fast-casual concepts with an enthusiasm that sometimes surprises visitors. The fact that a local chain can compete with independent restaurants for pizza quality says something about how far the food scene has come.

4. Public, Al-Shati

Public in Al-Shati is one of those places that feels like it was designed for Instagram but actually backs it up with food. The space is gorgeous, all clean lines and warm wood, and the open kitchen lets you watch the pizzaiolo work the dough. But do not let the aesthetics fool you. The pizza here is serious. They use a 72-hour fermented sourdough base that gives the crust a complexity you do not typically find in Jeddah. The toppings are seasonal and rotate frequently, which means the menu you see this month might look completely different in two months.

The Vibe? Upscale casual. Dress code is smart-casual, and the crowd skews younger and more design-conscious.

The Bill? 70 to 130 SAR per person. The pizzas themselves run between 55 and 85 SAR, but the appetizers and desserts add up quickly.

The Standout? Whatever the seasonal special is. Last time I was there, it was a pizza with roasted pumpkin, gorgonzola, and candied walnuts, and it was one of the best things I ate all year.

The Catch? The music gets loud on weekend evenings. If you are trying to have a conversation, sit outside on the terrace, which is quieter and has a nice view of the street.

The Insider Detail? They do a "Pizza and Paint" event on select Wednesday evenings where they serve a set pizza menu alongside an art workshop. It fills up fast, so check their Instagram page for announcements.

Public is part of the Al-Shati dining corridor that has emerged as one of Jeddah's most exciting food neighborhoods. This area, which was mostly residential a decade ago, now has a concentration of restaurants, cafes, and galleries that rivals anything in Riyadh or Dubai. It reflects the broader cultural transformation that Saudi Arabia has undergone, where dining out has become a form of self-expression and social connection.

The Jeddah Pizza Guide: Neighborhood Deep Dives

A proper Jeddah pizza guide has to go beyond just listing restaurants. You need to understand the neighborhoods, the streets, the rhythms of the city. Jeddah is not a place where you can just hop in a car and drive 15 minutes to the next spot. Traffic is a reality of life here, and the distance between neighborhoods can feel vast even when the map says otherwise. That is why I always tell people to think in terms of pizza clusters, areas where you can hit two or three good spots in a single outing.

5. Pizza 50, Al-Salama

Pizza 50 in Al-Salama is a local institution. This is not a place that gets written up in lifestyle magazines or featured on food influencer accounts. It is a no-frills, counter-service spot that has been serving the same recipes for years, and the people who eat here would not go anywhere else. The style is closer to what you might call Saudi-Italian, a hybrid that uses familiar flavors and generous portions to create something that feels both foreign and comforting at the same time.

The Vibe? Utilitarian. You order, you eat, you leave. But the food makes up for the lack of ambiance ten times over.

The Bill? 20 to 45 SAR per person. This is one of the best deals in the city.

The Standout? The chicken pesto pizza. The pesto is made fresh daily, and the chicken is seasoned with a spice blend that I have never been able to identify but crave constantly.

The Catch? There is almost no seating. Most people take their orders to go, and the few tables they have are usually occupied. Plan to eat in your car or take it home.

The Insider Detail? They close for a few hours in the afternoon between prayer times, so do not show up at 3:00 PM expecting to be served. The best window is between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, right after they reopen, when everything is fresh.

Pizza 50 represents the backbone of Jeddah's food scene, the unglamorous, hardworking spots that feed the city every day without fanfare. Al-Salama itself is a neighborhood that most tourists never visit, but it is one of the most authentically Jeddah places you can experience. The streets are narrow, the shops are family-owned, and the sense of community is palpable.

6. Fire and Stone, Al-Rhafaa

Fire and Stone in Al-Rhafaa is a relatively new addition to the Jeddah pizza landscape, but it has already built a loyal following. The concept is straightforward, build your own pizza from a list of bases, sauces, and toppings, and they fire it in a stone oven in under five minutes. What sets it apart is the quality of the ingredients. The mozzarella is fresh, the vegetables are clearly sourced with care, and the sauce options go well beyond the standard marinara.

The Vibe? Modern, bright, family-friendly. There is a play area for kids, which makes it a popular choice for parents.

The Bill? 40 to 75 SAR per person, depending on how many toppings you pile on.

The Standout? The build-your-own option is the way to go. I recommend the spicy arrabbiata base with grilled chicken, roasted peppers, and a finish of fresh arugula.

The Catch? Because everything is made to order, the wait times can be longer than you expect, especially when the restaurant is full. Budget an extra 15 to 20 minutes beyond what they quote you.

The Insider Detail? They have a loyalty app that gives you a free pizza after every eight orders. It is not well-publicized, but the staff will help you set it up if you ask. Over time, it adds up to significant savings.

Fire and Stone reflects a trend in Jeddah toward customizable dining experiences. Saudi consumers, particularly younger ones, want control over what they eat, and the build-your-own model gives them exactly that. It is a small thing, but it speaks to a broader shift in how people in this city relate to food.

Late-Night and After-Midnight Pizza in Jeddah

One thing that surprises visitors is how late Jeddah eats. Dinner at 10:00 PM is normal. Dinner at 11:00 PM is common. And there is a whole category of pizza places that cater to the post-midnight crowd, the people who have been out socializing and need something substantial before heading home. These spots are a crucial part of the city's food culture, and they deserve their own section in any honest pizza guide.

7. Domino's Pizza, Al-Balad Area

I am going to include Domino's, and I am not apologizing for it. The Domino's locations in Jeddah, particularly the one that serves the Al-Balad area, operate on a completely different level than what you might be used to. The late-night delivery infrastructure here is remarkably efficient, and the quality control is tighter than in many other countries. I have ordered from them at 1:30 AM after a long night, and the pizza arrived hot, correctly made, and within the promised time window.

The Vibe? It is delivery. Your vibe is your own living room.

The Bill? 30 to 65 SAR per person, depending on deals and combos. The app frequently has promotions that bring the cost down significantly.

The Standout? The chicken ranch pizza with extra garlic sauce on the side. It is not sophisticated, but at 1:00 AM, sophistication is not what you are looking for.

The Catch? During major events or holidays, delivery times can balloon to over an hour. Order early if you know there is a game or a celebration happening.

The Insider Detail? The Domino's app in Saudi Arabia has a "track your order" feature that is more detailed than in most other markets. You can see exactly where your driver is, and the estimated arrival time is usually accurate within five minutes.

Domino's in Jeddah tells the story of a city that never fully sleeps. Al-Balad, the historic center of Jeddah, is a UNESCO World Heritage site by day and a lively social hub by night. The fact that global chains have adapted their operations to serve this late-night culture says something important about how Jeddah functions as a city.

8. Little Caesar's, Al-Khalidiyah

Little Caesar's in Al-Khalidiyah is another chain entry, but it earns its place on this list for one specific reason: the Crazy Bread. I know that sounds like a ridiculous thing to build a recommendation around, but the Crazy Bread at the Al-Khalidiyah location is genuinely addictive. It is garlicky, buttery, and consistently well-made. Pair it with one of their pepperoni pizzas and you have a meal that, while not going to win any culinary awards, satisfies a very specific craving.

The Vibe? Grab-and-go. There is minimal seating, and most people are picking up orders.

The Bill? 20 to 40 SAR per person. This is budget dining at its most accessible.

The Standout? The Crazy Bread, hands down. Order two portions because one is never enough.

The Catch? The location is in a busy commercial area with limited parking, and the storefront is small. During peak hours, the line can get chaotic, with people ordering, picking up, and waiting all in the same cramped space.

The Insider Detail? They run a "Hot-N-Ready" promotion on weekday afternas where you can walk in and get a large pepperoni pizza for 25 SAR without waiting. It is not advertised on any menu board, but the staff knows about it.

Little Caesar's might seem like an odd inclusion in a guide that also features artisan sourdah spots, but Jeddah's food scene is not just about the high end. It is about the full spectrum, from the 25 SAR pepperoni pizza to the 120 SAR truffle creation. Every layer matters, and every layer tells you something about the city.

The Artisan Pizza Movement in Jeddah

The artisan pizza movement in Jeddah is still young, but it is growing fast. A handful of spots are pushing the boundaries of what pizza can be in this city, using techniques and ingredients that would be at home in Brooklyn or London. These places tend to be more expensive, more experimental, and more polarizing. You will either love them or find them overpriced. I mostly love them, but I understand the criticism.

9. Mano, Al-Shati

Mano in Al-Shati is the most ambitious pizza restaurant in Jeddah, full stop. The chef trained in Naples and brought back a philosophy of pizza-making that prioritizes dough quality above everything else. The crust at Mano is something else, thin and airy with a char that provides just the right amount of bitterness to balance the sweetness of the sauce. They use a wood-burning oven that reaches temperatures most places in the city cannot match, and the result is a pizza that cooks in under 90 seconds and arrives at your table with a blistered, leopard-spotted crust.

The Vibe? Intimate and serious. The dining room is small, the lighting is low, and the focus is entirely on the food.

The Bill? 90 to 160 SAR per person. This is the most expensive pizza on the list, and it is not close.

The Standout? The Marinara. No cheese, just tomato, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. It sounds plain, but the quality of each ingredient is so high that adding cheese would actually make it worse.

The Catch? Portions are smaller than what most people in Jeddah are accustomed to. If you are used to the generous sizing at places like Bella Pizza, you might leave Mano feeling like you need a second meal. I always order a pizza and a half or add two appetizers.

The Insider Detail? The chef occasionally does a "pizza omakase" experience where he prepares a series of four to five mini pizzas based on whatever ingredients he has that day. It is not on the regular menu, and you have to message them directly on Instagram to arrange it. It costs around 200 SAR per person and is worth every riyal.

Mano represents the future of Jeddah's food scene. It is proof that Saudi diners are willing to pay premium prices for premium experiences, and that the city can support restaurants that prioritize craft over convenience. The fact that it is located in Al-Shati, in the same neighborhood as Public, is no coincidence. This area is becoming the culinary heart of the city.

When to Go and What to Know

If you are planning a pizza-focused trip through Jeddah, timing matters more than you might think. Friday evenings are the busiest dining period of the week, and every restaurant on this list will be packed from 8:00 PM onward. If you can shift your schedule to a Thursday evening or a Saturday afternoon, you will have a much easier time getting a table and the kitchen will be less rushed, which means better food.

The cooler months, from November through March, are when Jeddah truly comes alive for outdoor dining. Several of the places on this list have terraces or outdoor seating that are only usable during this window. If you visit in the summer, you will be confined to air-conditioned interiors, which is fine but misses part of the experience.

Traffic in Jeddah is a factor that cannot be ignored. The drive from Al-Rawdah to Al-Shati, which is maybe 12 kilometers, can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day. I always recommend using ride-hailing apps rather than renting a car, not just because of traffic but because parking at most of these locations is a genuine challenge.

One last thing. Tipping in Jeddah is not mandatory but is increasingly expected, especially at the mid-range and upscale spots. A tip of 10 to 15 percent is standard, and the staff at places like Mano and Public genuinely appreciate it. At the more casual spots, rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra riyals is a kind gesture that goes a long way.

Jeddah is a city that rewards curiosity. The best pizza places in Jeddah are not always the most obvious ones, and the best experiences often come from asking questions, trying the off-menu item, or simply showing up at the right time. Trust the process, bring your appetite, and let the city surprise you.

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