Llama Cafe, with its whimsical name and minimalistic branding, could have easily leaned into gimmicky novelty, but it instead delivers an experience that feels polished and playful.

The homegrown brand launched in Dammam some years ago and has since expanded across the Eastern Province. We visited the Alkhobar location, the second branch, which opened last year.

Sunlight poured in through massive windows, illuminating the space. The to-go fridge at the entrance was ideal for grabbing sandwiches or salads quickly.

I ordered the Llama iced tea, which features a refreshing hibiscus blend and thankfully contains no trace of actual llama.

Though SR21 ($5) felt steep for the small size, the drink came in a charming, durable cup that was so well made I gladly took it home to wash and reuse. 

Food-wise, the SR25 Sahara chicken mirage salad was a standout: Fresh, full of textures and colors with pieces of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, greens, yellow corn and even little bits of toasted nuts.

It was all coated in a light dressing that you drizzle yourself. My favorite part — aside from the deliciousness — was that it was served in a compostable container. 

For dessert, I chose the Madrid cheesecake (SR19), which the staff eagerly recommended. It had a golden, slightly caramelized top and a buttery, well-balanced crust that added just the right amount of texture.

Speckled with real vanilla bean, it was creamy and rich in the middle without feeling heavy. It struck that ideal middle ground between airy and indulgent. Definitely worth trying!

I had been trying to cut back my caffeine intake but could not resist trying the seemingly popular V60 drip. I ordered mine iced with Guatemalan beans (SR20), served with perfectly shaped cubes that melted at just the right pace.

A cylinder aquarium situated by the pickup station was peculiar to me. It contained a real fish swimming inside — an oddly soothing mascot for a llama-named cafe.

Up the flight of stairs — I did not notice an elevator — the space was filled with small tables ideal for working. On the day of our visit, a midday and midweek stop, almost every table was occupied with a laptop. Wall plugs were available throughout and the two restrooms were tiny but spotless.

The main floor had plenty of seating, including some directly outside, for those who dared to brave the scorching hot weather to perhaps smoke or work on their tan.

The cafe sells locally baked sourdough bread that is sliced and bagged, and I cannot wait to return to try it. 

For more details visit Instagram @llama.cafe.

When you arrive at Villaggio Restaurants Village in Alkhobar, a giant green arrow on the automatic sliding door points the way to Green Spot, prominently positioned in the corner, near the main parking lot.

Step inside, and you will find an oasis of delicious, nutritious snacks. After sitting empty for some time, the unit has now been revived in the best way.

Green Spot is the only grocery store in the vicinity — and it is no tiny corner shop. This location is packed with elevated, thoughtfully curated snacks and clean-eating essentials, making the walkable area even more ripe with choice. 

Originally from neighboring Qatif, where the first branch opened in 2016, Green Spot launched its second location earlier this summer. This new outpost is chock-full of organic treats I have not seen in many measly health food-dedicated aisles in grocery stores. 

Inside, there is a kaleidoscope of snacks in various colors, such as freeze-dried fruit, chocolate, a whole selection of kombucha, kimchi, vegan as well as lactose-free cheese, and tofu in many forms. 

It has rows of chips made from organic chickpeas to seaweed to banana to coconut puffs and everything in between. There is also a frozen food section.

Because it caters to health and body, there is a section with body wash, lotion, shampoo, dental cleaning wipes, and curiously, toothpaste in a liquid pump dispenser that looks like soap — among other organic beauty products.

The store features items inspired by European and Asian palates that are not often found here in the Kingdom, along with a range of dairy-free options from brands rarely available locally.

Prices are comparable with similar specialty stores, and every purchase is packed in a reusable bag — a small but welcome step toward sustainability.

Their Instagram is @greenspot_sa.