Where We Are Going Today: Ashwag restaurant in Jeddah

With four locations across the Kingdom’s capital, Avindar Lounge offers a space where you can enjoy lush greenery and good food.

The lounge I visited is located on the northeast side of Riyadh and includes a separate section for smokers.

The menu is diverse and appeals to different tastes, so you can sample anything from Middle Eastern kebabs to pasta and burgers.

The lights are dimmed every Tuesday night for a candlelit experience with a pianist playing live music, creating an atmospheric experience for guests.

I tried the mixed appetizer, which was flavorful and memorable. It included hummus, tabouli, dolma, and baba ghanoush.

And while I am generally not a fan of sweet beverages, I genuinely enjoyed their hot chocolate, which was not overwhelmingly sweet or creamy.

However, considering the portion sizes, which are enough for one person, customers might find the prices a bit high.

But the music and bird sounds, paired with the lounge’s colorful and cozy interior, make Avindar a refreshing spot for dining or coffee with friends.

Olala Roastery is one of the most recognizable names among local coffee roasters in Saudi Arabia.

I tried two of their signature boxes: Nsahsah (Wake Me Up) and Mw Eadi (Not Your Usual), each with labeled blends and a colorful unboxing experience.

The Not Your Usual box featured two exceptional beans — vista and roza. Vista quickly became a favorite, thanks to its smooth body, light acidity, and a finish that felt both clean and vibrant. It was the kind of coffee that stood out from the first cup. I finished it so quickly — it was the best I have ever tried.

Roza, with its subtle fruity tones, offered a more delicate profile that worked beautifully for slower mornings.

The packaging is part of the Olala experience — lively illustrations, custom stickers and even branded takeaway cups. Every element reflects fun and youthful energy, making it perfect for gifting or for coffee lovers with an eye for design.

One drawback, however, was the inconsistency between the flavor notes written on some of the packaging and the actual taste of the coffee. The flavor profiles were not as clear or defined as described, which may leave some drinkers guessing — especially those who choose beans based on specific expectations.

Still, Olala Roastery delivers fresh, well-roasted coffee wrapped in a full sensory experience, making it a creative and proudly Saudi addition to the specialty coffee scene.

For more information, check @olala.roastery on Instagram.