Category: Food & Drinks

Below is a list of places I found that offer Christmas-themed lunches & dinners as well as cakes. If there is a place you know I haven’t listed, let me know so I can add it:

Courtyard by Marriott
Christmas Eve Dinner: 24KD (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: 20KD (Buffet)

Crowne Plaza Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: 17KD (Buffet)

Grand Majestic Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: 7.9KD (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: 7.9KD (Buffet)

Holiday Inn Salmiya
Christmas Day Lunch: 16.9KD (Buffet)

Jumeirah Messilah Beach
Christmas Eve Dinner: 24KD (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: 24KD (Buffet)

Radisson Blu Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: 19.5KD (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: 21KD (Buffet)

Ramada Encore Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: 9.5KD (Set Menu)

Safir Fintas Kuwait Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: 9.9KD (Buffet)

Symphony Style Hotel
Christmas Eve Dinner: 18KD (Buffet)
Christmas Day Lunch: 20KD (Buffet)

Vigonovo
Christmas Eve Dinner: 15KD (Set Menu)
Christmas Day Lunch: 15KD (Set Menu)

Call ahead to book. Prices are per person and I’ve mentioned if it’s a buffet or set menu. Crowne Plaza offers two restaurants for Christmas Eve dinner, while Jumeirah has one restaurant for Christmas dinner and another for Christmas lunch.

Gourmet Grocers is a new premium grocery store that recently opened a boutique at the Nasco building in Shuwaikh. They offer a curated selection of high-quality gourmet products to cater to customers with particular tastes. It’s like walking into a boutique where every shelf and corner is packed with the finest gourmet selections; a foodie’s dream come true.

Their product range spans various categories, including cereals and grains, condiments, snacks, beverages, and lifestyle items. They are resellers for notable brands like Bjorg, Lune de Miel, Nicholas Alziari, but they also carry other premium brands like Seggiano, François Doucet, Meurisse, and more. This extensive selection ensures that customers have access to exclusive and premium items not commonly found in the local market.

They also just launched their festive selection comprising of Panettone, Panforte, in addition to a Festive Gift Box and other products.

Speaking of gifts, if you’re looking for something truly unique, their custom gift boxes are a hit if you’re going to a gathering or want to gift something thoughtful to a food lover. Customers can pick from ready-made boxes or create their own by choosing from the store’s premium products to make the gift more personal and special. The packaging is also elegant which adds a touch of luxury to every gift.

In addition to their physical boutique in Shuwaikh, Gourmet Grocers provides an online shopping platform with complimentary delivery across Kuwait. Customers can place orders through their website gourmet-grocers.com, with same-day delivery available for orders placed before 2pm.

If you want to pass by their store, here is their location on Google Maps. For the latest updates, product highlights, or to start shopping, visit their Instagram @gourmetgrocers or head to their website gourmet-grocers.com

UR Cookies first opened back in 2020—just a small spot, nothing fancy, it was primarily a pick-up and delivery location. But, they had a solid, satisfying cookie that wasn’t too big, not too sweet, and always fresh. They had a straightforward approach which I appreciated.

Recently, they opened a second, much larger location at The Avenues. The new spot offers plenty of seating, a cool trendy interior, and it’s much easier to visit (for me) since I’m at The Avenues once a week, usually more. Despite the bigger space and the busier setting, they haven’t lost the simple vibe, it still feels like a cookie place, not a cookie factory.

With the opening of their new spot, they also launched a must-try item called ‘UR Scoop,’ which I’d been seeing all over my TikTok feed. It’s a warm, thick, and gooey cookie dough scooped into a cup and topped with creamy vanilla soft serve. When I saw it on TikTok, I knew I had to try it when I’d pass by to take pictures for this post. It’s as amazing as it sounds, and I’m already looking forward to having it again this Friday when I’m back at The Avenues. It’s definitely worth the hype.

UR Cookies is located in The Avenues Phase 4, in the food court below Vox Cinemas. Their viral item ‘UR Scoop’ is exclusively available at this location and not available for delivery. The new location also has cold and hot drinks including milkshakes and specialty coffee. Swipe left to see the pictures I took and then head over to their account @ur.cookies.kw

Winter in Kuwait tends to mean cozy drinks which is why hot chocolate is always a favorite here. This season, Tim Hortons has perfected their milk hot chocolate recipe, making it more irresistible than ever. The new Milk Hot Chocolate is creamy, comforting, and great for chilly mornings or cozy evenings.

Tim Hortons have 12 locations across Kuwait, celebrated for their warm ambiance, 100% premium arabica coffee beans and, of course, their iconic freshly baked and dipped donuts and timbits. Visit @Timhortons.Kuwait and enjoy

Since food posts are back on the menu, here is a cool new spot that opened.

Bread Street is a new micro bakery and deli concept by the same team behind Upper Street and Table Otto. They just opened at JACC, and when I saw photos of the place I thought it looked great with its cool retro vibe, which is why I decided to stop by and check it out in person.

I got there at 8 AM this morning to take photos thinking it would be empty, but even though they had just opened the place was already busy with people. I ended up borrowing the photos for this post from Bread Street and @expensive.appetite, who kindly gave me permission to use his photos as well.

They’re an all-day concept, but I’ve always been a fan of Street’s and Table Otto’s breakfast, which is why I’m excited to try Bread Street’s this weekend. The team really excel at breakfast items, and with JACC already being my favorite Friday morning spot thanks to Cocoa Room, it feels like the perfect fit. They have both outdoor and indoor seating, but the indoor only has around four tables so it’s a fairly small space.

Click here if you want to check out their breakfast and brunch menu.

They currently open from 8AM to 11PM and if you want to check them out head over to @breadstreet.eats

Ever since Ave opened, they’ve been creating exciting new experiences, and the latest might be their wildest yet. Ave has transformed into a vibrant jungle escape. This bold reinvention blends cutting-edge technology, artistic design, and a refreshed menu to create an unparalleled dining experience.

From the moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a lush wilderness. Hologram fans project birds and butterflies that seem to float around you, while dynamic screens make it look like you’re dining in the heart of the jungle. At the bar, a jungle projection backdrop showcases waterfalls, trees, and greenery.

The menu has also been updated with dishes inspired by tropical flavors, blending unique ingredients with creative techniques. They also have new signature drinks that showcase vibrant colors and bold flavors, and a show-stopping presentation. Finally, Ave, known for their viral desserts, has done it again with Sweet Meets Nature—a new creation that mimics a plant in a pot, offering a fun and memorable touch.

Even the staff is part of the experience, with stylish new outfits that match the jungle vibe.

Ave also specializes in creating unforgettable moments with celebration packages designed for every occasion. From dinners for two with personalized floral arrangements to grand gatherings featuring special setups, Ave ensures a memorable experience. Packages include elegant table settings, themed décor, and thoughtful touches like a welcome drink or customized elements for your event. Whatever the size of your group, they tailor the experience to make your celebration truly special. To see the different packages and book, click here.

Ave isn’t just a place to eat, it’s an immersive experience. If you’re ready to escape into nature’s wonderland, head over to @ave.kw

This is just a quick update to my previous post relating to the opening of Popeyes in Kuwait. According to my contact there, the opening date of their first location has now been pushed back to January 2025.

Popeyes operated in Kuwait until closing in 2014, and now the Saudi food company Tanmiah is bringing it back. They’re opening two branches in Kuwait initially, one in Divonne Complex in Abu al-Hasaniyah, and the other in Sky Mall in Dhajeej.

I was going through my old posts on Wachamean and I found one I had written right after our 3-week lockdown during Covid. At the time, I was craving burgers and fries, so the first thing I did once we could leave the house was head to Wachamean. Their Jammin’ Bacon burger is one of my favorite burgers, but it’s a limited time only burger so it’s not on their menu all the time.

While I wait for the Jammin’ Bacon burger to make a comeback, they dropped another one of their limited-time items last week—their popular chicken burger, ‘Gimme Dat Chicken.’ It’s a sweet, spicy, and crispy fried chicken with American cheese, pickles, coleslaw, honey mustard, and brioche bun.

In addition to that, they’ve also introduced a new chicken burger sandwich, the Buffalo Chicken. It’s a crispy chicken fillet topped with melted cheddar cheese, zesty buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch sauce.

If you’re a fan of Wachamean like I am, now’s a great time to check them out and give their chicken burgers a try while we wait for the Jammin’ Bacon burger to make its comeback. The Gimme Dat Chicken and Buffalo Chicken both are available at any of their 9 locations around Kuwait, or through delivery. Don’t forget to follow their account to stay updated on their latest drops @eatwachamean

Ora has been one of my go-to Japanese spots since they first opened over a decade ago. They also happen to be conveniently located in the same building as my office in the City, so they’re also my favorite quick escape for lunch.

One of the things I love about Ora is how they give their interior a makeover and launch new menu items every season. And it’s that time again, they just launched their new Winter Menu.

The Winter Menu created by Ora’s head chef Mohammed Ansari, features 15 dishes that capture the essence of the season, with ingredients that highlight the rich, warming flavors of winter in Japan. From hot tapas to delicate sushi rolls with a winter twist, each dish is thoughtfully crafted to provide a cozy, satisfying experience.

Along with the winter menu, Ora will be introducing a new seasonal interior installation designed to complement the winter-inspired dining experience. If you’re a fan of their creative take on Japanese cuisine, head over to @ora.kw and experience the new winter offerings.

Thanksgiving is coming up so I’ve put together two lists, one of restaurants that are serving Thanksgiving dinner, and the other of restaurants that have Thanksgiving dinners to take home. Last year there were more options for dine-in but this year, as of now, it looks like it’s only Radisson Blu. Update: More dine-in options have been added.

If there is a place you know serving Thanksgiving dinner that I haven’t listed, let me know so I can add it to the list:

Dine-In
Little Ruby’s
Radisson Blu
Santolina at SVN (for members and their guests)

Take-Out
Baker & Spice
Dean & Deluca
Four Seasons Hotel
Little Deli
Madison & Heig
Monoprix
Paul
Radisson Blu
Santolina at SVN
Sawsan
Sultan Center
Symphony Style Hotel

This is a collaboration we didn’t know we needed. CAF and KDD have come together to bring a new drink called the Chocolate Latte. The drink combines everyone’s favorite KDD Chocolate Milk with CAF’s signature coffee and is available as hot or iced.

This isn’t the first time CAF has collaborated with KDD. Their first partnership in 2016 featured the KDD Ice Cream Sandwich, and to date, over 2 million of them have been used.

The new Chocolate Latte is available today in all 21 CAF branches. @cafcafe

Barbacoa is a steakhouse that opened earlier this year, but their story is actually older than that.

Yaqoub AlWazzan, chef and owner of Barbacoa, got into barbecuing as a hobby to entertain his friends. He started with grilling, but one day bought a used smoker to try his hand at smoking. As he honed his skills, his friends encouraged him to turn his passion into a business. Yaqoub started small, working from home and offering delivery only, before eventually opening a smokehouse called Meat Pirate (I love the name). Living by the sea in Khiran at the time, he drew inspiration for the name from his surroundings. Meat Pirate quickly gained popularity, catching the attention of an investor interested in partnering with Yaqoub to open a restaurant—leading to the creation of Barbacoa.

Barbacoa is a fire dining experience located in Shuwaikh, with a space designed around the art of grilling. One wall is lined with shelves holding firewood for the grills, while the bar area wraps around a massive Santa Maria grill that feels straight out of another era. There’s also outdoor seating available, which opens up during the cooler months.

As you’d expect, the menu is packed with a variety of meats—lamb, beef, chicken, duck, and even some seafood—all grilled over a wood fire in front of you, or smoked in the back inside their custom-built smoker. Dishes are divided into small, medium, and large plates, so you can easily share a lamb rack or keep the Steak Frites all for yourself. More importantly, the menu was put together by someone who loves and is passionate about the food he’s serving.

Barbacoa also have BBQ nights taking place every Wednesday with a special menu filled with favorites like Brisket, Short Ribs, and their very own homemade Chorizo sausages.

If you want to pass by Barbacoa, they’re located in Shuwaikh, inside Lot90, the same complex that has the Italian restaurant Cantina, and the coffee shop Altitude Roasters. They’re open daily from 2PM to 10:30PM with the BBQ Nights being held every Wednesday. Check them out @barbacoa.kw

JON is a new experience by the sea that launches today. The project is by Gastronomica, the same group behind a lot of our favorite food brands like OFK, Burger Boutique, Cocoa Room, Lazy Cat, and Slider Station, so you can expect an elevated experience.

The location is stunning. I first visited last week while it was still under construction, and returned yesterday at sunset to experience the play of light and shadows. JON was built right next to the water, so once you’re inside get an uninterrupted view of the sea.

The place is divided into two main areas:

Al-Qarya
Meaning the village, this first area at JON is both a retail and culinary spot. There are a number of retail shops located in this space as well as an art exhibition space. Al-Qarya also has two dining concepts, the first is BRW, a coffee and bakery concept, and the second is Fat Pie, a new pizza concept offering artisanal pizzas.

OFK
The second half of JON is taken up by their sophisticated dining experience, OFK. OFK at JON will feature a new innovative menu different from their existing menu at their Al Hamra location, but in addition to food, OFK will also have live musical entertainment.

To get access to JON, you need to make a reservation through their website. Al-Qarya is free to access daily from 8AM to 4PM, but still requires registration due to the limited number of guests the area can take. If you want to access Al-Qarya between 4PM and 12AM, then the price of entry is 10KD. This includes a 5KD entry charge, with the remaining 5KD usable as credit within the venue.

Accessing OFK requires a different reservation. OFK opens from 6PM to 12AM and it’s 30KD per person. The 30 KD is credited toward your dining experience, which is à la carte rather than a set menu.

JON is located near the Kuwait Towers, right next to where Trader Vic’s used to be (Google Maps). If you’re interested in reserving your spot, head to jonkuwait.com

For more photos, check out my Instagram @248am

Lucky Manca came to life in a very organic process. The owner, Awce, used to make cookies, brownies, and other simple comfort treats for his friends and family. After a lot of encouragement, he took his first step and launched a home business with one product, a box of mini brownies.

Eventually, his home business gained so much popularity that demand outgrew his abilities. So, he put the concept on hold, rebuilt it as an official business with a team and large kitchen, and relaunched last month.

With the relaunch, he also expanded the menu to include brownies, cookies, and his special chocolate crunch. Awce also introduced limited items from the test kitchen like the crack cheesecake which is on the menu right now.

Lucky Manca also have an item on the menu called the Lucky Trio. It’s a box that contains all three of their main items which makes it a great dessert to take to gatherings.

If you want to try them out, they’re available on @bilbayt, @itslocals, @deliveroo_kw and their website luckymanca.com. For more info and photos, head to @luckymanca.xyz

A few days ago The Avenues announced that AlBaik was opening in phase II, and I’ve now got a date. According to my contact inside The Avenues, they’re expecting AlBaik to open at the end of December, give or take a week depending on if any issues pop up. So, it’s coming up soon—less than two months away.

If you’ve never heard of AlBaik, it’s a popular Saudi fried chicken concept that’s been around since 1974. Their first location outside of Saudi Arabia opened in Bahrain in 2020, followed by the UAE in 2021. The new Avenues location is in Food World, right next to the entrance of Magic Planet.