Joontos Restaurant
Saudi Arabia
At a glance
Joontos Restaurant, located in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, offers a unique dining experience that honors the region's rich cultural heritage while embracing modern culinary innovation. The restaurant is nestled within the historic AlUla Old Town, known for its atmospheric mudbrick architecture that seamlessly merges the traditional with the contemporary. Diners can expect an environment that prioritizes sustainability, reflecting the ethos of its setting.
The cuisine at Joontos is a celebration of local flavors, skillfully crafting dishes that pay homage to traditional Arabic culinary art while integrating contemporary flair. The menu is thoughtfully curated to provide a sensory journey, inviting guests to explore the tastes and textures that define the region's gastronomic identity.
The ambiance at Joontos is designed to be both welcoming and intimate, ideal for couples or small groups seeking a memorable dining experience. Natural ventilation and candlelit lighting contribute to the serene setting, making it a perfect choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the history and tranquility of AlUla. The restaurant's commitment to heritage and sustainability is evident in both its design and culinary approach, offering a dining experience that is as respectful of the past as it is anticipatory of the future.
Joontos Restaurant caters to various preferences, providing a versatile setting suitable for gatherings, whether for a leisurely meal or a special occasion. Its location within the iconic AlUla Old Town enhances the charm of the venue, allowing diners to enjoy not just a meal, but a connection to the storied past of this remarkable region.
Reviews
Such a wonderful experience in AlUla! The food was absolutely delicious and the ambiance was incredible. It genuinely felt like being transported back in time. Every detail made the experience feel so special and unique. A special mention to Kevin, who was incredibly friendly, attentive and went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time. His warm service truly made our experience even better. Highly recommended if you’re visiting AlUla!
Juntos Restaurant in AlUla Old Town was one of the highlights of our entire trip. A useful tip first. You cannot drive directly into the Old Town. You need to park at the Old Town parking area and take the free shuttle bus in. At first this seemed frustrating on Google Maps, but it actually became part of the experience, because you then walk through the ancient streets of Old AlUla to reach the restaurant. It genuinely feels like stepping back in time. The restaurant itself is beautiful. Rustic, traditional, calm, and full of atmosphere. There’s no AC, but we visited in May in 30–32°C evening heat and felt perfectly comfortable thanks to the shaded stone building, terrace area, and ceiling fans. The menu is a really clever fusion of Spanish and Arabic flavours. Garlic, saffron, goat’s cheese, hummus, sun-dried tomatoes. Everything felt thoughtfully balanced and absolutely delicious. Me and my teenage sons had the lamb shank with rice. Interestingly, it arrived off the bone in a jar with sauce, alongside a separate jar of rice. At first we thought, “That doesn’t look enough.” We were completely wrong. Between the mains, sides, bread baskets, and dips, we left completely full. A special mention for our waiter, PARES from Nepal. Honestly one of the best servers I’ve experienced anywhere. Calm, attentive, never rushed, incredible attention to detail, and service standards that honestly reminded me of somewhere like The Dorchester in London. Drinks poured from the correct side, no leaning across the table, empty dishes cleared at exactly the right moment. Professional without ever feeling stiff or pretentious. He also recommended ending the meal with a mint jasmine tea served in traditional Saudi cups, which was the perfect finish. Then you walk back through the old streets at night toward the shuttle bus and car park, which somehow makes the whole evening even better. Absolutely worth visiting. A must experience in AlUla.
Our experience at Joontos was nothing short of exceptional. The restaurant beautifully captures the essence of heritage, providing an authentic Ula experience that transports you to its rich cultural roots. The food was outstanding. We started with a delightful assortment that included tabbouleh, battata, and sambsosa, each dish bursting with fresh flavors. For the main course, we savored the tenderloin steak, cooked to perfection, accompanied by aromatic vegetable rice that perfectly showcased traditional Arabic flavors. To cleanse our palates, we enjoyed a refreshing ginger and lemon drink that complemented our meal beautifully. A special thank you to the manager, for his attention to service that made our dinner even more memorable.
Extraordinary experience at Joontos! We come 5 times for meals including 4 dinners + 1 breakfast (we lived in The House Hotel for a night so a breakfast was included). Every time we tried different dishes, and every plate surprise us, more than worthy the Michelin Recommendation. 1. Breakfast is the BEST among Banyan Tree, Habitas and Cloud 7. Menu is rich, seasonings for each plate are carefully selected, employees truly love their place and guests like you and me. 2. Dinners are BEYOND EXPECTATIONS at this price! Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fusion cuisine, we almost tried every dishes in our 4 times of visits. Check for more details in the pictures I attached, 5 stars are the most most recommended for me! 3. Only 1 thing, I'm a Chinese so the chicken here is a bit Middle-East for me, I love more of a juicy texture. Other for chicken, everything is just beyond expectation and I would rate 12 out of 10!
An exceptional dining experience at Dar Tantora Joontos. The restaurant’s cultural heritage interior design is breathtaking - authentic, earthy and deeply connected to Al Ula’s history. Every details of the space reflects respect for tradition while creating a warm and immersive atmosphere. The food was outstanding: earthy, thoughtfully crafted dishes with a beautiful balance of ingredients, showcasing local inspiration and refined flavors! What truly elevated the experience was the excellent service. The management was attentive and professional and Fuad, our waiter, was exceptional - warm, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about ensuring a honorable experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience Al Ula through culture, gastronomy and hospitality at finest!
