"Medina's mosque-view table — the international buffet at Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah lays out global dishes directly above the Prophet's Mosque."
About Arabesque
Arabesque is the international buffet restaurant of the five-star Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah on King Fahad Road in central Medina, and its draw is the view: the dining room overlooks the Prophet's Mosque, one of the most significant settings any table in the city can offer. The buffet spread runs a smorgasbord of seasonal, sustainably sourced dishes from around the world — fragrant curries, pasta, fresh seafood and chicken biryani among them — in an alcohol-free room built for pilgrims and travellers.
For Medina's other hotel dining, compare the fine-dining rooms at The Oberoi, the grills at The Steak House and the Japanese cooking at Tokushi. Arabesque belongs to the city's hotel-dining scene.
The Kitchen
The format is a generous international buffet rather than a single kitchen's à la carte — a wide spread of seasonal, sustainably sourced dishes that moves across continents in one sitting, from fragrant curries and pasta to fresh seafood, carved mains and a chicken biryani, with afternoon-tea service and a full dessert station. Pricing sits around 125 Saudi riyals, roughly 33 US dollars, per adult, and the room is alcohol-free in keeping with the city. It is a meal built for variety and for the view rather than for a chef's tasting menu.
The Room
The setting is the headline — among the most luxurious dining rooms in Al Madinah, with windows giving directly onto the Prophet's Mosque, so an early-evening table catches the call to prayer and the floodlit minarets. The room is large and busy, suited to families, groups and travellers rather than a quiet table for two, and the buffet format keeps the pace sociable. Booking a window table ahead is worth it, particularly in the pilgrimage seasons.
Best for a Team Dinner
A generous buffet, a large room and a mosque view make Arabesque a natural team dinner or a celebratory special meal in Medina. The setting and variety also suit hosting a guest you want to impress.
Not for
Not for a quiet à la carte dinner, a romantic table for two or budget travellers — Arabesque is a busy hotel buffet whose real draw is the mosque view.
Frequently Asked
What is Arabesque in Medina known for?
It is the international buffet restaurant of Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah, known above all for its direct view of the Prophet's Mosque and for a wide global buffet spread — curries, pasta, fresh seafood, chicken biryani and afternoon tea.
What kind of food does Arabesque serve?
A seasonal, sustainably sourced international buffet that moves across continents in one sitting, from fragrant curries and pasta to fresh seafood, carved mains and a dessert station, in an alcohol-free room.
How much does it cost?
Around 125 Saudi riyals, roughly 33 US dollars, per adult, with drinks typically extra — buffet pricing for a five-star hotel setting.
Where is Arabesque located?
In the five-star Sofitel Shahd Al Madinah on King Fahad Road in the Central Area of Medina, overlooking the Prophet's Mosque.
Does Arabesque serve alcohol?
No — in keeping with the city, the restaurant is entirely alcohol-free.
Do I need a reservation?
Booking a window table ahead is worth it for the mosque view, particularly in the pilgrimage seasons when the room is busiest.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Arabesque
Book a window table ahead for the mosque view, especially in pilgrimage seasons.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressSofitel Shahd Al Madinah, King Fahad Road, Medina
NeighbourhoodCentral Area, by the Prophet's Mosque
CuisineInternational buffet
Price~SAR 125 (about $33) per adult
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingMosque-view buffet dining room
ReservationRecommended
