If you feel like sampling a taste of Korea while in Alkhobar, look no further than Villaggio Restaurants Village and Koyee Korean Cafe and Cuisine.
While Riyadh has its original Koyee barbecue spot, which opened in early 2025, this second location, which launched six months ago, has a more curated dessert offering — but there is other food too.
The name Koyee is a playful nod to Korea and the name of their master chef, Yonghwi Bae.
Visitors will enjoy the elegant ambience and calming interior. The decor is Korean chic with some Japanese inspiration. But the target is clearly Saudi.
The friendly Korean staff will help you with suggestions.
The Korean coffee pairs well with sweet potato mousse cake. The sweet potato is lightly encased within the creamy and spongy cake. The sprinkling of the extra soft white dusting on the crust is such a fun surprise, and the tiny bit of stiff chocolate — shaped like a crown — makes for a harmonious medley of textures fit for a royal.
The space itself has ample seating with some more private rooms for families.
You must try the new recipe of Japanese-inspired crispy chicken katsu with curry, which comes with white rice and a sprinkling of nori and a small salad.
The establishment’s kimchi rice hits the spot — though it contained little bits of spicy meat — topped with a fried egg and served with miso soup and some pickled crunchy bits.
The Seoul-style cheesecake was the perfect way to end the meal.
The staff will write your name in Arabic and in Korean on the takeaway bag — a small but gentle gesture that you will appreciate.
It's worth noting that after 8 p.m. all its bakery items have 50 percent off.
For more information and inspiration, visit the Instagram page @KoyeeKoreanCafeAndCuisine.
