Qatif Gets First Fine-Dining Italian Restaurant by Young Chef

Food lovers in Saudi Arabia may soon find a new reason to visit Qatif. The small coastal city is preparing to welcome its first fine-dining restaurant, Osteria Dal Nonno. The restaurant promises an authentic Italian experience, created by 23-year-old Saudi chef Ali Al-Jishi. Al-Jishi trained under the famous Italian chef Francesco Gasbarro and studied at the Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland.

Chef Ali Al-Jishi’s Journey

Al-Jishi has long dreamed of becoming a chef. However, his parents were initially unsure about his career choice. Eventually, he convinced them and traveled to Switzerland in 2019 as part of Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Scholarship program. During his time there, he learned everything about running a restaurant — from cooking techniques to accounting and nutrition.

Intensive Training in Switzerland

At the Culinary Arts Academy, Al-Jishi faced intense training. He began his internship in Geneva under Gasbarro, who owns two Michelin-starred restaurants and a Bib Gourmand award-winning Osteria Della Bottega. The first three months were challenging, as he worked in the mise-en-place section, preparing ingredients and making sure all kitchen tools were ready.

Learning Discipline and Precision

Al-Jishi’s daily tasks included cutting 20 kilos of cherry tomatoes, picking parsley leaves, and ensuring perfect preparation. Gasbarro was very strict, making Al-Jishi redo any imperfect work. This tough training taught him precision, patience, and discipline — skills essential to running a successful restaurant. Despite the difficulties, Al-Jishi completed the six-month internship successfully.

Inspiration Behind Osteria Dal Nonno

After returning to Saudi Arabia, Al-Jishi wanted to open a fine-dining restaurant in his hometown. The name Osteria Dal Nonno, meaning “Grandpa’s Restaurant,” is a playful nod to his fascination with Italian food during his school days. The restaurant aims to provide authentic Italian cuisine and a luxurious dining experience for residents of Qatif.

Focus on Handmade and Authentic Food

Everything on the menu will be made from scratch, including 12 different types of pasta. Some of the feature dishes include gnudi, a ricotta dumpling served with onion, butter, and mushroom cream, and manzo, a charcoal-grilled dry-aged Italian steak on arugula salad with parmesan and balsamic vinegar. Slow-cooked beef cheeks are also served with dark chocolate and smoked mozzarella on homemade focaccia.

Desserts and Breakfast Options

Desserts at Osteria Dal Nonno include classic tiramisu, crème brûlée, and special gelatos, such as Italian basil flavor. Breakfast options are inspired by Greek, French, and local Qatifi cuisine. For example, the traditional Qatifi breakfast dish siwiya is reinvented with angel hair pasta in an Italian style.

Supporting Local Talent

Al-Jishi prioritizes hiring Saudi chefs, especially from Qatif. He wants to help local talent grow and show that Qatifi chefs can achieve great success. The restaurant will also provide opportunities for students and culinary graduates to learn and gain experience, echoing Al-Jishi’s own internship journey.

Testing the Market With a Pop-Up

In December, Al-Jishi opened a pop-up version of Osteria Dal Nonno in C-Front, Qatif, for three weeks. The initial days were challenging as customers were unfamiliar with authentic Italian dishes. However, once people tried the food, the restaurant served over 300 pasta dishes daily, creating excitement and interest among residents.

Culinary Education and Classes

Al-Jishi has hosted several cooking classes in 2024, including five for children and one for adults. These classes teach participants how to make dishes from scratch and help them understand the joy and discipline of cooking. Al-Jishi hopes to open his own academy one day, where people can learn to make pastries, pasta, baked goods, and Arabic cuisine.

Plans for Crumbs & Curry

In addition to Osteria Dal Nonno, Al-Jishi is opening Crumbs & Curry, a takeout-and-delivery-only restaurant serving katsu curry. He plans for it to eventually evolve into a casual dine-in restaurant, expanding his culinary offerings in Qatif.

Commitment to Authenticity

Al-Jishi emphasizes the importance of authenticity. He wants Qatif residents to experience real Italian flavors and dishes prepared with care. He also highlights that Arabic cuisine is complex and deserves respect and attention, showing his dedication to learning and sharing different culinary traditions.

Bringing Qatif on the Culinary Map

By opening the city’s first fine-dining Italian restaurant, Al-Jishi hopes to put Qatif on the culinary map. He wants locals to have a place to celebrate special occasions such as weddings, graduations, or just a night out. The restaurant will also serve as a learning hub for aspiring chefs.

Vision for the Future

Al-Jishi envisions a thriving culinary scene in Qatif. Through his restaurants, classes, and future academy, he aims to teach cooking skills, inspire young chefs, and promote both international and local cuisine. His journey reflects the importance of dedication, training, and vision in achieving culinary success.

Osteria Dal Nonno is more than a restaurant; it is a symbol of dedication, learning, and cultural exchange. Al-Jishi’s journey from Switzerland to Qatif shows how hard work and passion can transform the local food scene. With authentic Italian dishes, handmade pasta, and a focus on local talent, the restaurant promises to be a culinary landmark in Saudi Arabia.