Saudi homes are being repurposed into restaurants, blending living spaces with dining experiences.

RIYADH April 5, 2025: Across Saudi Arabia, historic homes are being creatively repurposed into cafes and restaurants, inviting the public into what were once private residences. Restaurateurs shared their experiences and the challenges they face in transforming these old properties, shedding light on a rising trend in the Kingdom.

Restoring an 80-year-old home: The journey of Tagmera

In Madinah, several family-run establishments have embraced this idea. For Saleh Shahini, business partner of Tagmera, and his mother, Abeer Al-Masri, converting their historic property into a cafe allowed them to preserve decades of heritage.

“The house was built 80 years ago by the Al-Maghadawi family, with the first floor made of volcanic stone, and later, wooden and clay floors were added,” Shahini explained.

One of their main challenges was the fragility of the upper floors, which raised safety concerns for guests. “We had to remove the two upper floors but kept the original stone foundation intact. It was a delicate process, but we wanted to stay true to the home’s origins,” he said.

Tagmera maintained the intimate feel of the original structure, ensuring visitors felt connected to its history. “The narrow spaces and low ceilings create a warm, peaceful atmosphere, making it easy for guests to engage in conversation,” Shahini noted.

The cafe remains a family-run business, with Al-Masri and her seven children actively participating in the daily operations. Their menu reflects this family-oriented approach, featuring fermented dough, jams, and traditional ingredients, all prepared using age-old homemade methods.

“Everything on our menu is made in-house, using old fermentation techniques and authentic ingredients, just as we would prepare at home,” Shahini said.

In Madinah’s Al-Magheesla district, a traditional house has been transformed into Into Sushi, a Japanese restaurant run by Leen Kurdi and her family.

“Transforming the house into a restaurant was challenging as we wanted to preserve the soul of the home and the integrity of the volcanic stone,” Kurdi said. The restaurant blends Japanese flavors with the warmth of Madini hospitality. The original entrance and doorbell were kept to maintain the feeling of stepping into a private home.

“What makes our place special is my mother greeting guests, serving hospitality drinks of our own creation, including a signature pomegranate and Madini rose cocktail, and I personally prepare the dishes with my team,” Kurdi said.

Abdulrahman Al-Hejaili, owner of Kaboun, had long been fascinated by the concept of a home-turned-restaurant. Inspired by family discussions about creating a homely atmosphere in a restaurant, Al-Hejaili aimed to replicate this idea.

“We wanted to create a place that felt like home—where guests could enjoy simple, comforting food in a welcoming setting,” he explained.

The transformation required meticulous planning to ensure the home’s cozy feel was preserved while making it suitable for restaurant operations. “Balancing the personal, cozy vibe of a home with the professionalism needed for a restaurant was one of our biggest challenges,” he added.

Kaboun has gained a reputation for its authentic home-style dining, with dishes served in their most simple and unembellished forms, just like at home. “From the moment guests arrive, they feel like family. We serve food that is fresh and simple, without unnecessary enhancements,” he said.

Reyam Al-Ahmadi, a visitor to the Al-Hayy project in Madinah, described the experience of visiting these homes-turned-restaurants. “Not long ago, a video went viral about someone’s amazement at these transformed homes, and I felt the same wonder when I visited Al-Hayy,” she said.

She described walking through a historically rich area where homes were reimagined but their original charm remained intact. “The doors to these places only open after a knock, just like in the past. It felt like stepping back in time,” Al-Ahmadi recalled.

Her most memorable experience was a 90-year-old home converted into a spa. “I was speechless. Could the original owners have imagined a girl coming to their home nearly a century later for a spa treatment?”

For many, dining in these transformed spaces is an opportunity to connect with a story, a legacy, and a home that continues to radiate warmth and connection.