At the age of 23, Saudi chef Ali Al-Jishi is preparing to launch Osteria Dal Nonno, the first upscale Italian fine-dining restaurant in Qatif.
The elegant new venue is set to open in approximately three months at C-Front and reflects Al-Jishi’s refined training under renowned Italian chef Francesco Gasbarro, a Michelin-starred restaurateur.
Al-Jishi graduated from the Culinary Arts Academy in Switzerland and was part of Saudi Arabia’s inaugural Cultural Scholarship cohort in 2019.
His early training in Geneva was notably demanding—focused on every detail from ingredient selection to financial management. His six-month internship culminated in a transformation that elevated both his technical skills and professional maturity.
Last December, Al-Jishi tested his concept through a pop-up at C-Front, offering authentic Italian dishes to residents of Qatif. After a few slow days, demand surged—eventually producing up to 300 servings of pasta per day.
Osteria Dal Nonno’s menu features entirely house-made creations, including 12 varieties of pasta.
Signature dishes include gnudi—ricotta dumplings with burnt onion, butter sauce, and mushroom cream; manzo, a dry-aged Italian-style steak grilled over charcoal and served over arugula with Parmesan and balsamic reduction; and slow-cooked beef cheeks on homemade focaccia with dark chocolate and smoked mozzarella.
Desserts include classic tiramisu, crème brûlée, and unique gelato flavors like Italian basil.
Breakfast offerings are inspired by Greek, French, and local Qatifi flavors—such as a reimagined “siwiya” breakfast using angel hair pasta.
Committed to community-driven growth, Al-Jishi is primarily hiring Saudi nationals, especially from Qatif, aiming to elevate local culinary talent. He also envisions the restaurant serving as a training hub for aspiring chefs, working in partnership with the ZADK Saudi Culinary Academy in Alkhobar.
