Would you like to eat or paint first? In Café Céramique, young and old are given the chance to uncover the artist inside while simultaneously enjoying a casual though tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or simply have a juice and some finger food to ensure nothing will distract your imaginative flow.

Café Céramique is based on a Canadian concept, but adapted for the Middle East, combining the art of pottery painting with the art of food. Indeed, while your kids are busy painting their plate, mug, or tile, parents can relax with a cup of coffee, tea, or an entire meal. However, adults often enjoy ceramic painting as well, making the place an attractive hangout for people aged four to 90!

The café has been a success in Riyadh and Jeddah for the last seven years, and is therefore expanding to Alkhobar this spring. Apart from that, Céramique has branches in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

When entering the café, kids and adults can choose what they would like to paint. The collection is extensive and encompasses, apart from mugs, tiles, and tableware, also miniature embodiments of the Faisaliyah and Kingdom towers in Riyadh, as well as Dubai’s Burj Al-Arab and Burj Khalifa. Prices for ceramics vary from SR 35 to SR 350, depending on the size, and include up to five colors of paint, sponges, brushes, puffy paint, and other materials. Just follow your imagination, or paint on tiles that have been already predesigned. Ask the staff for help if you need any. There are some very talented artists walking around in the café to advise you.

Don’t be disappointed if the colors of the paints look rather pale; the glaze and firing process will brighten them up. The nontoxic paints and ceramics are exclusively made for Café Céramique in Chesapeake, United States, and, like all ceramics, are microwave- and dishwasher-proof.

Céramique just launched a new menu, mixing Arabic with continental cuisine. It has an increased number of breakfast items that are served all day long and include falafel, pancakes, waffles, and omelets. Popular dishes are the Arabian Treasure, a combination of foul medammes, hummus, halloumi cheese, zaatar crisps, labneh and makdous; the Morning Quesadilla, a grilled tortilla folded with scrambled eggs, mixed bell peppers and grated cheddar cheese; and the Grand Sandwich, which consists of smoked turkey breast and Swiss cheese accompanied with fried egg and baked tomatoes on toasted country bread. However, if you prefer something lighter, the Fit & Simple is a wholesome choice of egg white lightly sautéed with seasonal vegetables flavored with fresh herbs.

The café’s Greek Country is a fresh salad containing cherry tomatoes, red and yellow bell peppers, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese with a light oregano dressing. It is a palatable option if you are looking for a light and refreshing salad packed with authentic flavors. The feta cheese, imported from France, is made from the milk of goats, instead of the often-found “feta” in Saudi Arabia made from cow milk.

People with a bigger appetite may go for one of the gourmet sandwiches, burgers, or grilled chicken. Kids’ tummies, on the other hand, can be filled with a Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Mini Pizza, or Hot Dog, among others, as well as with one of the quick bites, such as French fries, pizza fingers, onion rings, or potato wedges.

The perfect way to conclude your meal — or accompany your coffee or tea — is by choosing one of the delectable sweets on display and on the menu. The homemade tiramisu is a mouthwatering choice if you like it not too sweet and enjoy the taste of coffee. Speaking about coffee, Café Céramique serves excellent Italian Lavazza coffee and will soon have a separate Lavazza bar — another reason to come here and hang out with your friends!

In Riyadh and Alkhobar, the dining area is separated from the pottery workplace, whereas Jeddah has one space for all. However, apart from dining in and painting your pottery at the café, Ceramics To Go offers pottery tutorials to schools, households and other interested individuals by sending a team of specialists to your place.

Céramique also offers various packages for private groups, such as the Design Your Birthday event; a Schools Go Potty package; and even a Color Your Team package, an unconventional team-building activity for businesses.

Once you finish your artwork, the pottery will be glazed and fired in a kiln at 800 degrees Celsius for 24 hours, after which it is allowed to cool. Approximately one week later, your creation will be ready for you to pick it up and enjoy your one-of-a-kind mug, plate, or statuette.

Café Céramique Jeddah, located in Stars Avenue Mall, seats up to 75.

Café Céramique Riyadh, located in Sahara Mall, seats up to 120.

Café Céramique Alkhobar will be opened in Fouad Center with a capacity to contain more than 120 persons.

Expect to pay between SR 35 and SR 350 for your ceramic and SR 50 to SR 60 per person for the food.

Opening hours Jeddah: From Saturday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; on Friday from 1 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Opening hours Riyadh: From Saturday to Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; on Thursday from 9 a.m. to midnight, and on Friday from 1 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Note: Items that are not collected within two months of the pickup date will be sold for SR 25 per two pieces. The money goes to the Association of Disabled Children of Saudi Arabia.

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