The site is something else. Facing a serene view of yachts parked on the sea, its beautiful scenery sets a mesmerizing mood, which is of course more visible during the day. And, with Jeddah’s current gorgeous weather, it is even more enjoyed with a delicious hot drink.
The café feels like another gulf emirate, perhaps reminiscent of Marina view in Dubai; yet, instead of skyscrapers overcrowding the view, all you see is an endless portion of peaceful sea underneath the sky. It is, however, smaller and restricted as it lies in line of restaurants and cafés in the Equestrian Club. With parking available right outside the Bistro and the capacity to seat 185 people, attendants are ready to assist.
The exclusive location and liberated ambiance are at par with the most posh setting the city has to offer. World known architect and designer, John Pawson, has decked up the place adding a rich, classic and contemporary panache to Cappuccino. The base is light with coral and sand shaded tiles and walls with a hint of Mediterranean influence. The oriental slab at the saloon bar inside is contemporary again. The exquisite lamps from Finland and paintings by Guillem Nadal have been customized to suit the interiors of Cappuccino. A work of art is exhibited for people with an eye for detail. The furniture is not superfluous, but it is classic, and plays well with the fountain outside insinuating a European influence on the surrounding. You can either play adult-camaraderie inside on the red couches, chairs and tables with a glass door view or take advantage of the cavernous, open-air lounge outside with a sheesha to relax and unwind.
The waiters are courteous and deliver, but could smile more often, as it would help take the credence off the café’s intimidating aura. The manager, however, was sociable and welcoming. When asked about the philosophy of the café he responded: "It's about coffee, mood and music." Yes, another distinctive feature is their music and Cappuccino’s customized CDs. This enterprise is popular with music lovers covering a wide consumer base. Their latest CD, “Cappuccino De Noche,” is out on stands, and you can enjoy the music with headphones inside the cafe. When asked if the café gets overcrowded during weekends, the manager serenely replied: "For us, everyday is a weekend."
The food and menu variety are sophisticated, following the mood, ambiance and gentry. The mini burgers and the Californian club sandwiches are a popular treat: pleasing and filling. The meat is tender, well done and scrumptious with fresh vegetables. Their Mocktails, or line of Cocktails, are out of the ordinary. They vary from piña colada to a strawberry lassi. The orange and pineapple juice are also refreshing. From their coffee drinks, the toffee latte is flavorsome, even if you are not a coffee fan, and their cappuccino choices are relishing. Furthermore, their extraordinary, “Affocato,” hot espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream, is thrilling. The Mallorcan hot chocolate deserves a spotlight being a delight for chocoholics. Blending the love of chocolate with creamy indulgence, it is absolutely wonderful. From their dessert menu, their carrot cake is a bit dry, but the date cake is remarkable. Served with creamy vanilla ice cream on the side, the warm cake is impeccably sweet and moist and leaves you craving for more. Cappuccino even serves a variety of delectable breakfast items based on ethnicities ranging from London to Jeddah with croissants, coffee, fresh juice, bacon and eggs.
The element of introducing something new to their focus of coffee, mood and music is evident in their marketing techniques and menu offering. There is a baby-cappuccino in a little coffee cup with delicious cream and multi colored sprinkles for the young coffee lovers. The children also have personalized cutlery with spoons and forks pictured with Looney Tunes cartoons, so they may heartily enjoy their experience.
The bill may be around SR.100 per person or more, and if you add sheesha, it is an additional SR.100. Even though some could complain is unusually expensive, you have to keep in mind that elegance comes with a price. I went to Cappuccino with soaring-high expectations, hoping it would be exclusive in its offering, and it did not disappoint. Coco Chanel’s definition of a great woman being "classy and fabulous," is just what Cappuccino is all about.
With a Bentley Continental GT on one side and the beautiful sea view on another, Cappuccino Grand Café takes Jeddah up a notch higher in style, elegance and scenic beauty.
