Cool Inc aims to open 23 new restaurants in 2023, with 13 set for Riyadh
Expect renowned international restaurant brands, including Spago by Wolfgang Puck, Cut by Wolfgang Puck, Scott’s, Sexy Fish, WAGYUMAFIA, Gymkhana and Madeo…
Next year is proving to be an exciting one for Saudi Arabia, with an onslaught of back-to-back openings in Riyadh and Jeddah ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to street-style dining destinations and more.
Cool Inc, a luxury and lifestyle hospitality brand, shaping the future of what’s cool in the Kingdom, officially unveils the first phase of its wide array of concepts. As part of its journey, Cool Inc will be operating across integrated sectors, forming an ecosystem of destination dining and members’ clubs, bespoke travel, luxury lodging, and adventure experiences as its key verticals.
Wondering which new gastronomical spots – exported by Cool Inc – to keep an eye on for come 2023? Keep reading for more details on these 23 confirmed venues slated to arrive in Saudi Arabia.
Bianca
What we know so far: Famed LA hotspot, Bianca, is a restaurant and bakery offering a menu influenced by the owners’ roots – Italian, Argentinean and French. Bianca serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by a rotation of seasonal specials. Signature dishes include Bianca’s tomato bisque avocado toast; croque madame; grilled gamberoni; and entraña with chimichurri. The bakery is dedicated to a wide selection of organic sourdough bread and decadent pastries baked daily, including crispy baguettes; rustic ciabattas; airy country loaves and herbed French fougasse, as well as gourmet pastries, such as nutty pistachio baked brioche; alfajor, Argentinian shortbread sandwich cookies; extra-creamy cheesecake; fudge-laden chocolate cake; and custard-filled emerald, green pistachio raspberry cake. Alluding to the restaurant’s name, the foundation of Bianca’s interiors is bright and airy with strong natural light. The aesthetic is a layered expression of the chefs’ coastal roots and is inspired by Forte Dei Marmi in Tuscany, Italy. A visit to Bianca is as much about the cuisine as the lifestyle.
Location: Via Riyadh
Cigar Lounge by ManuH
What we know so far: The latest addition to the ManuH Cigars portfolio, Cigar Lounge Riyadh is a fresh new cigar concept carefully curated by ManuH, where guests can explore the fascinating world of fine cigars in an exclusive members club setting. So expect some of the rarest and most excellent cigars from around the world. The Cigar Lounge Riyadh will have a team of dedicated and passionate cigar sommeliers and monthly masterclasses where guests can discover different cigars from the lounge’s carefully curated collection. Guests will also have access to a large selection of accessories brought exclusively for the Cigar Lounge. The Cigar Lounge Riyadh will also serve a light dining menu, featuring delectable dishes such as lobster and Wagyu beef sandwiches, caviar; dim sum; and an exclusive selection of tea and coffee.
Location: Riyadh
Crustacean
What we know so far: The award-winning Beverly Hills institution, founded by Chef Helene An, is set to debut in Jeddah. Guests can expect modern Asian cuisine with a European sensibility, fusing Vietnamese, Chinese and French flavours to create Chef Helene An’s signature cooking style. The menu features Crustacean’s globally known classics, such as AN’s Famous Garlic Noodles™ and Dungeness Crab, as well as a diverse array of revamped and vegan dishes available exclusively at the Jeddah venue. The exclusive restaurant will boast lush, modern interiors featuring a neutral colour palette, and aesthetic and versatile spaces with sliding room dividers, allowing for intimate meals and large gatherings. A small outdoor patio area will offer al fresco dining, while inside the restaurant, nature weaves through nearly every table, thanks to Crustacean’s signature underfloor Koi Pond feature, giving guests the illusion of walking on water.
Location: Jeddah Yacht Club
Cut by Wolfgang Puck
What we know so far: CUT, Wolfgang Puck’s refined American steak restaurant, caters to the true steak connoisseur with the finest beef selections grilled over charcoal and apple wood. In addition, you will be spoilt for choice with Australian Angus and Wagyu selections from USA and Japan. These excellent meats are complemented by a range of produce and ingredients sourced directly from southern California.
Location: To be confirmed
ELLE Café
What we know so far: ELLE Café combines the art of healthy food with Parisian style in interesting designs and distinguished decoration elements, different according to each country and place, mixing ELLE DNA with local cultures that are perfectly matched. In each ELLE Café, all food is cooked with fresh and qualitative ingredients by female chefs and experts in their country. Furthermore, the French-inspired menu is adapted to local specificities in line with consumers’ habits and according to the seasons’ trends.
Location: To be confirmed
Emmy Squared Pizza
What we know so far: Detroit-style pizza straight from the East Coast debuts in Jeddah in 2023. The edgy pizza concept has carved out a distinctive place in the hearts of comfort-food lovers thanks to the high-quality ingredients used, deliciously unique toppings, signature sauces, fluffy dough, crispy bottom, cheesy ‘frico’ crust and, of course, the iconic square shape. In addition to the square-shaped pizza, Emmy Squared signature dishes include the award-winning double-stack Le Big Matt Burger, sandwiches served on pretzel buns, and a selection of tasty, approachable salads. The overall atmosphere at Emmy Squared will be simple and comfortable, with an open space layout that feels friendly and inviting, creating the brand’s laidback neighbourhood hangout vibe. Exposed brick walls combined with a mix of wooden and tiled flooring add a touch of shabby chic, further complemented by leather and brass accents throughout the restaurant.
Location: Jeddah Yacht Club
Ferdi
What we know so far: The Parisian celebrity hotspot’s menu is a melting pot of favourites, made with love, packed with flavour, and presented in a friendly fashion, designed to be shared by the table. Signature dishes include the cheeseburger – which has become a Ferdi staple – Guasacaca, a salad of avocado, tomato, red onions, and coriander; ceviche, a whitefish salad marinated in lime; Ferdi’s Macaroni and cheese and its Mexican beef enchiladas with melted cheese. Ferdi Riyadh’s aesthetic will mirror the flagship restaurant’s signature eclectic décor featuring Ferdinand’s old toys and memorabilia, a mix of velvet and wood furnishing with a Parisian accent, and a welcoming, intimate ambience. From the distinctive matte black signage and red and black colour palette right down to the lighting, anyone who has experienced Ferdi in Paris will find themselves right at home at the restaurant’s Riyadh outpost.
Location: Via Riyadh
Gymkhana
What we know so far: The Michelin-starred restaurant is set to travel outside London for the first time as Gymkhana opens its doors in Riyadh in 2023. Guests to Gymkhana Saudi can expect the same level of flavour and experience as those in Mayfair. The carefully curated menu brings to life flavours from across India, offering a modern interpretation of renowned classics. All the restaurant’s signature dishes will make the trip to Riyadh, like Chettinad Duck Dosa with Coconut Chutney, Kid Goat Methi Keema with Salli and Pao, Wild Muntjac Biryani and Duck Egg Langoustine Bhurji with Malabar Paratha. In addition, several new dishes, developed by the London team with the Saudi audience in mind, will also be available for diners to sample. Expect Multani Baby Raan, Keralan Toddy Shaapu Wild Tiger Prawns, Game Bird Baida Roti served with Girolle Achaar and Bombay Gymkhana Club Vegetable Cutlet with Masala Ketchup. For drinks, guests can enjoy a specially crafted beverage menu, with mocktails featuring a wide selection of ingredients and garnishes gathered from various Indian regions.
Location: Via Riyadh
Joan’s on Third
What we know so far: LA’s hottest speciality food market, Joan’s on Third, is the ideal spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Marking the brand’s first international move, the Riyadh outlet will reflect the LA outpost’s most distinctive features, including the neighbourhood-friendly atmosphere with communal tables and casual, charming decor. A hip gathering spot, Joan’s on Third Riyadh will feature the original rustic farm shop design, with a speciality food marketplace and an abundance of hand-packed products available to grab and go – from a freshly prepared beverage menu comprising a variety of bottled fruit juices and ground coffee, warm and comforting pastries for the ultimate bakery and café experience; to an extensive selection of artisan cheeses and deli counter.
Location: Via Riyadh
Le Comptoir De Nicole
What we know so far: Le Comptoir de Nicole Jeddah will maintain the original restaurant’s perfect combination of sun, warmth and good life. Indulging in the French Riviera bistro’s menu is an ode to Mediterranean cuisine, with only the freshest, hand-picked produce, making it onto the table and into its most sought-after recipes.
Location: Jeddah
Les Deux Magots
What we know so far: A Parisian classic, Les Deux Magots is one of the oldest cafés in Paris, where art, fashion, literature, and politics come together to transport guests to a uniquely charming experience. With different menus for different mealtimes of the day, Les Deux Magots aims to deliver the finest French flavour to its guests. The smooth coffee blends, silky traditional hot chocolate, freshly baked viennoiseries, fluffy omelettes, juicy steak with crispy fries, and scrumptious club sandwiches are some of the favourites from the menu.
Location: Riyadh
Le Vésuvio
What we know so far: The contemporary and beloved Italian restaurant and pizzeria from Cannes is set to open its first international outpost in Jeddah. Staying true to the authentic flavours of Italy, Le Vésuvio’s menu features the best of traditional Italian dishes using only the freshest ingredients available. Signature dishes from the restaurant’s Cannes heritage remain untouched, whilst other Italian favourites are explored and reinvented with a dash of flair and modernity, including wood-fired pizzas and hand-crafted pasta. Le Vésuvio Jeddah features a modern aesthetic, comprising contemporary furniture combined with light-coloured wooden tables and chairs with abundant daylight and a fresh colour palette throughout the restaurant. The restaurant’s focal point is the signature white clay, wood-burning pizza oven decorated with shimmering gold Bisazza mosaic and the open kitchen, where guests can watch their dishes being prepared from scratch.
Location: Jeddah Yacht Club
Madeo Ristorante
What we know so far: Los Angeles celebrity hotspot, Madeo Ristorante, launches two outlets in Saudi Arabia. Guests will be greeted with “Benvenuti al Madeo!” as soon as they enter the restaurant, transporting them on a multi-sensorial voyage to fascinating Tuscany. The menu will feature traditional Tuscan dishes, pairing the freshest local ingredients with premium European elements to culminate in an exceptional flavour combination. Madeo draws its inspiration from timeless comfort over contemporary trends. The new venues in Riyadh and Jeddah will both feature a warm colour palette with brass and wood accents, large, curved booths, and a semi-open kitchen.
Locations: Riyadh & Jeddah
Mashi No Mashi
What we know so far: Hong Kong and Japan’s favourite wagyu ramen restaurant opens in Jeddah. Meaning ‘eat more and more’ in Japanese, Mashi no Mashi uses Hamada’s hand-picked wagyu from the top 20 farmers in Japan. Signature menu items include the famed Wagyujiro, a 24-hour Kobe beef bone broth topped with Wagyu char-siu and the restaurant’s speciality noodles; the flavourful Tokusei Wagyu Tsukemen, a dipping ramen with slow-cooked Ozaki beef laid across a mound of whole wheat chewy noodles; Wagyu Gyoza with 100% juicy Ozaki beef; and Wagyu Donburi featuring thin-sliced Ozaki beef on a bed of hot rice topped with a rich Japanese egg yolk. In addition, Mashi no Mashi offers an interactive setting with a centralised live cooking station. Adding an amusing twist to the experience, the chefs serve ramen bowls in their signature arm-outstretched stance, encouraging ramen lovers to snap the iconic pose before they devour the dish.
Location: Jeddah
Over Under
What we know so far: Popular London-born café-to-bar concept Over Under is unlike other coffee shops. The experience continues after hours, as the shop ‘flips’ at 5pm, transforming from a café into an upbeat yet low-key mocktail bar – Over by Day, Under by Night. The Riyadh venue will carry the brand’s signature minimalistic, approachable menu, comprising dishes such as Spiced Mascarpone & Berry Toast; The Original Over Under Granola Bowl; Reuben Toastie; and Smoked Chicken Wrap, complemented by a wide range of coffee drinks.
Location: Via Riyadh
Raoul’s
What we know so far: New York City’s famed French bistro is set to bring a quintessential Soho dining experience to Riyadh. The restaurant’s carefully curated menu cements Raoul’s authenticity, featuring cherry-picked favourites and seasonal classics, from Foie Gras; Steak au Poivre with Frites and Raoul’s dressing; and Organic Classic-Style Whole Roast Chicken to the Tarte Tartin; and Oyster Tower. In addition, the new outlet in Riyadh will feature a traditional interior design, reminiscent of the bustling atmosphere of Soho of the ’70s and pay homage to the extraordinary and bygone era that first gave rise to Raoul’s in Soho. With a dark colour palette, intimate spaces and red velvet accents, the aesthetic of Raoul’s is that of a classical French bistro.
Location: Via Riyadh
Scott’s
What we know so far: Mayfair’s seafood institution and celebrity favourite offers the finest traditional fish and seafood dishes, alongside various meat and seasonal game options. Oysters, served at Scott’s elegant oyster bar, are a house speciality. Scott’s Riyadh outpost will pay homage to the Mayfair flagship restaurant’s aesthetic with a sophisticated yet warm ’40s elegance. The timber-panelled dining room with burgundy leather banquettes and dining chairs creates an impressive atmosphere, featuring silver leaf mirrored screens, a marble top with a stingray fronted bar, and walls adorned with artwork from some of today’s most celebrated British artists.
Location: Riyadh
Sexy Fish
What we know so far: Another Mayfair export, Sexy Fish serves a diverse menu of Japanese-inspired sushi, sashimi, seafood, fish, and meat cooked on a Robata grill inspired by the seas of Asia, with a focus on Japan. The Riyadh outpost will retain the signature dishes of the original Sexy Fish, such as duck salad; vegetarian sushi; smoked tuna belly; black cod and king crab, with the addition of new dishes and bold, seasonally inspired flavours. Guests can also expect brilliant entertainment by the restaurant’s resident DJs from lunch to dinner through the later hours.
Location: Via Riyadh
Spago by Wolfgang Puck
What we know so far: Spago is the flagship restaurant of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. Here, it offers an imaginative and seasonal menu of Californian cuisine with global accents highlighting the freshest and healthiest ingredients in a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere.
Location: To be confirmed
Spring Place
What we know so far: Spring Place is a workspace and members’-only club in New York and Los Angeles that combines luxury, exclusivity, and collaboration with selective membership programs. It is a comfortable space for meeting, working, entertaining, eating, and drinking. Spring Place has a farm-to-table program, bringing the freshest ingredients to world cuisine with a classic European sensibility.
Location: To be confirmed
Tetou by PJ
What we know so far: Tetou by PJ is a culinary journey of classic French Mediterranean cuisine based on the beautiful Cote d’Azur. Since the 1940s, Tetou by PJ has stayed true to the authenticity of the venue, paired with the spacious interiors and elegant and relaxed ambience.
Location: To be confirmed
WAGYUMAFIA
What we know so far: Founded by self-taught chef-turned-wagyu expert Hisato Hamada and entrepreneur Takafumi Horie, WAGYUMAFIA is an exclusive dining concept with special members-only offerings for wagyu gourmands. Its Riyadh venue marks the brand’s maiden foray into the region. Taking signature elements from its Tokyo restaurants, WAGYUMAFIA Riyadh offers an omakase menu with signature dishes, as well as original creations available only in Riyadh. Highlight menu items include WAGYUMAFIA’s signature Chateaubriand Cutlet Sandwich, Kobe Beef Bento Box; Tricolor Sushi; and more.
Location: Via Riyadh
Yakinikumafia
What we know so far: Also the brainchild of WAGYUMAFIA’s founder Chef Hisato Hamada, Yakinikumafia is a contemporary dining spot that celebrates the traditional Japanese technique of grilling hearty delectable meat. From their delicious assortment of wagyu cuts, refreshing cocktails, and delightful deserts to an immersive omakase experience, the dining destination welcomes its guests to fathom the unique flavours. The show stealer is the rare cut wagyu paired with signature wagyu bone broth, koshikari rice, daikon with ponzu, pickled cucumbers, and house original big eye BBQ sauce, prepared on a state-of-the-art smokeless Japanese yakiniku grill.
Location: Via Riyadh
Images: Provided