20 of the best Japanese restaurants to book in Riyadh
Bookmark this list…
Can’t get enough of Japanese food? From favourites, like Myazu, Nozomi and ROKA, to intimate and relaxed hidden gems, like Finding Sushi, Riyadh’s roster of great Japanese restaurants is waiting to be explored. Here’s our pick of the very best.
Akiba Dori
View this post on Instagram
Japanese restaurants aren’t where most get their pizza fix, but Akiba Dori is certainly onto a good thing with their Tokyo-Neapolitan pizzas prepared in a Japanese wood-fired oven, using Japanese dough and topped with Neapolitan ingredients. This is a reliable chain with branches in Jeddah and the UAE, and stumbling into the restaurant – with its Instagram-worthy neon lights and chill lo-fi hip-hop tunes – doesn’t disappoint. Plus, with its street food-style menu, the set-up works perfectly for those wanting to graze on a variety of plates, including expertly rolled sushi, curries, Sandos, sliders, gyozas, desserts and more.
Akiba Dori, Boulevard Riyadh City, Riyadh 13516. @akibadori.ksa
Anago
View this post on Instagram
Small and cosy, Anago at Diplomatic Quarter’s Oud Square is a testament to the timelessness of Japanese cuisine. From the colourful range of sushi in various formats to the delectable robata items, Anago will delight with its inspired treats.
Anago, Diplomatic Quarter, 6810 Amr Aldamri St, Al Safarat, Riyadh 12511, Mon to Fri noon to midnight, Sat & Sun 6pm to midnight. @anago.sa
Benihana
View this post on Instagram
Dining here is a visual feast. Decked in warm and inviting earthen tones, Benihana offers an eclectic menu of traditional Japanese cuisine, including a wonderful array of grilled steaks, fresh sashimi, delicately handcrafted maki rolls, noodles and much more. Japanese food lovers get the best of both worlds at Benihana, which houses both teppanyaki and sushi stations. You can watch the mouth-watering food being flipped in the air by the chefs before it lands on your plate. The chefs entertain you thoroughly, so you have the best combination: an exciting show and a plate full of great food to boot, too.
Benihana, Northern Ring Rd, Riyadh 12477, daily 12.30pm to 1am. @benihana_ksa
Clap
View this post on Instagram
After the huge success of Clap’s pop-up on the rooftop of Majdoul Tower (part of Riyadh Season’s Riyadh Sky), the upscale Japanese restaurant recently opened a permanent location at the new foodie hotspot, Ramla Terraza. Look forward to a modern, sophisticated interior, sleek decorative ceilings combined with generous open space, and an array of contemporary Japanese delicacies and live entertainment.
Clap, Ramla Terraza, 7713 King Fahd Rd, As Sahafah, Riyadh 13321. Closed during Ramadan. @clap.riyadh
Finding Sushi
View this post on Instagram
Who doesn’t love sushi? This hidden gem in Riyadh has plenty of great dishes to try, but our favourite at Finding Sushi has got to be their beetroot maki sushi, California roll and mixed tempura. Whatever you order, be sure to wash it down with the ice, cold Asahi (non-alcoholic) beer.
Finding Sushi, Prince Talal Road, 7032 Al Fakhiriyyah, Riyadh 12737, daily 5pm to 3am. @findingsushi
Gold Sushi Club
View this post on Instagram
Tucked away at Rubeen Plaza, this cosy joint has created the ultimate ode to Japanese culture. Life-size samurai warriors, decorative sake barrels, and colourful murals usher you into a dingy-in-a-good-way izakaya that feels like it’s straight out of a Tokyo back alley. The shtick here is Japanese soul food – big, unabashedly fusion flavours – with highlights including lobster taco, yakisoba, and crunchy fried roll with eel, shrimp tempura, mango, raspberry and cheddar cheese.
Gold Sushi Club, Rubeen Plaza, 4228 Northern Ring Branch Rd, Hitteen District, Riyadh 13512, daily 1pm to 1am. @goldsushiclub
Kampai
View this post on Instagram
Visit on any day and it’s evident that Kampai has amassed a loyal following thanks to the restaurant for trotting out excellent dish after excellent dish. This restaurant offers modern and sublime Japanese dishes that seamlessly blend with Asian cuisine. Think minced chicken with lettuce wrap, fried breaded scallops wrapped in filo, stir-fried orange chicken soba, and marinated bluefin tuna on crispy rice. The sumptuous menu is complemented by the team’s warm hospitality and excellent service. This is a place that deserves to be revisited over and over.
Kampai, Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, Almaz Plaza, Riyadh, Sat to Wed 12.30pm to midnight, Thurs & Fri 12.30pm to 12.30am. Tel: 011 461 7601. @kampai.sa
Kayzo
View this post on Instagram
If you haven’t heard of Kayzo, perhaps you’ve been living under a rock. Located at Oud Square in Diplomatic Quarter, this casual dining venue has a relaxed atmosphere and serves fuss-free Japanese fare.
Kayzo, Diplomatic Quarter, daily 2pm to 2am. @kayzosaudi
Kimono
This chain should be your go-to restaurant in Riyadh for a taste of its no-frills menu. Go for the poke bowls topped with shrimp, salmon, or even spicy tuna. Or get rolls stuffed with chicken katsu or hammour tempura to share. Plus, everything’s pretty wallet-friendly, which we love.
Kimono, various locations, including Riyadh Front & One Square, King Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315, daily 6pm to 3am.
Koi
View this post on Instagram
In a beautifully designed setting overlooking an outdoor water feature, the menu at Koi features Japanese cuisine fused with some Peruvian-inspired flavours thrown in. Expect the likes of sushi, robata and teppanyaki items. And if you adore sashimi, you’ll be pleased to know that they’re thickly sliced and uber fresh here. Plus, Koi serves up some pretty attractive promotions that’ll make you come back again and again, such as its sushi happy hour with all-you-can-eat sushi rolls for SAR120. It’s one of our top picks when we need a full-on feast.
Koi, Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention, Wadi Al Muaydin, Unit 4, Imam Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Road, Riyadh 12382, Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 3.30pm & 5pm to midnight & Fri 5pm to midnight. Tel: 055 167 0703. Closed throughout Ramadan. @koiriyadh
Myazu
View this post on Instagram
Myazu is well-loved not just for its creative and refined Japanese cuisine, but for its undeniable atmosphere. The restaurant boasts an open kitchen that houses a robata grill and sushi counter with wrap-around counter seating. A compelling feature is Myazu Arts, which features a mocktail bar and DJ counter and acts as an intimate area for high-profile guests and private gatherings. Among the restaurant’s best-seller dishes are marinated yellowtail sashimi, popcorn shrimp with spicy sauce, and crispy sushi rice with salmon and tuna tartare.
Myazu, Musad Bin Jalawi, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12244, daily 5.45pm to 2am. @myazusaudi
Nozomi
View this post on Instagram
One of Riyadh’s most exciting new openings for 2023, Nozomi returns to the capital with an excellent pedigree. Setting up shop at the Century Corner complex late last month, get ready to be whisked away for an exquisite dining experience at this opulent restaurant. Here, Japanese classics are made with finesse, like lobster croquette and signature dishes, including Nozomi gold-seared salmon roll with truffle cream and baked miso-marinated black cod. Set over two floors, the atmosphere is buzzy, and the mocktails are also delectable. A delicious blend of the authentic and the innovative.
Nozomi, 7448 King Fahd Rd, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12331, daily 9pm to 2.30am. @nozomiksa
Okku
View this post on Instagram
This multi-award-winning restaurant needs no introduction. The experience begins when you enter the dark, superlatively slick surroundings of Okku, greeted by life-sized samurai statues. Food-wise, Okku wowed us with its innovative twists on Japanese favourites. Servings are modest, but each bite reveals incredible textures and flavours, such as the salmon sashimi with chopped red and yellow pepper, micro cress and spring onion in ginger citrus-soy vinaigrette.
Okku, Tahlia Street, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12212, daily 6pm to 1am. @okkuriyadh
Oya
View this post on Instagram
The ambience here is unhurried, warm and sophisticated. The dishes, known as classic Japanese fare with Peruvian influence, are done impeccably. Head here for a night of great food in a truly genuine atmosphere.
Oya, Reef Centre, 2nd Floor, 2171 Northern Ring Branch Rd, An Nakheel, Riyadh 12385, daily 5pm to 3am. @oya.restaurant
ROKA
View this post on Instagram
Fire up your senses at ROKA, a trendy restaurant serving contemporary Japanese robatayaki cuisine. The highlight of the menu: yellowtail sashimi splashed with yuzu-truffle dressing, crispy baked potato, miso black cod, and juicy Korean lamb cutlets. Don’t miss the robata-grilled delicacies, too – best enjoyed at the counter seats. But, if you prefer alfresco dining, park yourself on the beautiful terrace upstairs.
ROKA, 5140 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12243, daily 6pm to 1am. @rokariyadhofficial
Sumosan
View this post on Instagram
If you want to impress your business counterparts, the beautiful contemporary Japanese restaurant Sumosan is the place to be. Designed by Bishop Design by Paul Bishop, the space is sleek and ultra-modern with warm and earthy accents, complemented by wooden panelling and statement chandeliers. The menu is centred around high-quality sushi, sashimi, and innovative Japanese cuisine. So come hungry – the thinly sliced sashimi served with a touch of citrus dressing, tuna and truffle rolls, and salmon rice pizza are some of the must-order dishes. It’s an expertly curated feast for the eyes and palate alike.
Sumosan, Laysen Valley, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Building 25, Riyadh 12329, daily 6pm to 2am. @sumosan.riyadh
Sushi Art
View this post on Instagram
At Sushi Art, sushi is the name of the game. The options here are jaw-dropping as well, with over 30 types of sushi to choose from. Of course, there are also rice bowls, grilled meat and seafood, and tempura available to diners. Order the platter if you can’t decide, and you’ll get your sushi fix with an array of tuna, salmon, and shrimp options.
Sushi Art, 7750 King Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13316, daily 11am to midnight. @sushiartarabia
Sushi Library
View this post on Instagram
This brightly lit family-friendly casual restaurant specialises in a wide array of Japanese fusion dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients, available at price points that don’t break the bank. They have various menu items, from appetisers and hearty ramen to special sushi rolls and bentos, but a meal here isn’t complete without some sashimi.
Sushi Library, various locations, including Al Nakheel Mall & The View Mall. @sushi.library
Tokyo
View this post on Instagram
Tokyo, known as the first Japanese restaurant in Saudi Arabia, set the stage for a deft showcase of Japanese cuisine tastefully balanced with contemporary touches. Enjoy its signature beef teppanyaki, chicken katsu curry, ramen, and its array of sushi. The restaurant is spacious, with plenty of blond wood, and the prices are easy on the wallet.
Tokyo, two locations: Al Urubah Rd, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12245, daily 6pm to 2am & Veranda F&B, Northern Ring Branch Rd, Al Ghadir, Riyadh 11564, daily 6pm to 2am. @tokyo_arabia
Yokari
View this post on Instagram
For those seeking gourmet-style Japanese cuisine, Yokari is the place to be. With its stylish minimalist interior and devoted chefs, this upscale restaurant has much to offer. Boasting a menu with fresh sushi, authentically prepared robatayaki fare, and more, each dish is beautifully presented and prepared with technical precision. This Japanese wonderland is ideal for just about any occasion.
Yokari, Centria Mall, Olaya St, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12241, daily 6pm to 3am. @yokari_restaurant
Images: Instagram