27 of the best Japanese restaurants to book in Riyadh
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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.
Benihana
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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
BYO
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The Scandinavian design influences at BYO showcase Riyadh’s most overt example of Japandi (Japanese + Scandinavian) style, and this Japanese spot has something to suit all different tastes and budgets. Fans of fusion style sushi rolls will find much to delight at here.
BYO, 4082 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz, Al Olaya, Riyadh 12331, Mon to Sat 5.30pm to 1.30am. @byorestaurant
Clap
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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 now has a permanent location at 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
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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
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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
Joa
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A poké haven may sit in Hittin in the back of beyond, but its fresh Japanese-Hawaiian cuisine delivers a rare gem to the heart of the district in Riyadh. Enter Joa, a fast-casual concept specialising in fusion poké bowls and sushi rolls. The no-frills joint offers an extensive sushi selection, with options ranging from hosomaki to nigiri and sashimi and enticing appetisers like salmon tataki, spiced honey shrimp and beef crispy rice. The centrepiece of Joa’s menu, the poké bowls and sushi rolls, are crafted for the adventurous at heart. The most favourable Simply Salmon bowl embodies the essence of culinary simplicity, whereas Tuna on Fire offers a bold flavour profile for the more daring.
Joa, Prince Fahad Bin Abdulaziz St, Hittin, Riyadh 13518, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs & Fri noon to 1.30am. Tel: 053 765 1004. @joa.ksa
Kampai
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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 by Myazu
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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
Ki
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It is said that some of the best meals are the ones that go unrecorded. At Ki in Hittin, the dim lighting isn’t an accident, but it’s part of its appeal. Take a seat, and you’ll be provided with a small locker on your table where you are meant to keep your phone for the duration of your meal. Ki wants dinner to be about the simple joy of eating. Fresh sushi, sashimi, and nigiri, as well as a fusion of contemporary cuisine with items like Tom Yum soup and tuna pizza (tuna slices over thin-crust pizza dough with special sauce) are on offer here.
Ki, 7500 Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Al Awal Rd, daily 4pm to midnight. @ki.saudi
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.
Kintan
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Kintan has a real do-it-yourself feel. Each table has a built-in grill, so diners can cook their choice of meat and vegetables to their desired preference, yakiniku-style. There is something charming about the participatory nature of this style of dining – it’s perfect for a first date. Grilling your own meat also reveals the quality of the ingredients; it’s quintessentially Japanese, letting the flavours reveal themselves with minimal intervention.
Kintan, 3747 Wadi As Sarh, Al Wadi, Riyadh 13313, Sat to Wed noon to midnight, Thurs & Fri noon to 12.30am. @kintanksa
Koi
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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
Kuuru
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A staple in the Jeddah dining scene, Kuuru is a Nikkei restaurant that is an ode to Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Look forward to a unique Nikkei bar where you can catch the chefs in action producing inventive nigiri, hand-rolls, ceviche and more. We’re also expecting to see popular menu items like chicken panca truffle, black cod criollo and tiger shrimp anticuchero in the capital too.
Kuuru Riyadh, KAFD, 3.05, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519, Sat to Wed noon to 11.30pm, Thurs & Fri noon to 12.30am. @kuuruksa
Myazu
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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, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight Thurs & Fri 1pm to 1am. @myazusaudi
Nozomi
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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, 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
Robata
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Set across two floors, swish spot Robata has a similar look to its older sibling Myazu: minimalist and elegant, with lots of oak, timbers and tan leathers. It may be a low-key setting, but the food is anything but, thanks to an impressive menu that serves up everything you’d expect from a Japanese restaurant of this calibre.
Robata, The Canopy, Hittin, Riyadh 13512, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thurs & Fri 1pm to 1am. @robatasaudi
ROKA
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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, during winter, 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
Shiro
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This restaurant offers up a carefully curated menu that showcases a true flair for modern Japanese food. Guests can expect both small plates and larger sharing dishes .
Shiro, District Central Province, 3634 Anas Ibn Malik Rd, Al Malqa, Riyadh 13524, daily 12.30pm to 1.30am. @shiro_ksa
Sumosan
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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
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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
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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
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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
Wagyumafia
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Wagyumafia is the brainchild of self-taught chef-turned-wagyu expert Hisato Hamada and entrepreneur Takafumi Horie. Hailing from Tokyo, it has been the centre of much hype due to it being an exclusive members-only restaurant that serves an Omakase menu, offering champion-grade Wagyu beef. Read our review here.
Wagyumafia, Via Riyadh, Mon, Wed to Sat 8pm to 10.30pm. @wagyumafia.sa
Wakame
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Set over two floors, Wakame occupies a tall open space, where wood panelling, low lighting and upholstered chairs all contribute to a cosy atmosphere. Menu wise, the restaurant’s selection, from gyoza to picture-perfect karaage and robatayaki, has enough going for it that you really will have to become a regular if you ever want to try it all. Which we’d highly recommend doing. Coupled with its reasonable prices – which are all the more remarkable given this is Riyadh, Wakame has scored the winning formula of being a feel good Japanese place.
Wakame Riyadh, daily noon to midnight, Luxury Plaza, 6850 Olaya Street, Riyadh 13325. Tel: 9200 05036. @wakameksa
White Robata
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Found within Laysen Valley is White Robata, a Japanese concept from Kuwait, inspired by international flavours. With a sprawling open-plan kitchen, diners enjoy the spectacle of skilled chefs combining traditional techniques with unexpected ingredients to create inventive signatures. As its name suggests, the menu is centred around robatayaki – dishes cooked over fire. You’ll find all the contemporary Japanese staples here, with a unique spin, of course. These include a six-hour braised short rib finished on the grill with a maple glaze, spicy tuna wonton taco and the truffle hamachi crispy rice with tobiko roe and ponzu. Read our review here.
White Robata, Laysen Valley, 2252 Al Urubah Branch Rd, Umm Al Hamam Al Gharbi, Riyadh, Sun to Wed 6pm to 12.30am, Thu to Sat 1pm to 1.30am @whiterobata.ksa
Yakinikumafia
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Trust the Wagyu specialists to get this Japanese-style beef barbecue right. Yakinikumafia’s concept blends a contemporary interior with an industrial, youthful ambience, and high-tech grills and quality cuts of Ozaki beef. The feel is casual and carries a lot of the same enthusiastic “Irrashai!” antics over from Wagyumafia (though on a more muted scale). The concise menu of grilled items makes ordering a breeze, especially with a value-for-money set that gives diners a variety of beef cuts, house-made sauces, pickles, rice and a standout bone broth. Unlike Wagyumafia, you don’t have to be a member of the club to make reservations at Yakinikumafia.
Yakinikumafia, Via Riyadh, daily 6pm to midnight. @yakinikumafia.sa
Yokari
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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