Inside Riyadh's newest restaurant, the stunning SUSHISAMBA
It’s the venue we’ve all been waiting for…
One venue that we have been excited for since news of it coming to Riyadh is SUSHISAMBA. The world-famous restaurant, which already has venues in Miami, Las Vegas, London, Dubai, and Singapore, is finally opening at the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) on Thursday August 29.
What’s On went to check it out during its soft opening, and here’s what you can expect.
Upon entrance, you’ll be greeted by towering floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around the whole restaurant, giving views of KAFD’s glowing cityscape. Turn left, and sunlight floods through the massive space, coloured by vibrant hues of orange and gold.
The swanky new venue, with its swirling ribbons of wood and graffiti art by a Saudi artist, boasts a theatre-style open kitchen, robata grill, and sushi counter where you can watch the chefs in action. It also has opulent dining areas, a DJ booth, and a show-stopping bar with a replica of SUSHISAMBA’s iconic orange tree (look out for this outside the restaurant) in the middle.
Beautiful architectural lighting and large fixtures complement the ceiling, intentionally illuminating the perfect blend of drama and elegance. Throughout the space, you’ll find statement centrepiece chandeliers that pay homage to traditional Japanese lanterns.
Planning to host an event? SUSHISAMBA Riyadh has a private dining room, which sits above the main space on the mezzanine floor, ideal for an intimate gathering or celebration away from everyone else’s chatter.
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The culinary offerings at SUSHISAMBA Riyadh are as diverse as its décor and are made up of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian flavours. The three-page menu features appetisers, small plates, raw dishes, robata items, wagyu beef, large plates, sushi, sashimi, and sides.
It includes Saudi exclusives like the seabass ceviche (SAR120) with charred baby corn, mango and passionfruit leche de tigre, and the Samba Riyadh Roll (SAR120), which is filled with crab, Medjool dates, beef bacon, aji date jam, and pistachio crumble.
But there are gems like the green bean tempura (SAR50), Wagyu gyoza (SAR80), crispy yellowtail taquitos (SAR75), ceviche platter (SAR300), and the tiger maki roll (SAR100).
For those who are looking for a night out in a chic place with a lively (but not loud) ambience, where they can chill and connect over a fabulous dinner and drinks, all in one destination, this is where you should go.
SUSHISAMBA Riyadh is currently fully booked, with the earliest availability being September 18 onwards. So, if you want a slice of the action, we definitely recommend booking ahead. We’re also told that the restaurant will soon open for lunch, and we can’t wait, as it is sure to be a smash hit on the Riyadh dining scene.
SUSHISAMBA Riyadh, King Abdullah Financial District, Area 5, Al Aqiq, Riyadh 13519. Reservations can be made here. @sushisamba.riyadh
Images: Supplied