Inside Akira Back Riyadh at the Diplomatic Quarter
Gear up for a great time at Akira Back, quite possibly one of Riyadh’s most outstanding dining experiences…
We’ve heard about celebrity chef Akira Back (he may be a relatively new face in Riyadh but a huge star overseas) and his namesake restaurant, but when we leave the internationally renowned restaurant just after midnight after a dinner that starts at 7.30pm, we’re genuinely surprised. Our experience is so enjoyable that we hardly notice the night go by.
Things already start off on the right note when we walk into a remix of Santana’s Maria Maria playing (yes, you can guess my age now) – a sign we are about to have a good time. And the hits just keep coming – so much so that we can’t help but sing along every now and then.
The feel-good music is just one aspect of the whole Akira Back experience, which makes guests feel both relaxed and at home yet incredibly spoiled. Given that it is a highly lauded establishment, expectations are inevitably sky-high.
Akira Back finds ways to amaze
First and foremost, let’s talk about the interiors. The handsome space, with a decidedly masculine character, is illuminated with warm lighting and furnished with dark wood furniture and marble tables. Stone surfaces and timber panelling add textural interest.
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As you sit and nibble on kimchi edamame (SAR30), your eyes will be drawn to the bright open kitchen on one side and the sushi bar on the other, with a row of counter seats flanked by lower-level tables all around and cushy leather booths in the middle of the restaurant space.
Up at the back, there’s a gorgeous bar if you’re just here to knock back a few post-dinner mocktails.
Another thing that impresses us at Akira Back is its art décor. The ceiling is adorned with a painting by Chef Akira Back’s mother. The ceramic tableware also features prints of his mother’s paintings, which are slowly revealed as you eat.
The menu
The menu at Akira Back’s restaurant is a celebration of his culinary philosophy – bold, innovative, and fresh. Boundless creativity can be seen and tasted in the dishes, which are sumptuously elegant, yet reassuringly familiar and heart-warming. There are no contrived ideas; every culinary approach has its significance.
The food here, described as Japanese cuisine with Korean accents, is largely delectable and good for sharing, too.
Helming the Riyadh kitchen is Executive Chef William Rusli, who has been honing his craft under the tutelage of Chef Akira Back (the maestro himself occasionally pops up at our table to ensure that everything is alright) and Chef Giovanni Ledon, chef de cuisine at Akira Back Dubai.
A must-order at any Akira Back restaurant is the signature tuna pizza (SAR95). It features fresh tuna on a paper-thin crust, topped with micro shiso and drizzled with fragrant truffle oil for a touch of indulgence. Just be sure to eat that with your hand.
Particularly unforgettable is the baked crab hand roll (SAR65). The first bite explodes in flavours, and the amalgamation of the ingredients, lifted by a deep, smoky tang, prompts a “Wow”.
You can’t go wrong with the tender Australian wagyu rib eye (SAR450) either. Presented in buttery, tender morsels, they sit in a deliciously savoury kizami wasabi butter sauce that takes the dish from pleasing to stunning. It’s a mishmash of influences, but there’s really no denying the moreishness.
Akira Back’s miso black cod (SAR215) is, at heart, nicely done, but no one would be disappointed by it. It is soft and flaky, and the sweetness of the miso complements the yuja foam and cauliflower pickle.
Overall, most of the flavour and ingredient combinations that we sample make sense.
Sweet dreams are made of these
Pastry Chef Sharon Augustine’s creations are certainly contemporary and modern. Rounding up the meal is The Line (SAR55). Striking in its presentation – a theme at Akira Back, it’s plated with an assortment of things: dark chocolate mousse, brown butter tille, and French Earl Grey ice cream. The portraits of Chef Akira Back and his parents in cocoa powder are a nice touch.
A special mention must go to the unique Petit Fours, which, unlike other restaurants, aren’t just an afterthought. Here, they are a recreation of the painting in the restaurant. The edible works of art evoke familiar candied treats with flavours such as matcha and yuzu. Such an ideal finale.
What’s On verdict: Things aren’t at 100 per cent yet, as it’s still in the pre-opening phase, and service could be a tad more attentive. However, the gracious staff are ever cheerful and do their very best to address any question. All in all, we reckon Akira Back Riyadh is worth the wait, and that’s saying something. So, foodies, this is one new restaurant you won’t want to miss.
Akira Back, 1364AH Complex, Diplomatic Quarter, Riyadh. @akirabackriyadh
Images: Social