Review: Zuma Riyadh
A late contender for Riyadh’s best restaurant opening of 2024…
Riyadh got its first taste of Zuma when the renowned Japanese restaurant landed in the capital as part of Riyadh Oasis, a paradisiacal pop-up for foodies that opened on the outskirts of the city in January 2021. And it’s been a patient wait for discerning diners in Saudi Arabia ever since for a permanent restaurant.
But it’s been even longer for Mohammed Jawa, the visionary entrepreneur and founder of MJS Holding, who has partnered with Azumi restaurants to launch Zuma in KAFD. Having first set his sights on bringing Zuma to Riyadh more than a decade ago, in the years in between he’s successfully brought internationally renowned restaurants to Riyadh like Jon & Vinny’s, Il Baretto, Ruya, Black Tap and Mr Chow.
But as of December 2024, the wait is over – and Zuma has officially landed in KAFD. But was it worth the wait?
We snag a reservation on the second day of opening, eager to find out.
And we’re not the only ones keen to see what the fuss is about – as we make our way up to the second floor lounge for a 7pm reservation, the glamourously dressed and friendly brigade of hostesses are busy checking in a polite queue of guests. We head to the lounge for a pre-dinner drink, where a grand bar is the crowning feature, its top illuminated in signature glowing orange. Above it, glassware suspended in a glass case is dazzling and dramatic, adding further wow-factor into a space that already instantly impresses. There are barstools surrounding three sides, with the wider lounge dotted with high tables, booths, and low tables where guests can dine on plush sofas. Crimson red and glowing yellow hues are laced through a space that’s otherwise dark and dominated by woods, giving the whole lounge a sophisticated yet warm feeling.
The 0.0% cocktail list is extensive and impressive, mirroring Zuma signatures from around the world, while also introducing some Riyadh exclusives. The Japanese paloma (SAR53) uses Lyre’s white cane and infuses it with clarified yuzu and hibiscus cordial to add a fruity but balanced taste to a prettily presented drink. But it’s pipped by a powerful chili passionfruit margarita (SAR53), a superb sip of spicy blood orange, vanilla and passionfruit, that’s so good we quickly order a second.
We browse the menu while we enjoy a drink in the lounge, a cool track of house beats set to a level that enhances the ambience, but still allows guests to hear one another – and the vibe mirrors that of the Zuma’s we’ve visited in hotspots like Dubai and London with ease.
While you’re welcome to enjoy the full a la carte experience in the lounge, we head downstairs to the restaurant for dinner. There’s lots of booths for big groups, circular tables arranged neatly around the intimate dining room. There’s also counter seating at a robata and sushi counter, where the best views of the master chefs at work are found. Private dining rooms and an alfresco terrace still to come complete the offering.
The menu is extensive – almost overwhelmingly so – so we’re happy to take recommendations from our knowledgeable waiter, who’s one of several team members that has come from other global Zuma locations to be part of the Riyadh opening. The beef gyozas (SAR119), are new for the Riyadh menu and arrive piping hot, packed with a meaty mix of seasonal mushrooms and tender beef. We also order a Zuma staple, the rock shrimp (SAR135), and dunk each tasty mouthful into the punchy wasabi and chili dip. The beautifully plated lobster carpaccio (SAR290) proves its not style over substance in first bite, and each fresh and flavourful cut of lobster when paired with yuzu granite and caviar is standout.
From the robata dishes, the grilled chicken wings, served with rock salt and a wedge of lime (SAR63) are our favourites until the robata cooked jumbo tiger prawn (SAR183) arrives, and we squeeze a dash of lime onto the yuzu-spiked prawn and enjoy the sensational flavour profile of each bite. We order a broccolini (SAR62) to pair with the other mains, but it arrives once we’ve finished almost all our dishes. It’s still enjoyable, we just wish it had arrived with the rest of our dishes.
For dessert, if you’re any more than two guests, you need to order the oh-so-Instagrammable deluxe platter (SAR115). On a bed of crushed ice, and with a theatrical dry ice pour at the table, you’ll get exotic fruits, a chocolate fondant with a perfectly gooey centre, a creamy creme brulee, and sweet moons of mochi.
By the time we’re finishing dessert, every table is taken – some for a second time that evening, and as we leave, a steady stream of guests are still making their way, all eager to finally get their Zuma fix in the city.
Verdict: A near flawless entry into Riyadh’s dining scene, it slots quickly – and easy – into Riyadh’s top fine dining restaurants.
Zuma Riyadh, 2.09 King Abdullah Financial District, Metro Blvd, Al Aqiq, daily 12.30pm to 1am. Tel: (+966) 92 0014 597. @zumariyadhofficial