Chotto Matte Riyadh is set to open in KAFD this month
It’s coming real soon…
It’s been about three years since we first learned that upscale Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Chotto Matte, which boasts other locations in Doha, London, and Miami, was coming to a new space in Riyadh.
Now, the opening date is approaching — While no exact date has been given, the restaurant is set to open its doors in Riyadh this month.
Reservations will be available through SevenRooms, and the restaurant’s website will be launching soon. So, watch this space as soon as we have further updates.
What can we expect from Chotto Matte Riyadh?
All Chotto Matte sites are set in impressive and memorable spaces, and the stylish, contemporary art-led design of the Riyadh location will add an extra layer of sophistication to the dining experience, mirroring the city’s own modern and ambitious environment.
The new space will be designed by Andy Martin, the respected founder of Superfutures: Architecture & Design and a long-standing partner, who has collaborated with the group since its inception in 2013.
The space features signature design elements, including an open sushi counter, robata grill, lava stone accents, and vibrant graffiti-inspired artwork, all complemented by lush greenery — key characteristics that define the Chotto Matte experience.
The menu, inspired by Kurt’s passion for Nikkei cuisine, is as eclectic as it is exciting. It brings together the rich heritage of Japan and the spirit of Peru. All dishes – created by Group Executive Chef Jordan Sclare – will be artfully curated, combining Japanese and Peruvian flavours and culinary techniques, blending tradition with innovation on every plate. Expect ceviche, tiradito, anticucho BBQ, and sushi all on the menu.
Signature items include the pollo den miso (chicken marinated in miso paste), sato maki sushi (yellowtail and salmon with red pepper lime soy, flamed at the table), black cod aji miso (cod with a chilli-miso and yuzu marinade), and cordero Nikkei (lamb anticucho with pear and yellow tomato salsa).
Chotto Matte Riyadh will be well worth the wait
What’s On Saudi Arabia had an exclusive interview with renowned chef and restaurateur Kurt Zdesar back in April last year about opening Chotto Matte in Riyadh.
“We are hugely looking forward to launching Chotto Matte Riyadh in such a flourishing destination,” says Kurt.
“Opening at KAFD has its longevity. Financial districts are always the most robust areas. New areas are always coming, but there’s also always going to be a financial district in every city. When all the other developments come into place, the financial district will be the central hub, which is integral to the economy. Plus, with tourism coming in, we need to be there to cater to that.”
And in case you’re wondering, Chotto Matte means “Wait a minute” in Japanese. Kurt quips, “I don’t like to correct people, but if you want to know the proper way of pronouncing Chotto Matte, just google it.”
Kurt shares, “We are always looking to innovate and evolve, from the kitchen to design. Part of the creative things for Chotto Matte is not to do the same things twice. For certain elements, we do try to use the same materials, albeit slightly different each time. I like to give people a purpose. For instance, 70% of the menu will be similar, and another 30% will be localised, but that doesn’t necessarily mean using only local products because from territory to territory, it’s a challenge to do that. But if there are ingredients that we can incorporate into the menu, that will happen, but it’s also about respecting what’s already quite popular here and incorporating that into our menu.”
“A cookie-cutter concept is a good business model, but it isn’t fun. It’s not exciting, and it doesn’t challenge me. I would rather do one concept but take it into each city where I’m introducing something new, and everyone’s excited by it, and people can’t wait for it. And what Chotto Matte is doing is to bring an authentic approach by introducing new elements that no one knows,” he adds.
Further expansion is planned with openings in Tbilisi and Dubai’s DIFC. But for those seeking a taste of more Japanese-Peruvian cuisine from Riyadh’s first location of chain Chotto Matte won’t have to wait much longer.
We’re already counting down the days…
Chotto Matte Riyadh, KAFD, opens in Jan 2025. @chottomatteruh
Images: Supplied