Inside Kayzo’s new home in Riyadh’s Sulimaniyah district
The Japanese restaurant gets a glow-up in an elevated ambience…
We first dined at Kayzo in 2023, a top choice in Riyadh for those seeking fuss-free Japanese fare in a casual dining setting (read our review here).
So, it was no surprise that foodie pulses were sent racing when it announced in an Instagram post last month that it was moving to a new location.
Following a facelift and expansion into a new space in Sulimaniyah, Kayzo officially opens this week, fresh and with big ambitions.
The new restaurant – located in the former space of Billionaire Restaurant – is truly a sight to behold. It is, of course, considerably larger than the original Kayzo in Oud Square within the Diplomatic Quarter. It is spacious enough to accommodate more tables yet not so cavernous that Kayzo’s cosy atmosphere is muted.
The structures and layout of the space have been kept the same, but the refreshed décor taps into Kayzo’s colour palette of blue and orange, as seen with the leather seating banquettes and dining chairs, alongside vibrant Asian-inspired artworks and display items.
And despite the high ceilings, large windows, and polished floors, which would otherwise be right at home in a formal restaurant, the vibe here is friendly and relaxed.
The blend of upscale and casual is undoubtedly a refreshing twist that enhances Kayzo’s atmosphere. Ultimately, they aim for everyone who enters to have a good time and to ensure that diners feel relaxed and enjoy themselves.
And if you head outside? The terrace of Kayzo, albeit narrow, is a hidden delight that permits a leisurely view of the streetscape.
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The menu has also been refreshed. But Kayzo is in good hands with Jeddah-born Chef Rayan Alayesh. Together with Barry Andrews, executive chef at Modern Food Company Group, they have crafted an enticing menu with dishes that are presented in a contemporary way but grounded in flavours.
The restaurant is well-loved by the cool crowd in Riyadh, and, naturally, there are dishes that have become cult favourites.
Munch your way through big hitters of black cod gyoza with yuzu truffle sauce (SAR60), new-style hamachi marinated with tamari soy dressing and jalapeno salsa (SAR63), crispy duck bao (SAR27), black pepper beef noodles (SAR56), the mushroom Takikomi Gohan (SAR59), and so much more.
One standout is the snow crab filo with cream cheese (SAR79). The delicate but tasty flavours and the lovely balance of crisp pastry and soft filling will linger in our memory for a while.
The other is the chicken kushi with lemon garlic sauce (SAR35). Juicy chunks of meat are skewered and grilled to perfection. The inside remains succulent and moist, while the exterior is beautifully charred with bitter bits to nibble on.
Don’t miss out on their tantalising mocktails either, like the refreshing Lychee Hana (SAR38), which complements the cuisine effortlessly.
Desserts are just as memorable. However, it’s the freshly baked warm miso cookie with caramel ice cream (SAR39) that truly wins us over, featuring a soft, chewy centre with crisp, golden-brown edges and a nutty, sweet flavour.
There are many brilliant Japanese restaurants in Riyadh, and there is no doubt that Kayzo is in that league. Its food exudes a quiet confidence and restrained elegance, making the menu affordable considering the quality on offer. Date night, group dinner, family lunch, this new chapter of Kayzo suits everything.
And while the interiors are rather fancy, Kayzo 2.0 brings a chill and effortlessly cool vibe that says, “Stay awhile”. So, don’t mind if we do…
Kayzo, 2752 Prince Musaid bin Abdulaziz bin Jalawi Street, As Sulimaniyah, Riyadh 12234, Sat to Wed 1pm to midnight, Thurs & Fri 1pm to 1am. @kayzo.saudi
Images: Social