Review: Kout showcases contemporary cuisine in chic setting
Kout presents a tantalising array of contemporary cuisine with local and Western influences…
Set in a complex in the heart of Riyadh at the Ar Rahmaniyyah area, Kout is one slick operation. The décor defines minimal chic with a playful edge: geometric-patterned tiles juxtaposed with polished concrete floor, soft, sumptuous pastel pink fabrics, and a statement palm tree in the middle of the restaurant.
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The restaurant is set over two floors, with a mezzanine and VIP lounge due to open on the top floor imminently (it’s still in the soft opening phase). The ground floor, equipped with a cosy, moodily light atmosphere, seats about 60 guests.
Kout’s ala carte offerings begin with five types of sharing plates, from salads to appetisers like arancini and fries topped with minced meat and cheddar sauce.
Our dinner kicks off nicely with bite-sized morsels of bloody maple shrimps – bloody good if you’re to ask us. Punctuated by a starburst of wasabi, it gives the dish a real spicy kick without being too overpowering.
Next, an unassuming black rice tabbouleh proves to be an unexpected star of the show. The culinary team puts a contemporary reinterpretation on the traditional tabbouleh salad with black rice, pine nuts, dates, and pomegranate with orange and balsamic dressing.
There is a little bit of everything in the main course selection, from short ribs lasagne to crispy chicken sliders with charcoal buns and pizza and pasta dishes. Our chimichurri steak was satisfactory. Well-marbled sirloin is cooked until tender, and it is served with chimichurri sauce, which gives a nice touch to round out the flavours.
Somehow, we still make room for the short ribs with cola sauce and fried potato cubes. It has a playful variation of textures that range from super soft beef to crunchy beetroot crisps. We love that the sweet and tangy cola sauce reduces the richness of the fattiness of the short ribs, making the dish appetising instead of heavy.
Staying simple is the key to ordering desserts at Kout. We finish with the classic tiramisu. Delicate and light, the tiramisu is a simple treat worth enjoying as a sweet ending.
If you’re looking for good quality at a reasonable price, Kout is undoubtedly worth the try. Plus, its immaculate service in an elegant space makes dining at Kout a pleasurable experience. We’re already planning our next visit with friends.
Kout also expands its menu this Ramadan to include an Iftar set menu. It comprises soup, appetisers like tabbouleh, pesto and beetroot hummus, cheese sambosa, beef kibbeh and fatayer pies, the main course (you have an option of chicken or lamb majboos, chicken or lamb biryani or lasagna), dessert, Arabic coffee, Vimto cordial and laban drink.
Kout, Ar Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh 12341, Coordinates: PM57+RC, daily 5pm to 12.30am. Prices for ala carte menu start from SAR40. Iftar set menu is priced at SAR150 for adults and SAR75 for children. Tel: 059 286 0041. @kout.ksa
Images: Instagram