Finding the best Japanese restaurant in Riyadh is more like passing a difficult level in your favorite game. One wrong move, and you’re stuck with sad sushi or ramen that tastes like instant noodles.
Luckily, Riyadh has leveled up its Japanese food game in the recent few years.
So if you want to try teppanyaki, wagyu, or a sushi platter that actually looks like the menu photo, there’s a place for it.
And yeah!
This isn’t just some random list of restaurants.
I shortlisted these restaurants after trying tons of different Japanese spots in Riyadh.
We already talked about sushi restaurants before so we won’t discuss sushi this time.
The restaurants are:
- Chotto Matte
- Kampai
- YOKARI
- Diamond
- Ki
Let me give you my experience at these places so you know exactly what to expect when visiting.
Let’s get started!
1. Chotto Matte – Japanese Food In Riyadh
This by far is one of my favorite restaurants in terms of interior and exterior design. When you walk inside you will feel like you stepped into a futuristic jungle.
You will get to see bold colors, sleek furniture, and a ceiling so artistic it deserves its own Instagram page.
THE OUTDOORS?
Perfect for relaxing under a unique style umbrella and enjoying your favorite sashimi.
Japanese Food
Well, the menu has every Japanese dish you can ever think of. The restaurant blends Japanese and Peruvian flavors (Nikkei cuisine) in a way that just works.
Three dishes that I really loved are:
Spicy Tuna Crispy Sushi: This sushi has a crispy and crunchy base and is topped with spicy tuna tartare. It’s the perfect balance of heat and texture.
Asado De Tira: I wish all beef was cooked like this. This dish includes a slow cooked beef rib which is then topped with rich teriyaki jus and smooth purple potato purée.
Tentáculos De Pulpo: If you are a fan of seafood then this one is a no skip. This octopus dish includes Spicy yuzu, purple potato purée, and that perfect charred flavor.
2. Kampai – Japanese Food In Riyadh
Don’t be distracted by the small size of this restaurant because the flavors here are big and delicious. The restaurant is bright and airy with a touch of style to make you feel comfortable.
I love those huge windows which flood the place with natural light and the sleek modern furniture and old-school charm gives it a unique, upscale-but-chill feel.
OH!
The backlit wall is just asking you to get it up on your Instagram story.
My Favorite Japanese Dishes
This is the most detailed menu I have ever seen in a Japanese food restaurant. I had to make a couple of visits to ensure that I had tasted enough of their dishes.
My favorites were:
- Crispy Soft Shell Crab Roll: This dish is fresh, crunchy and crispy. This dishes includes a soft shell crab is wrapped up with cucumber and carrots, then drizzled with a special sauce that takes it to another level.
- Kampai Style Wagyu Beef: I wish I knew about this place when I talked about steak in Riyadh. This one includes Juicy, grilled wagyu steak, topped with Kampai’s signature sauce and a luxurious slab of foie gras.
- Beef Chili Soba Noodles: I am a big fan of noodles and this dish satisfied my cravings. It includes noodles in a bold, spicy broth, packed with grilled beef, onions, cilantro, and just the right amount of heat.
3. Yokari
This Japanese spot is all about warmth, comfort, and sophistication.
There’s something unique here!
You get to see a big bookshelf in the dining area.
YEAH! A BOOK SHELF!
The dining area has sleek wood paneling, soft lighting, and a bookshelf that adds a hint of personality.
If you are looking for a family restaurant then this one should be on top of your list.
Best Dishes to Try:
I had to scratch my head while looking at the menu because their menu is literally 14 pages.
YUP, 14 PAGES!
I have tried maybe half of their menu items by now and my favorites are:
- Wagyu Katsu Sando: You might think it’s an ordinary sandwich but it isn’t. This includes a thick wagyu that is breaded and then fried. The flavor has a nice contrast of juicy and crunchy texture.
- Melting Salmon: Salmon sushi is my favorite and this restaurant does it better than anyone else in Riyadh. The salmon is buttery and fresh creating a nice flavor as soon as you eat it.
- Ramen Noodles Soup: Many people come here just for the soup and after trying this I understand why. This includes umami broth, chewy noodles, and toppings that take it to the next level.
4. Diamond
If you want to feel a bit extra fancy this restaurant won’t disappoint. This restaurant is fancy but with a capital F.
The overall ambiance has shiny walls, moody lighting, and pops of colorful lights that make everything feel exciting.
If you want to celebrate big this is the place to be.
I really love their booth seating. If you are out with your family and need that extra privacy then I would highly recommend getting a booth to yourself.
My Favorite Japanese Dishes:
They have lots of options like shrimp, noodles, sushi, and soups. The list can go on and on but my favorites are:
- Baked Lobster Thermidor with Cheese: One bite and you will feel royal. This dish includes Juicy, buttery lobster covered in a rich, cheesy sauce and baked until golden.
- Teppanyaki Pepper Sauce Angus: I like spicy dishes and this one didn’t disappoint. It includes beef coated in a bold pepper sauce. The beef arrives sizzling and smokey.
- Shrimp Biryani: You might have tried biryani in Riyadh but not the Japanese style. The spicy rice comes with plump, juicy shrimp and just the right amount of spice.
5. KI Riyadh
Dark, sleek, and stylish.
KI is the kind of place that whispers “This is a special night.”
I really love how everything is dark inside. You don’t need to watch couples fighting or arguing and can just focus on what’s on your table.
There are also pops of green around the restaurant which makes it feel fresh and friendly.
Dishes I Loved
Unlike other Japanese restaurants in Riyadh, they have a limited menu but the things on this are something they master.
These dishes are my favorite:
Mango Crab Salad: For those healthy food lovers this salad is a must try. One thing I love about this dish is that the sweetness of the mango balances beautifully with the delicate brininess of the crab.
KI Special Maki: This is their house-special sushi roll. The ingredients used are premium and the rolls have a nice texture and crunch to them.
Sizzling Seafood: This has all the seafood items you wish to try. It arrives sizzling and you will be confused about which item to pick first.
