The restaurant in KAFD showcases a Japanese izakaya experience.
Saudi Arabia has welcomed dining heavyweights, from big brands to celebrity chefs. Now, the Japanese juggernaut Zuma is heading to KAFD, Riyadh. Opening on 16 December, here’s what you need to know about the world-famous, celebrity-favourite Japanese juggernaut.
In 2002, Reiner Becker launched his first-ever restaurant, Zuma. In 2004, he gave it a culinary cousin, ROKA. Both of the restaurants opened in London, but the brands have spanned across the world. Today, Zuma can be found in Cannes, Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, Miami, New York and Rome. Plus, it has won more FACT Dining Awards than any other restaurant on record.
Zuma Riyadh’s will open on Monday, December 16 2024. The opening date was announced on the brand’s official Instagram account. In the video, Zuma-branded London black cabs drive through the Saudi capital and past the KAFD skyline. The caption reads: “Born in London in 2002—coming to Riyadh, December 2024.”
In 2021, Zuma entered Saudi Arabia’s dining scene as a pop-up in Riyadh Season. Now, it’s set to have a permanent residence in the capital’s KAFD district. Designed by acclaimed architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, Zuma Riyadh draws inspiration from Japan and the Kingdom in a setting that embodies natural harmony, accented with subtle city-inspired touches. Intricate woodwork, glass panels and textures of rough stone anchor the expansive restaurant setting, which is also home to three private dining rooms.
Eechoing the celebrated dining concept established in global cities like Bangkok, Dubai and London. This two-story venue, connected by a dramatic spiral staircase, features three distinct kitchens: the main kitchen, a robata grill, and a sushi counter. Guests can explore a dynamic restaurant and upstairs lounge space, complete with a signature bar churning out zero-proof Zuma signatures and classic cocktails and a DJ booth that sets an energetic tone throughout.
Zuma in Riyadh’s menu will showcase the signature izakaya flavours. The menus around the world showcase maki rolls, nigiri, sushi, sashimi and seasonal dishes. The signature dishes include Japanese Mushroom Rice Hotpot, Miso Corn Fed Baby Chicken, and Spicy Beef Tenderloin. And, the world-famous dish is the Miso Marinated Black Cod, which is served in hoba leaf. The menu will showcase a Riyadh-exclusive dessert: the Ajwa Date and Miso Toffee Cake, paired with ginger crumble, poached pears, and sweet corn mochi ice cream.
If you can’t wait for Zuma, head to ROKA Riyadh. Located in As Sulimaniyah, the Japanese robatayaki experience echoes its restaurants across the world, from Dubai to London. The signature dishes include Lamb Cutlets with Korean spices and the infamous Baked Potato with yuzu cream and chives.
The Kingdom’s MJS Holding is behind the opening. The hospitality group’s brands include AOK Kitchen, Il Baretto, Jon & Vinny’s, Mr Chow, ROKA and Rüya. The group also announced that it is bringing the restaurants BeauCoCo, Gina, Il Bambini Club, Liza, and Perruche de Pariso to Saudi Arabia. It will also open Arcade Food Hall, which is already located in London’s Tottenham Court Road and Battersea.
Zuma Riyadh’s arrival marks an exciting milestone for Saudi Arabia’s culinary landscape, and reservations for lunch and dinner are now available.
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GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
