The chef’s eponymous restaurant opened its doors to diners late last year.
Saudi Arabia is no stranger to exceptional dining, and the latest addition to Riyadh’s fine dining scene is Akira Back Riyadh. The eponymous restaurant, named after the celebrity chef, opened its doors late last year, bringing a fusion of modern Japanese cuisine with Korean influences to the capital.
Akira Back Riyadh is located in the 1364 Shopping Center within the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ). For those of us who remember the DQ’s exclusive days – where you’d need to flash your ID at the gates – the transformation of this area into a lively hub is still surprising.
From the moment you walk into Akira Back Riyadh, you’ll feel welcomed into the restaurant’s warm embrace. The interiors balance elegance and simplicity with plush brown leather seating, wooden finishes, and sleek marble tabletops that set the stage for the meal ahead. The open kitchen adds a bit of excitement as you catch glimpses of the chefs working their magic.
Our memorable meal began with the Creamy Spinach Salad, which turned out to be a star. The spinach leaves coated in a velvety dressing hit the perfect balance of creamy and nutty. With crunch from the roasted nuts and a buttery finish, each bite felt indulgent yet refreshing.
Now, no Japanese dining experience is complete without sushi, so we ordered the California Maki Roll. Flawlessly seasoned and rolled, each bite delivered exactly the level of excellence one would expect from Chef Akira and this classic item. On the other hand, the Crispy Kalbi Roll was filled with tender short ribs and a light crunch. While delicious to bite, it could’ve used a touch more seasoning to bring out its full potential.
The starters really shone with the signature AB Wagyu Tacos. Generously filled with sensationally seasoned wagyu beef, these tacos managed to balance flavours and texture — a crunchy shell and tremendously tender filling.
For mains, the 48-hour Wagyu Short Ribs stole the show. Priced at SAR 270, it’s a splurge, but one bite and you know it’s worth every riyal. The meat was unbelievably tender, and each rich, smoky, and juicy bite was paired beautifully with the vegetables.
Another highlight was the Miso Black Cod. With its silky texture and glaze, the fish practically fell apart at the touch of a fork. The miso marinade gave it a sweet kick that paired beautifully with the buttery texture, resulting in a dish that delivered on all fronts. And, of course, we couldn’t skip the Vegetable Fried Rice. Simple yet elevated and toasted for a nutty undertone, it was the kind of side dish that could easily hold its own as a main.
Ending on a sweet note, we debated over the tempting Akira Back Dessert Platter but ultimately settled on the Apple Harumaki. This crumbly, creamy, and comforting dessert made for a satisfying conclusion to the meal.
Mocktails are the stars of the beverage menu and we favoured the Beehives, served in a chic copper glass. This blend of lemongrass, jasmine tea, and honey had a slightly bitter edge, but it’s one of those acquired tastes that we rather enjoyed.
Akira Back Riyadh is a solid addition to the city’s growing roster of fine-dining destinations. While we’re still partial to Chef Akira Back’s Dasha, which has since closed, and the FACT award-winning Namu, this spot holds its own.
GO: Visit https://akirabackriyadh.com for more information.
