We debate and agonise over this award, but context is everything.
Who should win Restaurant of the Year? Is it the place with white linen and mirror service or the local neighbourhood stalwart? What does Restaurant of the Year mean in Saudi Arabia, a country where tastes change with the wind?
In Riyadh, homegrown talent competes with international chefs in one of the region’s most competitive dining markets. It is no surprise that those who live in Riyadh know that it is one of the world’s best dining destinations. Centuries of Saudi hospitality and–let’s be honest—a taste for the finer things in life set the groundwork for what Riyadh has become.
International chefs and global culinary concepts landed en masse in 2024 with big openings, bringing their voice, vision and capability of exceptional dining to a city that–at times–feels like it has seen it all. Even with our FACT Dining Awards Riyadh taking place in November, blockbuster openings are still to come this year – Zuma anyone?
This intense market separates the good from the great and the competition could not be more fierce. Therefore, the FACT Dining Awards Riyadh Restaurant of the Year 2024 needs to be a heavy hitter. A world-class restaurant synonymous with innovative cuisine. A groundbreaker and pacesetter by which other restaurants are measured both here and abroad.
FACT’s Restaurant of the Year 2024 in Saudi Arabia is Kuuru Riyadh, a homegrown success story that has been making waves across the Kingdom.
Kuuru Riyadh Review
We love a homegrown success story at FACT, and the newly opened Kuuru in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District has proven itself one to watch following success in Jeddah and a coveted placement on the MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Entering through Japanese shoji screens, the stunning dining room blends Japanese minimalism with Peruvian jungle vibes, reflecting the funky fusion cuisine served. An elaborate bar and simple sushi counter can be found amidst the intricate woodwork, hues of blue, and stunning light fittings that radiate out across the restaurant space. These modern design elements create a captivating yet inviting space reflective of Kuuru’s vivacious spirit.
This brainchild of the Leylaty Group, Kuuru Riyadh, brings Nikkei cuisine to the Saudi table, offering an experience that transcends borders and ignites the senses. The restaurant’s expansive sharing-style menu showcases the marriage of Japanese precision and Peruvian flair, where fresh, locally sourced seafood takes centre stage, glistening in vibrant ceviches and tiraditos.
Start with an explosion of freshness from the raw bar, indulging in sashimi platters or meticulously crafted Nikkei-style Nigiri, complemented by Peruvian spices and citrusy touches. Highlights include Wagyu A La Pore (SAR 81), which layers wagyu striploin over sushi rice with smoked tare, Nippon chimichurri and a velvety quail egg. As one of Kuuru’s best dishes, this nigiri is lightly torched before being eaten. The Naka Truffle (SAR 63), featuring salmon belly, lemon zest, Maldon salt, and truffle, is another terrific choice.
The Nikkei Sando (SAR 149) should be your go-to if raw is not your thing. This decadent dish sandwiches braised short rib, aji panca, and avocado cream between fluffy Japanese milk bread and is juicy and delicious. The Kane Kari (SAR 178) is another popular pick, where a crisp and golden dough is stuffed with generous amounts of delicate King crab and cream cheese before serving the pretty parcels with a delightfully viscous spicy passion fruit honey.
Kuuru doesn’t shy away from pushing boundaries. The mains mix Japanese and Peruvian flavours with finesse across dishes such as succulent Nikkei Lobster (SAR 850) served with Peruvian chilli gratin, miso and lime and Shake Nitsuke (SAR 140), combining Josper-grilled salmon with sweet soy and Peruvian chilli emulsion into a dish of disarming flavours and an unexpected delicateness. However, the Niku Karashi (SAR 459) would be our perfect pick, plating grilled ribeye alongside Nikkei chimichurri, potato purée, and Japanese sweet mustard sauce. Don’t overlook the stellar sides, including a texturally tasty Pachamanca Corn (SAR 69) and a rich and robust Wagyu Chahan (SAR 210) fried rice dish with vegetables, marinated yolk and yuzu.
Desserts range from delightfully doughy Peruvian doughnuts to a silky smooth cheesecake instilled with a tangy twist from citrus and shavings of white chocolate. The colourful handmade plates are so stylish that you may want to snap them before you start – we’re not judging.
Kuuru’s attentive team elevate the dining experience. Knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about the cuisine, they guide diners through the menu, offering insightful recommendations without intrusion and ensuring a memorable meal tailored to your preferences.
Kuuru is in good culinary company in KAFD. The restaurant joins the likes of Il Baretto, Mr Chow and the soon-to-open Zuma in Riyadh’s buzziest dining district. Having been named the ‘best restaurant in Jeddah’ at the FACT Dining Awards 2023, Riyadh residents no longer need to pack their bags and hop on a plane to the Red Sea because Kuuru’s captivating cuisine is now available in the capital.
And for all of those reasons, we are proud to award Kuuru Riyadh as FACT’s Restaurant of the Year 2024 in Saudi Arabia.
2025 already looks like it will be an intense race.
GO: Visit www.kuururestaurant.com for more information.
