Is the Kingdom’s most eagerly anticipated restaurant worth the one-month waiting list?
I have a confession: I’m a Zuma addict. I’ve been to several of Zuma’s restaurants around the world and lost count of the times I’ve visited Zuma Dubai. When I heard that Zuma Riyadh was opening, I knew that it would quickly become one of my favourite restaurants in Saudi Arabia. Queuing for a restaurant is a gesture of love, but being on a waiting list is the ultimate act of devotion. So, when I got to visit on the opening night, I can confirm that I fell head over chopsticks for one of the world’s finest Japanese restaurants – and you will, too.
Zuma Riyadh sets a new benchmark for contemporary Japanese cuisine in a city rapidly blossoming as a global culinary destination. Located in the burgeoning KAFD district, the Riyadh outpost of this globally celebrated brand delivers an experience that balances glamour, innovation, and quality—a combination Zuma is renowned for.
For Mohammed Jawa, the prominent Saudi entrepreneur behind MJS Holding (Jon & Vinny’s, Mr Chow and RÜYA), bringing Zuma to Riyadh was more than just a business endeavour but a labour of love and a belief that the Saudi capital deserved a seat at the table of the world’s most celebrated dining destinations.
The journey began over a decade ago, fuelled by Jawa’s admiration for Zuma’s beautiful blend of contemporary Japanese cuisine and elevated dining experiences. Over the years, he meticulously built the relationships, trust, and infrastructure required to bring Zuma to life in Riyadh. Following a popular pop-up at Riyadh Oasis in 2021, the capital now has a prominent permanent location for the Japanese juggernaut.
It has certainly been worth the wait. Designed by acclaimed architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, Zuma Riyadh draws inspiration from the prefectures of Japan and the Kingdom in a setting that embodies natural harmony and is accented with subtle city-inspired touches. Intricate woodwork, glass panels and textures of rough stone anchor the expansive two-floor restaurant setting, which is also home to three private dining rooms.
The aesthetic is an ode to modern minimalism, infused with natural materials and textures that create a sense of warmth and intimacy. The space is dominated by earthy tones, with stone, timber, and metal seamlessly woven into the architecture. Walls feature raw textures that evoke the rugged beauty of nature, while lighting cascades from sleek mashrabiya-inspired fixtures. The result is an ambience that feels both sophisticated and grounded.
Begin in the upstairs bar, where views over the wadi and the soaring skyscrapers of KAFD’s flourishing financial district are backed by hypnotic beats from the DJ booth. The menu showcases marvellous signature mocktails such as the Japanese Paloma (SAR 53) and Chilli and Passion Fruit Margarita (SAR 53) that deftly navigate Riyadh’s restrictions.
The menu is nothing short of theatrical. Zuma’s signature style of “izakaya dining,” where dishes are designed to be shared, translates beautifully to Riyadh’s affinity for communal dining. I made my way through the menu, which I know like the back of my mind. “Have you previously worked for Zuma? You’ve ordered the signature dishes” joked the waiter.
It begins with the sashimi platter (SAR 218 for 12 pieces): a visual feast of glistening salmon, toro, and yellowtail, artfully arranged and served with freshly grated wasabi. The quality of the fish is impeccable—each bite melts away, leaving a fresh sweetness that lingers. Elsewhere, the superb Sliced Yellowtail (SAR 101) remains a firm FACT favourite and continues to set the standard with its delicate slithers of sliced yellowtail topped with a fiery green chilli relish, pickled garlic and a drizzle of ponzu.
For those who crave the smokiness of the robata grill, the Black Cod (SAR 258) wrapped in a hoba leaf is an unmissable Zuma staple. Its caramelised miso glaze offers a luscious, sweet contrast to the cod’s buttery texture. The grilled Japanese Sweet Corn (SAR 76) with shiso butter redefines a humble ingredient, while the beef skewers (SAR 85) with soy, garlic, ginger and chilli are another standout, seared to perfection and seasoned with a touch of sea salt and lime.
If you can squeeze in room for dessert (which we highly recommend you should), the Special Chocolate (SAR 78) with vanilla bean ice cream is Zuma’s take on a fondant that offers a decadent oozing chocolate cake decorated with the iconic Zuma logo across its top in a gold chocolate font. The menu also showcases a Riyadh-exclusive dessert: the Ajwa Date and Miso Toffee Cake (SAR 80), paired with ginger crumble, poached pears, and sweet corn mochi ice cream.
With a rumoured one-month waiting list for reservations less than a month after opening, Zuma Riyadh can already be considered a resounding success. It is fully supported by fastidious service, brilliant beverages, and a menu of superb sushi and flame-licked robata dishes designed with sharing in mind.
The modern Japanese izakaya proudly holds the most accolades in the history of the FACT Dining Awards (31 and counting) due to its consistency, quality and accomplished cuisine. There will be a sense of familiarity or perhaps even nostalgia for those who’ve dined at Zuma in London, Hong Kong, Istanbul or Dubai, while those who have never experienced the concept before should prepare for a memorable meal.
Zuma Riyadh: missing out is not an option.
GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.
