SUSHISAMBA Riyadh: A Culinary Fusion of Three Cultures in an Elegant, Ambiently-lit Venue
In the bustling heart of Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, amidst sleek glass buildings and ambitious architecture, a new culinary adventure is making waves. SUSHISAMBA Riyadh, which opened its doors on August 29, 2024, has swiftly become the city’s newest dining hotspot. And it’s not just for the food – although, trust me, the food alone would be reason enough. This spot brings together the flavors of Japan, Brazil, and Peru in a blend that sounds like it shouldn’t work, but I can confirm first hand that it does.
The Riyadh location is the latest addition to SUSHISAMBA’s growing global footprint, which already includes outposts in cities like London, Dubai, and Las Vegas. But enough about geography – let’s dive into the real star here: the food.
SUSHISAMBA: The Art of Fusion
SUSHISAMBA’s menu isn’t just a random assortment of dishes tossed together to sound exotic. It’s a carefully curated culinary fusion showcasing some of the best of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian flair.
The restaurant’s design complements its eclectic menu. There are two outdoor terraces for those “I’m in Riyadh but I want to feel like I’m in Rio” kind of evenings, and an open kitchen that allows you to watch skilled chefs at work adding an element of excitement and authenticity
Must Trys
Now, what to order. There’s a lot to choose from and plenty of meat to choose from, but the purpose of our visit was for fresh fish, so for some insight into our favourites:
O-TORO (Fatty Tuna) Sashimi – It’s not often you can say a piece of raw fish is luxurious, but here we are. O-TORO comes from the lower belly of the fish, and its high-fat content contributes to its melt-in-your-mouth quality, which is a hallmark of this exquisite delicacy.
Black Cod Anticuchos – This one was the star of the evening, can wholeheartedly say this is the best piece of grilled fish I have had in Riyadh. The cod was marinated, skewered and grilled to smoky perfection. If you’re looking for something that’ll make you say “wow” after every bite, this is it, I can attest, I did exactly that.
Kari Kari – Crispy rice topped with lobster, avocado, sesame aioli, and a pineapple soy reduction. I know, it sounds like a lot, but trust me: it’s a good lot. This dish is a rollercoaster of textures and flavors – crunchy, creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of umami.
Acevichado Roll – This isn’t your typical sushi roll. The Acevichado roll is loaded with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, sea bass, avocado, cucumber, and topped off with aji amarillo leche de tigre (aka Peruvian citrus magic).
Japanese A5 Wagyu – Although the Wagyu at SUSHISAMBA has a reputation for being a standout dish, we decided to pass on it this time. After all, Riyadh is practically bursting with top-tier steak restaurants and we were here for the fish. Nevertheless this is a must-try having had it before in SUSHISAMBA Amsterdam (now closed).
Vibes & Atmosphere
From the iconic orange tree at the entrance – which looks like it walked straight out of an art installation – to the open-plan kitchen and robata grill, there’s an energy at SUSHISAMBA that’s hard to describe. It’s lively, it’s chic, and it has just the right amount of “I’m fancy but approachable” going on.
Whether you’re dining inside with the buzzing crowd or sipping a mocktail out on the terrace, it’s clear that this place was designed to be more than just a meal. It’s an experience.
Why I Keep Coming Back to SUSHISAMBA
SUSHISAMBA goes beyond serving a diverse menu; it invites you to experience the best of multiple culinary traditions in one place. With each dish, you’re immersed in a Japanese culinary experience with the vibrant flavours of Brazil & Peru, showcasing the restaurant’s talent for blending cuisines.
It’s a refreshing take on fusion cuisine that feels genuine and satisfying, whatsmore the surrounding King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) is always a pleasure to take a stroll around before and after your meal to help burn some of those excess calories from your visit!
So, if you’re tired of the same-old restaurant routine, or just in the mood to be pleasantly surprised, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Try our Recipe
If the SUSHISAMBA Black Cod Anticucho has piqued your interest, head over to my next article where I’ll guide you through how to replicate this masterpiece at home.
Neon City Kitchen 
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