SUSHISAMBA Review
SUSHISAMBA Legacy Thrives in the Kingdom
A Culinary Marvel in Riyadh
The year is 2012, and as a Londoner, SUSHISAMBA is the talk of the town, having opened at the top of the Heron Tower near Liverpool Street Station. That summer, I spent many evenings enjoying panoramic views of the Square Mile while savouring the restaurant’s beguiling blend of Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cultures and cuisines.
A Decade Later, SUSHISAMBA Riyadh Joins the Kingdom’s Culinary Scene
Fast-forward a decade and I find myself at the newly opened SUSHISAMBA Riyadh. Located in the heart of King Abdullah Financial District, this expansive restaurant joins a growing list of renowned international names making their mark in the city, alongside Carbone, Gymkhana, La Petite Maison, and Mr. Chow.
A Dark and Sultry Interior
Greeted by the illuminated orange tree, a hallmark of the brand, my guest and I pass through ornate doors carved with the same imagery before entering a dark and sultry interior. SUSHISAMBA Riyadh boasts the brand’s familiar design, décor, and DNA, with the impressive circular bar serving as a central beacon, activating the energy of the room with refreshing beverages and signature creations.
The Menu: A Marriage of Flavours
Elsewhere, a spiral staircase leads up to a 16-seat private dining room, while open show kitchens for both sushi and the robata grill showcase the technique behind the Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian plates. With Japanese dragon motifs painted on the walls and light fittings that entangle the ceiling like a canopy of tree branches, it’s a classy clash of cultures that perfectly captures the energy of the tropical venue.
Delicious Dishes and Drinks
As we observe the busy dinner service early on a Saturday evening, it’s clear that SUSHISAMBA Riyadh is a resounding success. The courteous service, brilliant beverages, and eclectic menu that reads like a marriage of COYA and Zuma, all contribute to its popularity. We delve into the menu, which retains around 75 per cent of dishes from SUSHISAMBA’s global locations, and appreciate the familiarity of the crisp plantain chips before exploring the raw and robata dishes.
Conclusion
SUSHISAMBA Riyadh has only been open for a short time but is already one of the most in-demand reservations in town. Although Riyadh lacks the sky-high setting of its counterparts in Dubai and London, it makes up for it with its outdoor terrace and a glass enclosure with views of the Wadi. For those who’ve dined at SUSHISAMBA across the globe, there will be a simmering of familiarity and nostalgia, and an abundance of rich, return-worthy flavours.
FAQs
Q: What is SUSHISAMBA Riyadh’s address?
A: SUSHISAMBA Riyadh is located in the heart of King Abdullah Financial District.
Q: What is the average price range of the menu?
A: The average price range of the menu is SAR 50-SAR 250.
Q: Can I make a reservation at SUSHISAMBA Riyadh?
A: Yes, you can make a reservation at SUSHISAMBA Riyadh by visiting their website.
Q: What is the dress code at SUSHISAMBA Riyadh?
A: The dress code at SUSHISAMBA Riyadh is smart casual.