There are certain restaurants that define a city, and have locals and visitors flocking to the foodie destinations. Kuuru is that spot in Jeddah. Now, the home-grown concept is in Riyadh.
Over three years since carving out a storied rep in the Red Sea city, the sleek Nikkei spot opened in KAFD in early 2024.
Kuuru Riyadh has a prime location in the glitzy financial centre where big names like Mr. Chow, Il Baretto and A.O.K Kitchen have already set up shop.
Kuuru fans will feel right at home when they enter the Riyadh outpost. It incorporates all of the signatures, including Japanese satai (food stalls) and Inca Peruvian accents, but in a larger space. Take one of the seats around the Nikkei bar to truly get the full Kuuru experience.
Chefs meticulously slice sashimi, roll maki and tempt you to snap photo after photo with the occasional controlled flame. There are tables surrounding the cooking station if you want more privacy to chat, but it’s the counter where the action is. Chefs work away, leaving you to watch or chat with your dining companions.
Waitstaff are as precise and polished as the chefs. They come from various backgrounds, but they all have captured the art of how to make your meal an experience. They are clearly pros and you feel they have everything down to a science – whether they’re new employees or veterans, you can’t tell.
Start with the Kuuru ceviche. The signature dish highlights the deft mix of Japanese, Peruvian and Saudi flavours with local najel fish, smoked corn, sweet potato, cilantro and Nikkei leche de tigre sauce.
The menu has small plates to share, and you might find yourself skipping a main so you can order more dishes. There are some options that sound like wildcard picks, especially the Nikkei-style nigiri. The concha trufada with scallop, truffle butter, white truffle oil and lime is something you don’t see every day, but comes recommended. Same goes with the langostino karai with shrimp, mentaiko sauce and, wait for it, Grana Padano. Both nigiri are blow-torched in front of you and are lush.
No one can ever forget about dessert. There are handful of options ranging from light mochi to luxuriant chocolate cake with a chocolate sauce. The signature cheesecake is unsurprisingly a favourite. It’s not a soufflé-like Japanese cheesecake. The generous slice is equally airy with hints of lime zest and featherlight dulce de leche crumble and a hazelnut biscuit base.
This is as occasion meal, and one you will be splashing out on. Factor in about three to four dishes per person. However, you can still order within budget. Look for the monthly special or try a tasting option, such as the nigiri tasting for SAR189 featuring five chef picks.
If you’re going all out, you could spend SAR500 per person easily, depending on how hungry you and your and your dining companions are. However, the presentation, quality and top-level service make this a splurge-worthy option.
The original Jeddah location made Kuuru a name and Kuuru Riyadh has come out slinging with a crowd wanting to be the first to try the second venue.
The little sister will standout deservedly on its own with its attention to detail across all aspects and a prime spot that will only grow with the city.
