The Japanese juggernaut brings quality and consistency to the capital.
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 2025 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. This intense market separates the good from the great, and the competition is fierce. Therefore, the FACT Dining Awards Riyadh Restaurant of the Year 2025 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 2025 in Saudi Arabia is Zuma Riyadh, an international success story that has been making waves across the Kingdom.
Zuma Riyadh Review
I have a confession: I’m a Zuma addict. I’ve been to several of Zuma’s restaurants around the world, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Zuma Dubai. When Zuma Riyadh opened, 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 that is rapidly blossoming into 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 for which Zuma is renowned.
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, and embodies natural harmony, accented with subtle city-inspired touches. Intricate woodwork, glass panels, and the textures of rough stone anchor the expansive two-story restaurant, 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 the Chilli and Passion Fruit Margarita (SAR 53), which 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 delicate slivers of 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 do), the Special Chocolate (SAR 78) with vanilla bean ice cream is Zuma’s take on a fondant, offering a decadent, oozing chocolate cake decorated with the iconic Zuma logo across its top in 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 for sharing.
The modern Japanese izakaya proudly holds the most accolades in the history of the FACT Dining Awards (31 and counting) for 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.