The samba is described as a dance that celebrates life and energy, a fusion of passion, grace, and joy. SUSHISAMBA® Riyadh has brought that South American flair and combined it with Japanese influences in their ambiance, food, and service. Bem-vindo!
The merging of Brazilian, Peruvian, and Japanese cultures is a unique amalgamation that dates back to the early 20th century when a large number of the Japanese population emigrated to South America for the promise of a better land and economic opportunities. From there on, their ways of life converged and made a lasting impact on society, cuisines included.
Fast forward to 1999, a restauranteur named Shimon Bokovza developed and opened the very first SUSHISAMBA® Restaurant in New York City after being inspired by one of his trips to Brazil. It became a sought-after restaurant with its combination of the disciplined food preparation of Japanese sushi and the exuberant flavors of South America. While that flagship restaurant has since then closed its doors, SUSHISAMBA® carries on its reputation with their branches in the cities of London, Edinburgh, Las Vegas, Singapore, Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh.
We visited the SUSHISAMBA® Riyadh branch, aptly located in the new heart of Riyadh’s bustling metropolis, the King Abdulaziz Financial District (KAFD). Its signature orange shade, colorful accents, and illuminating centerpiece captivates the guests as they enter the main dining room hall. A large staircase to the left leads up to the private dining area while the open kitchen to the right showcases their sushi bar and robata grill. There are also two outdoor terraces that give an overlooking view of the Wadi and the rest of KAFD. The iconic orange tree sculpture, found in other branches in London and Edinburgh, also sits at the exterior of the restaurant, leaving an impression on passersby. The Riyadh branch is headed by Executive Chef Clet Laborde.
The menu offers a multi-course selection of the best dishes from Japanese tempura and sushi, Brazilian churrasco and moquecas, to Peruvian anticuchos and seviche. The creativity in each menu item is undeniable; from mocktails to large plates, we marveled at the intricacy and innovation behind each dish. For example, the Green Bean Tempura turned a familiar vegetable into a crunchy and addictive item, enhanced by the accompanying truffle dip. The Baby Gem Salad with pistachio wasabi sauce was a memorable and captivating combination. The Churrasco Rio Grande, featuring a premium selection of ribeye and picanha, is a must-try for carnivorous eaters. Seafood lovers will appreciate the Black Cod Anticucho and Otoro Nigiri. From their Maki Roll selection, their signature Samba Riyadh fascinated us with its use of regional ingredients such as the medjool dates and aji date jam alongside real crab fillings, beef bacon bits and topped with a parmesan cheese crisp – it deserved a Chef’s kiss! Finally, don’t miss out on their exciting mocktails that are prepared tableside, the Desert Haze and Sambatini were our perfect choices for the night.
While there are still more dishes to explore on their menu, it will take another visit for us to fully enjoy. The ‘Taste of Samba’ set menu for two already presents the highlights of what SUSHISAMBA® has to offer. Live entertainment is available in the evenings of Thursdays and Fridays, and on the last Friday of every month, they offer the VIDA Brunch, with a set menu served from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Overall, SUSHISAMBA® impressed us with its elegant ambiance, creative and mindful food, and a refreshing vibe that makes us want to come back again soon.
SUSHISAMBA® RIYADH
Area 5, KAFD
Opening hours: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM (Sat-Wed)
12:30 PM – 1:00 AM (Thurs & Fri)
Contact No: +966 11 269 5347
Email: riyadhreservations@sushisamba.com
Social Media: @sushisamba.riyadh
