Robata offers a bespoke dining experience that is inspired by Robatayaki cuisine from Hokkaido, Japan. We had the pleasure of tasting Robata’s new seasonal menu and their excellent culinary creations, along with the cozy outdoor terrace, making it a perfect place to visit this season.
The robatayaki technique has gained worldwide adaptation from its humble beginnings in Japanese cooking traditions. Earlier this year, Riyadh welcomed the addition of Robata to its roster of fine dining restaurants which infuses the art of robatayaki (fireside cooking) in delivering outstandingly composed dishes with rich flavors.
Located at The Canopy in Hittin District, Robata’s establishment is an elegant space that spans over two floors.The first floor houses an indoor dining area that offers an exciting view of the open kitchen, allowing guests to witness and relish in the chefs’ artisanal work. Upstairs, the outdoor terrace provides a stunning city view, creating a magical atmosphere for dining under the stars. The interiors boast earthy tones, with wood and marble accents, further contributing to the relaxing and cozy ambiance. Surrounding the terrace is ample landscaping, including a dedicated zen garden, adding a touch of tranquility to the surroundings. At the bustling beverage bar, the bartender skillfully crafts their signature mocktails, while a DJ booth plays soothing lofi beats, ensuring the guests are entertained throughout their visit. As we were privileged to be among the first to sample the Winter Season Menu, our evening commenced with a toast of welcome drinks, marking the beginning of a delightful dinner service.
As is customary in most Japanese restaurants, a bowl of edamame arrived at our table and we were immediately treated to the robatayaki experience as we savored the aroma and texture of their Grilled Edamames, both in spicy sauce and smoked Maldon salt. For beverages, we had the creative concoctions called Kuro Nashi – made with pear juice, lavender, and lime; and the Shouga – made with ginger, pineapple, and orange.
For the special seasonal starters, we were treated to the bite-sized tuna tartare served in a combination of smoked kimchi and arare (Japanese cracker made with glutinous rice), the re-imagined Popcorn Shrimp, made with light, creamy jalapeno dressing, and the fierce little Wagyu Beef Taco, made with luscious beef cheeks, roasted poblanos with cream, and gochujang. For the salads, we tried their Confit Tomato Salad and Crispy Potato Salad, a yin and yang of textures from velvety to crunchy.
The highlights of the seasonal menu that should not be missed were the Grilled Dover Sole and the Miso Braised Lamb. The delicate grilling of the dover fish allowed the natural flavors of the sea to shine through, and each bite was elevated by the perfect accompaniment of Wasabi Pea Puree underneath. On the other hand, the lamb was exquisitely tender, having been braised in broth for over 24 hours. The pairing of the lamb with the luscious sweet pepper paste and demi glace created a powerful flavor combination that was wonderfully balanced by the creamy Cauliflower Puree.
Bringing the robatayaki experience to a full circle were our desserts in the form of the Grilled Banana Cake and Fuji Apple Pie. The nuanced smokiness from the grilled bananas was complemented by the coconut ice cream on top and it certainly made our palates smile. Additionally, the intricately presented Fuji Apple Pie provided a modern twist on a beloved homemade dessert, offering a comforting and satisfying end to the evening.
Robata showcases a remarkable level of skill in the preparation of their dishes, paying homage to the time-honored traditions of Japanese cuisine. Their menu successfully combines harmony and intensity, both in terms of presentation and flavor, offering a truly exceptional dining experience.
Robata
The Canopy, Hittin District, Northern Ring Road
Opening hours: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM daily
For reservations, call 920005613
Website https://www.robatas.com/
Social media: @robatasaudi
