Where We Are Going Today: ‘Kimono’ – Japanese cuisine in Riyadh

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Clean cuts and icy freshness! The salmon sashimi at Kimono is served chilled on a bed of crushed ice, paired with wasabi, ginger, and a crisp salad. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Neon details with a Tokyo soul and a Riyadh twist! Kimono’s ambiance hits the perfect balance between playful and urban. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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The rich, comforting beef ramen at Kimono. Thick broth, tender slices of meat, and a perfectly jammy egg that steals the show. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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A trio of rolls, each with a different story: creamy, crunchy, and perfectly layered. Kimono brings personality to every bite. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Updated 21 June 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Kimono’ – Japanese cuisine in Riyadh

  • The kimono crab salad was equally refreshing, full of texture from the tempura flakes and tobiko, with a touch of indulgence from the creamy house sauce and crispy potato chips

Kimono is not just another Japanese restaurant in the Kingdom’s capital but a bold reinterpretation of the cuisine through a Saudi lens.

Since its launch in 2018, Kimono has blended culinary precision with casual, modern street-style vibes, offering dishes that are as creative as they are comforting.

Beef tacos were a standout: tenderloin wrapped in crunchy shells, coated with a gochujang glaze and topped with a tropical mango-pineapple salsa. The result is a culinary fusion that surprises and works.

The kimono crab salad was equally refreshing, full of texture from the tempura flakes and tobiko, with a touch of indulgence from the creamy house sauce and crispy potato chips.

Shrimp tempura was served golden and light, with a sweet-spicy ginger dip that added balance. The gyoza shrimp dumplings were delicate, juicy, and paired perfectly with a signature soy-based sauce.

Maki rolls and double crab were both flavorful standouts, rich in texture and layered taste. The avocado craze roll brought together creaminess and spice with precision, while the salmon sashimi offered a clean, fresh bite for those who prefer simplicity.

For a warm, hearty option, try the the beef ramen, which is beautifully assembled with slices of grilled meat, vegetables, and a perfectly cooked soft-boiled egg -- a dish that warms you from the inside out.

Kimono has mastered the art of reinventing Japanese cuisine, while staying approachable and trend-forward. There are four branches in the Kingdom, and the concept deserves to expand further.

For more information, check their Instagram @kimono.sa.

 


Where We Are Going Today: ‘Maritime’ in Jeddah

Updated 22 December 2025
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Maritime’ in Jeddah

  • From the soup station, the cauliflower and truffle offering, finished with parmigiano reggiano and a squeeze of lemon, was creamy and satisfying, though slightly mild and would have benefited from stronger seasoning

With cooler breezes and clear skies, a seaside brunch feels especially fitting in Jeddah.

Over the weekend, I visited Maritime at The Jeddah Edition, which offers an international open-buffet brunch on Saturdays, accompanied by views of the Red Sea from the yacht club side.

The salad bar was thoughtfully curated. Standout items included quinoa tabbouleh, smoked salmon with sour cream and capers, and a pesto chicken salad that had a refreshing balance of flavors. It made for a light and enjoyable side.

The main buffet featured a varied selection. The beef tagine with plums impressed with its balance of sweetness and depth, while the Indian tandoori chicken served with spiced rice delivered bold, comforting flavors. A mushroom pasta was appealing in both aroma and presentation.

From the soup station, the cauliflower and truffle offering, finished with parmigiano reggiano and a squeeze of lemon, was creamy and satisfying, though slightly mild and would have benefited from stronger seasoning.

Dessert was a highlight. The spread included an international mix of cakes, mini mille-feuille, tarts and Middle Eastern sweets.

The chocolate ganache tart was rich and indulgent, alongside an Italian-style cream brulee with a coffee twist that stood out for its depth of flavor. The red berries mille-feuille offered a pleasing contrast of crisp pastry and creamy filling, pairing well with a cortado.

The ambience at Maritime is relaxed and inviting.

Outdoor seating offers sunset sea views with live guitar and saxophone performances, while indoor seating provides a quieter but equally comfortable setting. Earthy tones, wooden finishes, greenery and rounded furnishings create a warm atmosphere.

The brunch is priced at SR250 ($67) per person. For more information, visit Instagram @maritimejeddah.