Just thinking about the best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh right now will probably make your stomach growl. It was one of the competitive categories at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurants Awards 2022, in association with PepsiCo, because each one is of the highest grade.

These are the best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh that rate with every plate, and every course from sushi and sashimi to robata grills and fusion desserts. And the service is as sharp as those sashimi knives.

Time Out Riyadh reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here.

It’s time to make dinner reservations at these best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh:

WINNER
ROKA

There’s a reason ROKA is so popular. And there’s a reason it was crowned the very best of the best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh. Top-rated robata grills plus superb sushi and sashimi are just the start. You cannot forget about the decadent desserts. ROKA rocked up to trendy As Sulimaniyah and has created many fans in Riyadh since the start with its winning menu and mocktail mixology as the busy dining room shows.

Signatures are signatures for a reason, highlighting tried-and-tested recipes that appeal as much as the sharing-style snacks. Even the seemingly simplest of dishes has refinement, yet there is also a sense of playfulness. It’s a special combo. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. Book in, walk in, just go in and get ready to eat.
As Sulimaniyah, rokarestaurant.com (92 001 2327).

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Myazu

When we’re talking about the best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh, Myazu is one of the must-try spots in the Saudi capital. It has described itself as “the land of plenty” and it certainly rings true, especially when it comes to modern Japanese flavours. There’s plenty to admire as well as eat from the artful presentation of dishes to the dramatic interiors and exteriors. It’s a feast for all senses.
As Sulimaniyah, myazu.com (092 000 9686).

Yokari

Everything about Yokari is polished from its plates to its presentation to the picture-perfect property. The fine-dining Japanese restaurant in Riyadh wants to create a world and it definitely does so with not a detail overlooked from its sushi to the fusion flavours. Are you ready to step inside, chopsticks in hand? The full experience earned the eatery a spot on the Best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh list at the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022.
Centria Mall, Al Olaya, yokari.com (011 288 6999).

SHORTLISTED

Anago

Having recently opened its doors in Oud Square in the Diplomatic Quarter, Anago is a new favourite for many a foodie. All dim lights and wooden tables, it’s beautiful inside this fine-dining Japanese restaurant, with a hit-making menu filled with top items including fresh sushi, sashimi and nigiri, plus, small bites and appetisers. The wagyu tacos are out of this world, while the maki selection is one of the most expansive in the city. Chopsticks at the ready.
Oud Square, instagram.com/anago.sa (059 111 1895).

Bonzai Japanese Grill

The only place in Saudi you’ll find yakiniku, otherwise known as Japanese barbecue, the cooking is left in your capable hands at Bonzai Japanese Grill, which specialises in thinly sliced meats grilled directly at your table. Indulge in the finest cuts of wagyu, freshest seafood and vegetarian delights, while chefs also serve up plenty of sushi, rice and noodles for those who would rather leave the hard work to the professionals.
Al Wahah, bonzai.sa (011 238 6286).

Nyoko

Sushi is the name of the game at Nyoko, with Japanese specialties that come in many forms, from fishy to meaty to veggie. What’s more with its quirky interiors and fast-yet-efficient service, it’s a prime spot for both a quick lunch or lingering dinner. An unobtrusive shoo-in for aficionados of pure-bred traditional Asian cuisine, grab a seat at the bar for prime viewing position and a dining experience that ranks for the best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh.
Rabwa Plaza, instagram.com/nyoko_sa (054 677 0901).

O-Kazu

Have you feasted at O-Kazu, aka one of the best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh? If you haven’t, change things, stat. The gorgeous, dimly-lit dining room serves a well-executed selection of Japanese classics (spicy edamame, sashimi and wagyu steak for the win) and tempting sushi at reasonable prices. It also happens to be located in one of the hippest places in Riyadh, making it the perfect place to start – or end – your night. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Hittin, instagram.com/okazu_sa (011 206 4422).

OKKU

Any fan of fine Japanese food worth their salt will have heard of OKKU. This top restaurant in Riyadh pulls out all the stops with cherry blossoms, a giant bell and life-sized samurai statues, but it’s the food that really sets it apart from its competitors. While servings are modest they are extremely well-executed, with menu highlights including salmon sashimi topped with red and yellow pepper and an expansive noodle menu comprising mushroom stir fry, beef noodles and prawn noodle. Definitely one for the bucket list.
Al Olaya, okkuriyadh.sa (011 442 2929).

OYA

If fine Japanese cuisine influenced by Peruvian cooking techniques sounds right up your street, you’re going to want to book a table at OYA, which is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh. Be it a business lunch, family meal or anniversary dinner, there are few occasions that don’t deserve a meal here, and you can’t go wrong with its signature platter of sushi rolls. Nigiri, sashimi, rice and noodles make up the rest of the menu, of which nothing disappoints.
An Nakheel, instagram.com/oya.restaurant (055 509 8166).

Tokyo

Dating back to 1985, Tokyo has consistently been named one of Saudi Arabia’s best Japanese restaurants for the last three decades. Now, it’s a proud member of the Best Japanese restaurants in Riyadh list from the Time Out Riyadh Restaurant Awards 2022. Its world-class chefs curate a versatile menu of both old and new Japanese favourites, a bestseller of which is its bento consisting of the restaurant’s signature sashimi, tempura, seaweed salad and more. Pair with a designer mocktail for good measure.
As Sulimaniyah, tokyoarabia.com (92 000 9662).

For all the best restaurants in Riyadh click here.