Tokyo

Tokyo is a bit of an institution: not only was it the first Japanese restaurant to open in Riyadh back in 1985, but when you chat to pretty much anyone in the city, it’s popular enough for most to suggest must-eat dishes.

While there are two venues (Al Ghadir branch opened in 2017), the first carries OG credentials. And it’s a quietly sophisticated spot, with black leather booths and dim lighting. So far, so slick.

While Tokyo bills itself as a high-end restaurant, it’s not at all intimidating both in its price point or service (the cheapest bowl of noodles, a chicken ramen, is SAR63). Instead, the staff are happy to help with the menu.

We’re fans of the sweet dragon maki, which comes with prawns tempura, cucumber, tobiko and is topped with mayonnaise teriyaki sauce. While on the veggie front, the sultan maki with salmon, avocado and chili sauce sits a little heavier.

If you’re with a big group (or just have a big appetite), order the Tokyo platter, which is made up of maki. Lots of maki. Eat your way through 22 pieces of the best-selling rolls for SAR149.

A crispy crab salad, which is mixed together Insta-style at your table, is crunchy, chewy and worth the sideshow. While the crispy calamari with golden fried baby squid hits the spot, with its zingy lime and kimchi mayo sauce.

You probably don’t go to a Japanese restaurant for tacos, but these are too good to ignore.
The small bites – served as three – are filled with wagyu or prawn. It’s wagyu all the way for us – and it should be for you too.

Tokyo: one for Riyadh’s restaurant hall of fame.