Chotto Matte Riyadh Review: The Nikkei concept adds a dose of cool to the capital
Located in KAFD, the Japanese meets Peruvian restaurant is a haven for Gen Z.
I've found the coolest bathrooms in Riyadh. Never in my life did I think I would write these words, but here we are. Saudi Vision 2030 has given way to million-riyal megaprojects, Cristiano Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League, dining no longer segregated by gender – and now, bathrooms that light up like you're in Michael Jackson's Billie Jean music video. I'm at the new Japanese Peruvian restaurant Chotte Matte Riyadh in KAFD, and it has captured the hip, happening energy of the changing country.
In Japanese, Chotto Matte translates to wait a moment. Founder Kurt Zdesar is behind the concept, and boasts an impressive track record with high-end restaurants ranging from Hakkasan to Nobu. In 2013, Chotto Matte launched in London's Soho before expanding to Doha, Miami, Toronto and, of course, Riyadh. He explained: 'We keep pushing the boundaries to be innovative'.
Chotto Matte Riyadh exudes an edgy and entertaining vibe. When we arrived on a weeknight, a queue was already snaking outside the door. If you've been wondering where to find an example of 70 per cent of Saudi Arabia's population that are under 30 years old, then head here. After we whizzed up the lift, we entered a dimly lit corridor with graffiti, and neon lights instructing you like Kurt Cobain to 'come as you are'.
Take your pick from indoor or outdoor seats, which are surrounded by gorgeous greenery. We sat near the open kitchen, and watched the chefs at work. The theatrics offer foodie fun, and range from sushi rolling to fire flames, which is accompanied by a DJ playing laidback tunes.
Chotto Matte Riyadh prides itself on offering authentic Nikkei cuisine. The menu showcases premium ingredients, which are fresh, healthy and great for groups. The options include an à la carte, deluxe sharing, signature sharing and vegetarian menu. We opted for the signature tasting menu, which includes dishes that can be found in Chotto Matte restaurants around the world.
Starters range from Edamame to Shrimp Truffles. The Yellowtail Nikki Sashimi had a subtle spicy kick. It soaked up the sauces, and came with cherry tomatoes, jalapeño and yuzu truffle soy. The Wagyu Beef Spring Rolls came in four fabulous crispy and rich pieces.
The Chuleta De Cordero Ahumada is one of the most popular signature dishes. Marinated with coriander and chilli miso, it was the perfect balance of smoky and spicy, and sink-into-soft. The sushi selection was served in Insta-worthy style with torching at the table, naturally. The Otoro Nigiri hit our sushi spot with its filling fatty tuna and wasabi salsa.
Chotto Matte's drinks have been given just as much attention. Classic cocktails are given a Japanese meets Peruvian meets mocktail twist. Drinks range from a Pina Picante with pineapple to a Yuzu Martini with citrus. Mocktails served with inflated bubbles or ice cubes stamped with logos.
No visit to Chotto Matte Riyadh is complete without checking out those toilets. These are not your typical bathroom – they're unlike anything you've seen in Riyadh. Adorned with mirrors and changing lighting, it feels more like a nightclub in London or New York.
Gen Z has embraced Chotto Matte Riyadh, which is a tasty trailblazer. It's rare to find an eatery in Riyadh that boldly pushes the boundaries with a daring dining experience – and chances are, more restaurants (and toilets) will follow.
GO: Visit https://chotto-matte.com for more information.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
19 hours ago
- What's On
Review: Hanu, an interactive new Korean restaurant
In Dubai's burgeoning restaurant scene, a handful of restaurants make an instant impact. Sushisamba was one such restaurant, which brought a trifecta of excellent views, dishes and vibes to the Palm Tower in 2021. The man who can be credited with much of the success on the culinary front is chef Kyung Soo Moon, the restaurant's then-executive chef. But now he's turned his attention back to his roots for Hanu, a modern interpretation of Korean cuisine. Found at St Regis Gardens, it's in good company with restaurants like Leña, Aretha, Chez Wam and Tresind Studio among its neighbours. Once inside, we're met with dark and moody interiors with intricate attention to detail. Rich dark walnut woods, striking artworks and Korean pine trees lace the traditional with more contemporary accents befitting of a glamourous new Dubai restaurant. You enter through the lounge and bar where a DJ spins enigmatic beats that are thankfully not overpowering, through to a table in the restaurant. If you're unfamiliar with Korean BBQ, the knowledgeable team are on-hand to make recommendations, and confidently talk us through the concept and must-try dishes. The wagyu beef gyoza (Dhs68) are one such dish, piping hot parcels of Japanese A5 wagyu short rib and shiitake mushroom encased in a dough that's the perfect level of crispy and tender. Forget everything you know about vegetables and order the Korean fried cauliflower (Dhs65), coated in a spicy sauce and served with a side of yuja radish to balance the heat. The almost-too-pretty-to-eat beef tartelette (Dhs110) is another playful interpretation of classic Korean flavours, with a soft quail egg marinated in soy sauce, served on top of a tartelette of beef jongjorim, a layer of caviar giving it a Dubai elevation. To truly get a taste of Korean BBQ, order the 'Meat Me At The Grill' (Dhs365 per person), where you'll be served four cuts of premium meat with a selection of sides, condiments and a stew. It's a generous offering – much like it would be if you dined at Chef Moon's family home – given added wow-factor with the meats cooked on the charcoal grill built into each table. Each buttery cut of meat is full of flavour and perfectly cooked, from the Australian Black Angus to the Japanese A4 Wagyu striploin. For dessert, a beautifully presented golden pear delight (Dhs63) is a light and fresh way to end the meal. Diced Korean pear is paired with a walnut crumble and a scoop of tonka bean ice cream. Verdict: A focus on quality cuisine and service makes this a restaurant deserving of a place on your foodie bucket list. Hanu, St Regis Gardens, Palm Jumeirah, 6pm to 1am Sun to Weds, 6pm to 2am Thurs to Sat. Tel: (0)4 278 4844. @hanu_dubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
MBRL to launch series of cultural events
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library (MBRL) is set to launch a diverse series of cultural events throughout June, offering visitors opportunities to discover new skills, expand their knowledge, and nurture their talents. To inaugurate the month's programme, the library will host a dynamic workshop in collaboration with the Dubai National Theatre. Centred around Romeo & Juliet, this session will explore character development, conflict, and dramatic language, aiming to elevate participants' writing and performance abilities. Under the evocative theme Rhythm of Dialects, the library will present a remarkable poetry evening celebrating the richness of spoken dialects from Egypt, the Levant, and the Gulf. Accompanied by live musical performances, the evening promises an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the depth of Arab heritage and the diversity of creative expression. A select group of renowned poets will contribute to this memorable event. Adding a historical dimension to the calendar, the library will organise a two-day exhibition titled Emirati Treasures Sealed by History: From Memory Archives to Treasures for Generations, in collaboration with the Emirates Philatelic Association. The exhibition will display a rare collection of stamps marking pivotal moments in the UAE's history. A dedicated workshop and discussion session will provide insights into the art of collecting, documenting, and preserving national memory. For students and job seekers, the Ready for the Workplace – Beyond the CV workshop will offer practical guidance for thriving in today's evolving job market. Participants will learn how to establish a professional presence, upgrade their LinkedIn profiles, and develop essential tools for a confident career launch—going far beyond the traditional CV. Highlighting international collaboration, the library will also host a three-day Korean Film Festival. Eight acclaimed films, including JAURIM and The Wonderland, will be screened, with a Q&A session featuring one of the directors. The festival will also include a traditional Korean musical performance using heritage instruments, creating a multi-sensory cultural experience for attendees. In collaboration with Cineolio, the library will organise Cineolio's Cinenights at its indoor theater. The evening will feature the screening of Egyptian-German production Dry Hot Summers (2015) by director Sherif El Bendary, the South Korean film Galloper (2024) by director Han-Wool Oh, and the Chinese film Run, Let's Run (2024) by director Yinxiao Ran. The evening aims to promote cultural exchange and highlight diverse films from different countries. In partnership with the International Ikebana Foundation, the library will present a unique workshop on Ikebana—the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. This interactive session will introduce participants to the principles of balance, harmony, and mindfulness through authentic Japanese floral design, blending natural beauty with deep cultural philosophy. To learn more about the June programme, register for events free of charge, or stay updated on activities throughout the year, please visit the official website and follow the library's social media channels. Through these initiatives, the MBRL reaffirms its role as a leading cultural and knowledge hub in Dubai, committed to enriching the community and opening new horizons for creativity and expression.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Al Etihad
Nintendo aims to match Switch success with new console
1 June 2025 12:12 TOKYO (AFP)Nintendo hopes to match the runaway success of the Switch when its levelled-up new console hits shelves Thursday, with strong early sales expected despite the gadget's high a bigger screen and more processing power, the Switch 2 is an upgrade to its predecessor, which has sold 152 million units since launching in 2017 -- making it the third best-selling video game console of all despite buzz among fans and robust demand for pre-orders, headwinds for Nintendo include uncertainty over US trade tariffs and whether enough people are willing to shell Switch 2 "is priced relatively high" compared to the original device, company president Shuntaro Furukawa said at a financial results briefing in of the Switch, which can connect to a TV or be played on the go, were boosted by the popularity of games like Animal Crossing as a pandemic lockdown Japanese company forecasts it will shift 15 million Switch 2 consoles in the current financial year, roughly equal to the original in the same period after its new device costs $449.99 in the US, over a third more than the Switch. A Japan-only version is cheaper, at 49,980 yen ($350).New Switch 2 games such as Donkey Kong Bonanza and Mario Kart World -- which allows players to go exploring off-grid -- are also more expensive than existing Switch original Switch games can be played on the Switch 2, and some Switch blockbusters such as Zelda: Breath of the Wild will have enhanced editions released for the new Switch 2 will have eight times the memory of the first Switch, and its controllers, which attach with magnets, can also be used like a desktop computer Super Mario maker is diversifying into theme parks and hit movies, but around 90 percent of its revenue still comes from the Switch business, analysts say. The console's pre-orders have since sold out in the US market and elsewhere, with the company boasting of particularly high demand in Japan.
