Kuuru: A Michelin Guide Recommended Destination Redefining Nikkei Cuisine in Saudi Arabia

Kuuru, from the renowned Leylaty Hospitality Group has established itself as a distinguished destination within Saudi Arabia’s dining scene, defined by an authentic approach to True Nikkei cuisine shaped by cultural depth and refined technique.

The restaurant’s interiors set the tone for the experience, defined by an atmosphere of discovery and understated luxury. Inca-inspired accents, sculptural wall textures, and refined finishes form a narrative that blends cultural richness with contemporary elegance.

The space balances elevated Japanese satai-style influences with a bold Peruvian spirit, resulting in a setting that feels both sophisticated and quietly unexpected. At the heart of the room, the Nikkei bar becomes the focal point – a circular counter framed by suspended ceramics and soft architectural lines, where chefs perform live preparation in full view of the dining room.

Its presence anchors the space with energy and intimacy, drawing guests into the craft behind each dish and reinforcing the seamless connection between design and the art of preparation.

This vision is guided by an accomplished culinary team. Corporate Executive Chef Eddie Castro leads Kuuru’s creative direction, drawing on his experience across Argentina, Chile and Brazil to shape the restaurant’s bold and refined identity. He is joined by Corporate Itamae Chef Kenji Sarco, a specialist in Nikkei cuisine, bringing over a decade of experience from Lima, Paraguay and Japan.

On the first of each month, the restaurant unveils a monthly feature, designed for those seeking a memorable and unexpected experience. This month’s special: Niku Wasabi –  Wagyu tenderloin with kizami wasabi, rocoto sauce and tsukemonoa, a bold expression crafted to showcase the restaurant’s commitment to innovation and seasonality.

The menu opens with cold and warm selections that immediately set the palate in motion. The Ceviche Limeno combines akami bluefin tuna with rocoto leche de tigre, chifles and avocado, for a bright clean start, while the Wagyu Tartare deepens the profile with nikkei kimchi sauce and crisp Andean crackers. Warm dishes build gently in richness; the Kuuru Edamame, glazed in Peruvian teriyaki, offers subtle heat and sweetness, and the Kuuru Slider elevates wagyu with ají  amarillo truffle sauce and pickled red onion. Each plate is composed to shift the palate forward, layering texture, contrast and intensity.

The journey continues with the Nigri Tasting, a curated sequence of five preparations presented by the Itamae chef. Each piece is crafted with intention, allowing flavours to unfold gradually, with highlights including the Nakka Truffle, Langostino Karai and Nigaki Tartare.  

Hand-rolled creations such as the Lobster Al Fuego and the Japanese Acevichado extend the experience with richer textures and vibrant brightness. Main courses introduce deeper expressions, including the Charboiled Chicken with ají panca and the Nicku Tomorokoshi short rib with corn foam and edamame chalaquita.

Sides such as miso broccolini, truffle Shumasshu potatoes and chimichurri-glazed asparagus are composed to enhance the meal rather than simply accompany the dishes. Beyond the menu, Kuuru offers exclusive off-menu items available only upon personal request, such as premium caviar and exceptionally fresh creamy uni sourced in limited quantities and rarely found in the region. These discreet offerings invite guests into a more intimate, inside layer of the Kuuru experience.

The dessert menu brings the experience to a gentle close. Kuuru’s iconic vanilla cheesecake is soft and creamy, lifted with lime and finished with dulce de leche zest. Churros dusted in vanilla sugar are paired with a chocolate suspiro sauce, while the Aisu Kurimu tasting offers a lighter finish with house-made flavours such as yuzu-coconut, strawberry lychee, passion fruit-chocolate, and sesame pistachio.

Kuuru has rapidly earned recognition with Saudi Arabia’s evolving gastronomic landscape, including its feature in the Michelin Guide Saudi Arabia. Its presence reflects not only the refinement of its cuisine, but a celebration of cultural connection – where Peruvian heritage and Japanese artistry are expressed with balance, authenticity and understated sophistication.

Guests are welcomed to experience the journey firsthand, a setting where every detail is considered, every flavour carries intention, and each visit leaves a lasting impression. Kuuru offers more than a meal; it is a destination to return to, discover and share.