With a growing number of world-class restaurants, Riyadh caters to a wide range of palates.
From Michelin-starred chefs at the helm of some of the best restaurants in town, to trendy hidden gems and internationally renowned dining concepts, the Kingdom's capital city has something for everyone. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its tourism sector and attract globally renowned chefs and fine dining establishments, Riyadh is poised to become a leading culinary destination in the Middle East and beyond.
Embracing a fusion and creativity from the very beginning of this dining experience - Kimonya is located in an abandoned airline building at the King Faisal Foundation complex, in the former office of Syrian Airlines, to be exact. The fusion dining concept redefines the limits of taste and art, we think that Kimonya will be a go-to dining experience for those in the know.
The Location, Interiors & Ambiance
Entering through a gallery adorned with black-and-white photos and atmospheric lighting, I stepped into Kimyona’s main dining area.
Encased by cloudy glass bricks that blur the boundary with the outside world, the space feels like an escape to another dimension. Inspired by a photographer's darkroom, it’s dimly lit, with dark furniture and walls in red hues, reminiscent of red light exposure. The ceiling, resembling freshly hung photos, further reinforces the restaurant’s unique concept.
Kimyona’s menu embraces a sharing vibe - giving diners a taste of (almost) everything. With the menu separated into different sections, there is plenty of choice, and for starters, I ordered a selection of dishes to try get a bite of all the flavours on offer.
The Food
First off, I decided to try the corn and cheese tapioca bread, served with yuzu kosho butter – a comforting mix of soft bread and creamy cheese, with the butter adding an extra layer of flavour. Next, I opted for the duck salad – visually striking and flavourful, this was a fresh palate cleanser. The crispy fried duck, complemented by watermelon and a citrus and hoisin dressing, was a standout. Without a second thought, this was easily my favourite dish.
From the menu’s Steamer Shop section, I then decided to go with the truffle chicken dumplings. Although I'm not typically a big fan of dumplings due to their texture, I found these chicken dumplings – with their tender, juicy filling and umami truffle-chilli-soy sauce – completely changed my mind. Next up was the chicken karaage bun, a piece of crispy fried chicken is smothered with a tangy cucumber and served in a pillowy soft bao bun, but it was a spicy Japanese mayo that added a delightful kick and moreish flavour.
From the Crunch Corner, I sampled the crispy aubergines in a lightly fried batter, served with taquito sauce. While the aubergine still had a nice crunch and the sauce was tasty, I felt this dish was bit too oily for my personal taste.
For my main, my eyes landed on the green Thai curry, which was incredibly satisfying; wholesome, creamy coconut milk is infused with traditional Thai flavours and a selection of fresh vegetables. If you love green curries, this is a dish to add to your list, subtle yet bold, the flavours are impactful and you're almost guaranteed to finish the bowl. A seemingly simple yet flavour-packed dish, it was served with steamed rice, this is a must-try – especially for those who enjoy that kick of spice.
Of course, I can never skip dessert. So to finish, I chose the yuzu cheesecake. Perfectly light and creamy, the tangy citrus of the yuzu blended with the creamy and sweet cheesecake base. Topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of crumbles, this was the perfect way to finish off a flavourful meal. Light, creamy but also indulgent, lovers of cheesecake will appreciate its a delicate balance, but the team at Kimonya get it just right with this dish.
The Need to Know
Kimyona isn’t just about the food; it’s about sharing and savouring moments over thoughtfully curated dishes. In a world where dining often feels rushed, Kimyona provides a welcome chance to slow down and truly connect.
