In a city where Japanese cuisine swings between lavish indulgence and everyday pitstops, Ricci San hits different.
Set in Jeddah’s rising Murjaan district, this eatery delivers quality without the theatrics. It’s not trying to be the flashiest, but it’s definitely something special. Helmed by Chef Richard Seidel (formerly at Zuma Dubai), it’s fine dining without the fuss – and it works.
The Interiors & Ambiance
Step inside, and Ricci San feels both refined and timeless. Sleek interiors with Asian-inspired touches are punctuated by displays of fine Japanese porcelain – tradition meets contemporary. The soundtrack? Buddha Bar-style lounge beats, setting the tone for a night that’s as good for dates as it is for gatherings with friends.
I kicked things off with the Lemon Black mocktail – blueberry, lemon, and pomegranate in a tangy, sour symphony, my kind of sweet.
Then it was time for some food. The starters are all classics, with a signature flair. I opted for shrimp gyoza, light and fragrant with ginger and spring onion. Next, I tried the Crispy Rice Salmon, a delicious balance of crunch and richness. The Baby Spinach Salad, dressed in sesame, was a curveball I didn’t know I needed. And the Bang Bang Shrimp Tempura? Golden, crispy, and served with spicy mayo, living up to its reputation as a crowd-pleaser.
The entire menu at Ricci San is a tight edit of Japanese staples done right, elevated with creative touches. Robatayaki, hot pots, omakase – it’s all there. But, for me, the maki and nigiri steal the show. The raw salmon is buttery, melt-in-your-mouth perfection. The Tempura Shrimp Roll is a no-brainer. And the Scallop Roll? Coriander, jalapeño dressing, just the right amount of heat – it’s the one I’m still thinking about.
I’ll admit, I usually skip mains at Japanese spots – starters and sushi always feel like the better play. But our waitress talked me into the Angus tenderloin and was she right. It was cooked to medium perfection, tender, and flavourful. Consider me converted.
And because the food is fresh, light, and shareable, there was (naturally) room for dessert. I went rogue and ordered the wildcard choice: churros. Warm, crispy, cinnamon-dusted, and so good, I came back the next day to do it all over again.
Final Thoughts
From an ambience that lingers to dishes that demand a second visit, Ricci San is the kind of place you return to – for the mood, the food, the balance.
Ricci San,
Open daily from 1pm - midnight
King Abdulaziz Road, Jeddah 21451
@ricci.san
