When I heard about a standout local gem in the heart of Jeddah, where fresh flavours and flawless aesthetic come together, I naturally had to experience it for myself.

Blending Japanese and Peruvian elements, The Lucky Llama is a Nikkei concept restaurant – the brainchild of Chef Nihal Felemban, a Saudi Moroccan chef making waves in the Kingdom’s culinary scene.

You might also like: Check out our interview with Lucky Llama chef-owner, Nihal Felemban on her journey from corporate banking to culinary success,

As soon as I stepped in, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed.

I was greeted by an intimate setting featuring two floors, an open kitchen, and impressively high ceilings. In comparison to the vast, open spaces of many of Jeddah’s restaurants, this spot felt like a welcome change – a small space exuding warmth, sophistication, and exclusivity.

With oversized ceramics, statement woven chandeliers, and tropical greenery, the restaurant is curated with magnificent pieces that transport you straight to Peru. And details such as the black and white chequered floors, soft lighting, and leather sofas add a sense of cosiness to the uber-chic venue.

I chose to sit close to the open kitchen, taking in the flow of the staff as they meticulously crafted platters of nigiris and ceviche. I decided to begin my meal with a mocktail. As usual, I opted for fresh and sour flavours, finding my perfect match – Sake Sour, featuring yuzu and green tea syrup. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and sour (mostly sour) and is beautifully garnished with a sprig of rosemary and star anise.

When it comes to any Asian-inspired menu, I tend to judge by its starters, and The Lucky Llama did not disappoint. I went for the prawn gyoza, pan-seared to perfection and accompanied by the perfect sweet and sour sauce. There was also the Hamachi & Truffle, featuring a melt-in-your-mouth yellow tail ceviche masterfully elevated with hints of truffle and yuzu (it’s one of their bestselling menu items for a reason).

Don’t miss out on the duck salad – a sumptuous blend of crispy duck confit, caramelised cashews, and baby spinach.

What The Lucky Llama is really known for though is its fresh and flavourful nigiris, serving up some of the best and most creative sushi in town.

There’s the favoured salmon nigiri, garnished with black garlic and chilli garlic sauce, and the hamachi nigiri topped with truffle honey and miso brown butter. The wagyu nigiri features a homemade teriyaki sauce and spicy jalapeño topping – delicious! But undoubtedly my favourite during my visit was the scallop nigiri, delivering fresh, clean flavours with hints of truffle butter and lime zest.

Just like the starters, the main courses are made to share. I recommend splitting a plate of yellow miso salmon with a side of grilled asparagus and sesame. Not a fan of seafood? The grilled tenderloin comes highly recommended, featuring a special Llama sauce and goes perfectly with a side of mashed potatoes.

Make sure to save room for dessert because you don’t want to miss the rich and velvety caramel flan, which is an elevated version of the crème caramel we all grew up with. Chocolate lovers will love the Chocolate Misti, a decadent chocolate fondant served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Felemban is constantly innovating to keep the menu fresh and exciting.

New items coming soon include a seafood paella, Truffle Ceviche Catch of the Day, and Lucky Llama Scallop & Prawn Gnocchi. My tastebuds are already tingling in anticipation!