Gold Sushi Club — Restaurant in Municipality of Al Shamal

What makes this place unique from the plethora of Japanese restaurants in Riyadh is that it makes me feel like I'm in a modern large izakaya. The dining hall is modern with smart use of light coupled with good background music that is at the correct volume (not too loud that you have to yell so the waiter can hear you). The usage of murals on the wall is a nice change and the use of Tokyo Saki Barrels as part of the decor motif is smart unique and intresting to see. There are a few samurai statues which are nice but perhaps too many.

Special thanks to our friendly and professional waiter Phil, he was polite, welcoming, proactive havin good command of the menu giving advise and explanations. The manager was also very polite and informative and welcomed opinions and suggestions.

We ordered a selection of Maki rolls, all of which were properly made and wonderfully presented, the Kani spicy salad was on point as well as the shrimp tampura, the lobster taco had a balanced amount of wasabi given a fresh kick of heat without being too intrusive on the overall taste, The crab soup was well made light with the right amount of ginger for it to be unique and memorable. The Chicken Ramen was nice however I felt that the broth was too light and missing more of a proper Tare base, also it needed to be augmented with some paper sea weed paper sheets and as such, not a proper "Ramen", this was communicated with the manager who was welcoming these comments and explained their view on the dish.

I would strongly suggest to add to the menu other Japanese dishes that would make this place stand out, such as offering Hokkaido style Japanese Curry dishes (yes Japan is famous for their curries that are different than the famous Indian one, and are ever so tasty and filling) or Osaka style Tokoyaki (octopus balls) or super delicious Osaka style okonomiyaki (seafood pancakes) or cold green soba noodles with sea weed (Zaru Soba) among many others.

The restaurant is high end yet feels comfortable and casual, there is a price to pay for such service so expect the higher prices. A visit is a must if you like Japanese food (not just sushi...

Gold Shishi Club came highly recommended, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to the hype for me. While it’s a beautifully designed space with a promising menu, the dishes I tried fell short of expectations.

Tom Yum Prawns I started with the Tom Yum Prawns which I was really looking forward to. However, the soup was overwhelmingly spicy and had a powdery texture, as if it had been made from an instant packet mix. That said, the Satake mushroom in it was a nice touch, adding some depth to the soup. The prawns were tasty too, though, just a handful. Overall, the soup felt like a miss for me—too harsh on the palate and not worth the price tag.

Chicken Yakisoba Next, I ordered the Chicken Yakisoba which was visually appealing with its laced noodles and vibrant presentation. Unfortunately, it didn’t deliver on taste. The dish was excessively salty making it hard to enjoy. On top of that, the chicken didn’t feel like it was of great quality especially for a dish costing 100 Riyals I expected something more refined at this price point, but it didn’t meet the mark.

While Gold Shishi Club has an inviting atmosphere and an exciting menu on paper, the execution didn’t impress me. For the price and reputation, I expected much better quality and balance in the flavors. Unfortunately, I won’t be returning and would prefer heading to my favorite spot PF Chang’s at Riyadh Park next door, where I know I’ll get consistent quality and flavor.

Sorry, Gold Shishi Club, but it’s...

I recently dined at this incredible Japanese restaurant, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. The ambiance was authentic and inviting, with beautifully crafted decor that made me feel like I was in Japan.

The highlight of the evening was the exceptional service we received from Christian. From the moment we were seated, Christian made sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. He was knowledgeable about the menu and offered great recommendations, ensuring we selected dishes that suited our tastes.

The food itself was nothing short of spectacular. Each dish was a masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The sushi was fresh and expertly prepared, and the hot dishes were equally impressive.

Christian's attentiveness and genuine warmth truly elevated our dining experience. He went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect, making our visit truly special.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience, and be sure to ask for Christian – his exceptional service will make your meal even...