Created by Green Sand Concepts, Kantami’s second Saudi location blends immersive design with time-honoured Japanese flavours and inventive twists, transforming dining into an act of rebellion
Riyadh : Kantami, the Japanese izakaya concept by Saudi hospitality studio Green Sand Concepts (GSC), has officially opened its doors in Riyadh, introducing a bold new interpretation of Japanese izakaya to the capital. Located in Nawaf Square, the concept builds on the success of Kantami’s Al Khobar debut, offering a raw, story-driven experience that sets it apart from traditional dining experiences. Rooted in authenticity and imagination, Kantami redefines Japanese cuisine as a living culture, art form, and narrative.
Born from the vision of Green Sand Concepts, Kantami was created to reimagine the region’s culinary landscape by building fully realised worlds rather than restaurants. At its core, Kantami is a post-apocalyptic Japanese izakaya, a stripped-back, atmospheric space envisioned as a futuristic world rebuilt from the ashes, where tradition, resilience, and rebellion coexist. Inspired by a deep appreciation for both modern and traditional Japanese culture, the concept was developed to address a clear gap in the market, creating dining that moves beyond commercialisation to honour cultural principles, craft, and identity.
Every detail of Kantami’s interiors has been carefully considered to create a strong sense of place. Exposed brick walls, fragmented colour-tinted windows, eye-catching murals, and glowing Japanese signage shape a cinematic, almost underground atmosphere, anchored by rustic finishes throughout. A striking, multi-tiered chandelier adorned with traditional toys, teapots and tools serves as the space’s visual centrepiece, while shelves of Japanese trinkets add subtle layers of ritual and character.
Kantami’s menu is rooted in real Japanese techniques, reworked through creativity and constant evolution. The journey begins with playful appetisers, including the Roripoppu Prawn lollipops, wrapped in a crisp shell and accompanied by a punchy house sauce, followed by hearty mains such as the Azabu Salmon Donburi, pairing miso-butter-glazed grilled salmon with seasoned rice and dashi-simmered onions, served with a small miso soup. Meanwhile, Kunsei Yakiudon layers tender, slow-braised beef short ribs through thick udon noodles coated in smoked teriyaki, and Katsukarẽ Gold rounds out the savoury selection with crisp chicken katsu, rich homemade curry, and fluffy rice.
The experience continues through inventive desserts and eclectic mocktails that mirror the concept’s experimental edge. Signature sweets and colour-changing drinks add a final layer of intrigue, offering a light-hearted contrast to the depth and intensity of the savoury menu.
Commenting on the official opening, Fahad Alturki, Founder & CEO, GSC, shared, ‘Everything we create at GSC begins with soul, shaping experiences that feel honest, expressive, and deeply rooted in culture. Kantami was never conceived as just a place to dine, but as a world to step into, where food carries a sense of place and creates lasting memories. With this second location, every detail has been carefully brought together to bridge past and future through experiential storytelling, Japanese cuisine that is thoughtful and ingredient-led, and a form of hospitality that feels timeless yet made for today.’
Kantami also aims to embed itself within the city’s creative community. Designed as a gathering place for like-minded individuals where creativity is a way of life, Kantami is an opportunity to experience Japanese dining through a new lens, one that celebrates artistry, authenticity, and shared moments.
With its doors now open in Nawaf Square, Kantami is accepting reservations for those looking to experience the Japanese izakaya concept firsthand.
