Location
Riyadh & Jeddah, KSA
Industry
Hospitality & F&B
Size
400 SQM
Client
Leylaty
The Brief
Lola Brasserie was conceived as a one of a kind brasserie in Jeddah, inspired by the effortless elegance of Côte d’Azur coastal residences. We were asked to create a space that felt warm, refined and residential, centred around food. The brief focused on unique culinary counters for crudo, mixology and an open kitchen, complemented by varied, custom seating typologies that prioritise interaction and experience.
about
Building on a successful concept meant evolving it without losing what made it distinctive.
Kuuru Riyadh is the second location of an upscale Japanese-Peruvian restaurant concept, developed following the success of the original venue in Jeddah. The project translated the brand into a new market while refining the guest experience through interior design, spatial planning, and operational improvements. The result is a restaurant that retains Kuuru's identity while introducing stronger references to Peruvian craftsmanship, materials, and cultural storytelling.
The Challenge
The project had to expand the concept without diluting the experience that made the first restaurant successful.
The new location required almost double the seating capacity while preserving the intimacy and energy of the original venue. At the same time, the design needed to respond to Riyadh's evolving dining scene by introducing new features, including a dry bar, and strengthening the Peruvian side of the Nikkei identity. Achieving this involved extensive research, sourcing, and collaboration with artists and artisans across Latin America to ensure every addition supported the concept rather than becoming decoration.
The Entrance
The arrival sequence was designed as an immersive transition into the Nikkei concept. Framing the entrance as a portal established a clear sense of arrival while preparing guests for a dining experience rooted equally in Japanese architecture and Peruvian craftsmanship.
The Omakase Kitchen
Positioning the Omakase kitchen at the centre of the restaurant made food preparation part of the guest experience while naturally organising the surrounding dining spaces.
The Japanese-inspired pergola reinforces the kitchen as the visual heart of the restaurant, giving chefs and craftsmanship equal prominence within the interior.
The Dry Bar
Introducing a dedicated dry bar expanded the restaurant's offering while responding to Riyadh's evolving hospitality scene.
Its placement creates another focal point within the venue, allowing the bar experience to complement the dining journey without competing with the central sushi and ceviche counter.
The Material Palette
The interior combines Japanese architectural language with handcrafted Peruvian materials, artwork, and finishes sourced through collaboration with Latin American artisans.
Rather than using cultural references as decoration, the materials were selected to strengthen the restaurant's Nikkei identity through authentic craftsmanship and subtle storytelling.
How did we design a place that works?
Japanese andPeruvian cultures expressed equally
Rather than allowing one influence to dominate, the material palette, artwork and spatial planning were developed to give both cultures a clear presence throughout the guest journey. This strengthened the Nikkei identity beyond the menu alone.
A larger restaurant without losing intimacy
Increasing the seating capacity required careful zoning and circulation planning so each dining area retained its own atmosphere.
Guests experience the restaurant as a series of connected spaces rather than one large dining room.
The kitchen as the centre of the experience
Placing the sushi and ceviche counter at the heart of the restaurant made craftsmanship visible while improving the relationship between chefs and guests.
The layout supports both operational efficiency and the storytelling behind the concept.
The result
The completed restaurant presents a Nikkei identity that is expressed through both the guest experience and the physical environment.
Japanese architectural influences are combined with Peruvian materials, handcrafted artwork, and custom-made finishes, while the central sushi and ceviche counter remains the focal point of the dining experience.
By building on the strengths of the original concept and adapting it for a larger, more competitive market, Kuuru Riyadh establishes a foundation for the brand's continued growth.