Saikō

Saikō is a project inspired by Asia, where the flavors of different countries are combined with modern culinary trends: minimizing heat treatment, fermentation, and zero-waste principles. There's always something new to discover here, and sometimes, a touch of mischief. This is hinted at even before entering the restaurant by a two-meter-tall sculpture of a fox standing on its head, made of liquid metal. Meet Saikō – the patron of celebration and hospitality in Japanese culture, and the true totem of the project located on Belaya Square.

Chef Alexander Fomenkov, previously the head chef at Hands Asian, is responsible for the modern, pan-Asian cuisine at Saikō. He emphasizes natural flavors and Asian culinary techniques in his work. The menu features not only the familiar sushi and rolls, but also gyoza with shrimp (750 rubles) and chicken (690 rubles), dim sum with crab (620 rubles) and beef (580 rubles), and noodles with squid and black pepper sauce (780 rubles).

A key element of the Saikō dining experience is the chefs preparing dishes on a robata grill. Must-try items include the signature Peking duck (3600 rubles), which is best shared, beef tenderloin with charcoal-grilled vegetables (1490 rubles), miso cod with celery puree (1100 rubles), or cauliflower curry with coconut lemongrass (680 rubles). The chef's table, with seating for eight, promises to be the ultimate immersion into the world of Asian flavors, led by renowned chefs.

The Saikō beverage menu boasts an impressive collection of Asian specialties, for which the restaurant has a dedicated wine cellar. One of Moscow's most sought-after mixologists, Vasily Zhelyov (BlaBlaBar, Nitro, Community Moscow), is in charge of the bar program. He skillfully incorporates local flavors into each of the over ten cocktails, priced at 650 rubles each. For example, cocktail #1 combines rum, strawberry soju, white wine, pineapple, and sorrel. Cocktail #12 features vodka infused with anchan and lavender, berry vermouth, almond, and lychee. Interestingly, you won't find cocktails numbered 4 or 14 on the menu, as those numbers are considered unlucky in Asia.

The space at Saikō is expansive and vibrant. Architects and designers from the IZI Design studio have blended Asian styles with natural themes in the interior. For example, the textured, sometimes rough, surfaces of stone and wood evoke the image of rocky landscapes. The ceiling, reminiscent of a ship's hull, and the patterns on the canvases suggest ocean waves. The copper strip, as if caught by a gust of wind, represents the air.

The space, accommodating 90 guests, is perfectly zoned for any occasion: family dinners, business meetings, or casual gatherings. On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant hosts parties with DJs, and with the arrival of warmer weather, Saikō will open a large summer terrace.