AAID brings the iconic restaurant brand to life in Riyadh’s KAFD district.
In a landmark achievement for hospitality and design in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Allen Architecture Interiors Design (AAID), in collaboration with client MJS and a dedicated project team, has delivered the first-ever Mr Chow restaurant in the Middle East. Located in Riyadh’s prestigious King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), the opening marks a new chapter for a brand that has defined global elegance, creativity, and cultural fusion for more than 50 years.
Iconic global brand lands in Riyadh
Mr Chow is not just a restaurant, it’s a world-renowned institution that merges cuisine, design, and performance art into a unique sensory experience. From Beverly Hills to London, its tables have hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, fashion, art, and politics. Its arrival in Saudi Arabia signals more than just geographic expansion; it’s a celebration of global culture and refined taste.
Tasked with translating this legendary identity into the language of the Middle East, AAID, a boutique interior design firm based in Dubai, was entrusted with designing a flagship that would preserve the integrity of the brand while responding to local context. With a legacy of collaboration with MJS, renowned for introducing premium, high-end brands to the region, AAID embraced the challenge with boldness, vision, and meticulous detail.
Preserving the Brand, Embracing the Region
From the outset, AAID’s mission was clear: capture the very essence of Mr Chow. The brand’s visual DNA—marked by modern deco styling, French design influences, and a deep reverence for artistry had to be maintained across every inch of the space. But this was no copy-paste exercise. The Riyadh venue needed to reflect its environment while harmonizing with the brand’s international pedigree.
Circular staircase offers dramatic visual impact
In this spirit, AAID created an atmosphere that feels both familiar to fans of Mr Chow and new to the Riyadh dining scene. At the heart of the space, a dramatic six-meter-high wraparound staircase and a signature circular elevator set the stage, an architectural centerpiece that anchors the experience. Indoors and outdoors are seamlessly connected via a façade that opens onto an elegant terrace, creating a dining flow that’s both functional and immersive.
Material selection merges tradition and innovation
The Riyadh location echoes elements from Mr Chow’s sister restaurants while incorporating local materials and culturally relevant motifs. One of the most striking features is the ceiling, which uses advanced LED technology to animate digital graphics. These visual displays incorporate regional themes in a bold, modern way, enriching the restaurant’s ambiance while offering a nod to its new cultural home.
Every table is adorned with the brand’s iconic central light—casting a warm glow and reinforcing the signature Mr Chow aesthetic. The interior furniture features clean lines and deco accents, all curated to evoke sophistication and intimacy.
Deco styling meets Middle Eastern elegance
The selection of materials in the restaurant plays a central role in defining its character. Chrome accents lend modern shine and contrast, while limestone flooring and stairs bring timeless strength and elegance. Venetian plaster adds texture and artisanal richness, and black mirrored wall panels enhance the space’s drama and depth. Ceiling soffits curve gracefully overhead, softening the architectural edges and drawing the eye upward. Fluted black stone bars serve as visual anchors where patrons can gather, while gunmetal chairs provide ergonomic comfort with a modern edge.
AAID’s Founder and Managing Director, Stuart Allen, described the design philosophy behind the project:
“Minimalist design aesthetic relates the simplicity of the materials to be applied with great precision. To create an environment like Mr Chow in this region using local resources takes great collaboration, understanding, and craftsmanship.”
He adds, “The execution of this ambitious project within the up-and-coming KAFD financial district required a dedicated team effort, daily resource management, and a keen eye for seizing opportunities and overcoming challenges.”
A Growing Legacy in Saudi Arabia
This is not AAID’s first foray into the Kingdom. The successful completion of Mr Chow marks their second high-profile project with client MJS, with more expected to follow. Their partnership is rooted in a shared vision of design excellence, cultural sensitivity, and a desire to elevate the region’s built environment.
Looking ahead, AAID aims to continue shaping the Middle East’s interior architecture landscape—one signature project at a time.
About Allen Architecture Interiors Design (AAID)
Founded in 2015 by Stuart Allen, AAID is an international design firm with a strong footprint in the GCC, serving clients in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Known for their highly collaborative, client-focused approach, the firm specializes in delivering tailored design solutions across a wide range of sectors and scales.
At the core of AAID’s philosophy is a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and functionality. Every project reflects a careful balance of aesthetic ambition and environmental responsibility, achieved through partnerships with like-minded vendors and craftspeople. For AAID, great design isn’t just about how a space looks—it’s about how it feels, functions, and endures.
With the successful debut of Mr Chow in Riyadh, AAID has once again demonstrated its ability to deliver world-class design, customized for place and purpose, and executed with exceptional precision.
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