• From the crispness of the tempura rolls to the melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, every bite was fresh with zero fishy aftertaste

Waad Hussain

Tucked away inside Le Meridien in Alkhobar, Fusion is an upscale Japanese dining experience that blends refined hospitality with a well-curated menu.

We kicked things off with the bread basket: A warm selection of freshly baked rolls, each one slightly crisp on the outside and fluffy within. The rolls were served with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomato paste, and a side of butter — simple, elegant, and full of flavor.

Then came the surprise star of the night: the seafood soup. With a perfectly balanced consistency and deeply rich flavor, it was the kind of dish that makes you rethink your stance on seafood altogether. I do not usually go for fish-heavy starters, but I would return to Fusion for this soup alone.

Next up was the sushi platter. It was an elaborate, artful presentation that arrived in a wooden boat overflowing with color and texture.

From the crispness of the tempura rolls to the melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, every bite was fresh with zero fishy aftertaste.

The drawback? The lighting does not do the presentation justice, and I wish the establishment had an Instagram account or at least a more organized menu for browsing.

For mains we opted for the grilled salmon and steak. Both were tender, flavorful, and plated with precision.

Dessert sealed the deal. We went for a classic tiramisu and a mini apple pie, with espresso. It felt like the perfect end to a luxurious yet unpretentious meal.

Fusion might be understated in terms of its online presence, but do not let that fool you. The experience is top-tier.

This is a place that lets the food and service speak for themselves.