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Places to Eat |

Restaurant Review: Issho, Leeds

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Issho is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Leeds, their sushi never disappoints!

I’ve not been eating out as much recently since I started having chemo, but I thought I’d take the time to write about a few restaurants that I love, and first up is Issho.

This is easily one of my favourite restaurants in Leeds, and is usually the place I book if I’m looking for somewhere to go for a treat or a special occasion. If you're visiting in summer, it's also great to get a table outside on their rooftop terrace.

Issho serves contemporary Japanese food, and all their plates are designed to be shared so its a great place to go with a group of people.

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Issho Menu

MY RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. Sashimi / Nigiri / Maki

    Tuna Tataki with ponzu dressing

    Scallop Nigiri

    Blowtorched Salmon Maki

    Dragon Tiger Prawn Tempura Roll with Spicy Mayo

  2. Robato (charcoal grilled plates)

    Chicken Yakitori

    Miso Black Cod

    Grilled Purple Sweet Potato, Smoked Lime Butter & Chives

  3. Small Dishes, Bao Buns & Tempura

    Squid Karage with black ink & garlic kewpie

    Spicy Pork Bao Buns

    Yasai Tempura

Picking my menu recommendations was hard, I always want to order everything on the menu, hence why its a great place to go with a group so you can orders lots of different plates!

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On my last visit in August I went with a couple of girlfriends who love sushi as much as I do, so we ordered plenty to share.

The highlights were of course the sushi, it always tastes so fresh, and I love that they have an open kitchen at Issho so you can see the chefs preparing the fish.

Make sure you also order some of robata items from the menu too. The chicken yakitori are a favourite, and the grilled sweet potato with lime butter is amazing too. And of course bao buns, I mean who doesn't love a bao bun - I’d recommend either spicy pork or the duck leg confit buns.

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Issho is quite expensive, but this is reflected in the quality of the food, the level of service you receive, and the overall experience.

There are a few things I was told not to eat whilst I was having chemo and sushi is unfortunately one of them. But as soon as I'm feeling better after my last chemo, I'll be booking a meal out at Issho.

They've also got a great offer on throughout January with 25% off food so if you've been thinking about visiting for a while, now is the perfect time to go.

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Is Issho Gluten-Free Friendly?

My partner is gluten-free, and the staff are so helpful with explaining which options are on the menu are suitable for him to order.

When you book online, you can flag that someone in the party is gluten free which I always do, and the staff always ask about it when they bring us the menus. They also have gluten free soy sauce.

Is Issho Vegan / Vegetarian Friendly?

There are a few options for vegetarians on the menu, but vegan choices are quite limited. I would say there are better options in Leeds for someone looking to book a nice vegetarian / vegan meal out.

Tell me about their afternoon tea...

Issho serve a Japanese inspired afternoon tea for £33. The menu includes four types of sushi... vegetable maki, cucumber maki, salmon avocado roll and spicy tuna roll.

And on the sweet plate there are matcha scones, matcha cheesecake and a miso orange chocolate tart.

You can make it a bottomless boozy afternoon tea with free-flowing prosecco for an additional £19.30.