A taste of what's to come for new Japanese rooftop restaurant Issho Leeds

Issho Leeds Japanese Restaurant Victoria Gate Leeds Rooftop Restaurant

A taste of what’s to come for new Japanese Rooftop Restaurant Issho Leeds

Due to open on 21^st June 2017, Issho will serve authentic Asian dishes with a contemporary twist and an emphasis on sharing. Their brand-new restaurant will be housed in the stunning Victoria Gate Leeds. Developed by D&D, following on from the success of Angelica and Crafthouse, the 7,807sq restaurant boasts a rooftop bar and outdoor terrace.
We went along to their recent pop up at Angelica (15^th-18^th May) ahead of the launch, to see what’s to come for one of Leeds most exciting new openings. With Executive Chef Ben Orpwood previously of Sexy Fish and Zuma in London at the forefront we were excited to sample the dishes ahead.
The menu which is reasonably priced and perfect for sharing consists of raw, hot and cold dishes, alongside Japanese cocktails and fine wines. From smoked beef tartare, to steamed prawn and salmon gyozas, to bao buns and a range of meats cooked on the robata, you’re spoilt for choice. The waitress suggested three or four courses each person.
Whilst deciding what to order we were handed our complementary glass of Shirakabegura ‘Mio’ – sparkling Sake, which was deliciously light, alongside freshly steamed edamame beans. After seeing a huge plate full arrive to the next table, our mind was made up on ordering the oysters. Served with apple mignonette, the fresh ginger provided a kick while the crunchy green apple added sweetness, a really refreshing accompaniment to the plump oysters.

Next to arrive our sushi and sashimi platter, which we were advised changes with the kitchen’s ‘catch of the day’.  A vast portion of sushi rolls and raw salmon, tuna and sea bream, accompanied by the usual pickled ginger, wasabi and soy. Delicious and paired perfectly with the sparkling Sake.
          
We couldn’t resist a dish or two from the robata. A Japanese style of cooking, where meats are slow-grilled over hot charcoal. We opted for fillet of sea bream served with toasted sesame seeds and pickled shallots. This was my partner’s favourite dish of the night, full of flavour and beautifully presented. Onto another dish cooked on the robata, beef fillet skewers with smoked chili, mouthwatering with a great kick of chili. My personal favourite was the seared diver scallops served with a strong punchy jalapeno sauce and crunchy green apple.
          
We were impressed with the variety of choice on the menu, the flavoursome dishes and presentation. With so much more left to try on the menu, talk of their take on Sunday lunch with slow cooked meats stuffed into fluffy bao buns and their new rooftop Victoria Gate setting we can’t wait for the June launch.
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Issho Leeds Japanese Restaurant Victoria Gate Leeds Rooftop Restaurant