Review: Authentic Japanese Ramen at Issho Leeds Rooftop Restaurant

Review by Rosita Rogers – follow on Twitter @zittttttta
Issho Leeds Review – Japanese Restaurant Leeds – Issho Leeds Rooftop Restaurant – Lunch in Leeds –

Review: Authentic Japanese Ramen at Issho Leeds Rooftop Restaurant

Leeds’ newest and most inviting Kori Bar, Issho, recently invited us to try out their latest and exciting Monday menu; featuring traditional Maki and Temaki dishes, a healthy mix of snacks (both cooked and raw), Robatayaki, and their newest addition, the Ramen. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Issho yet, then you’re in for a treat. It’s pretty much an amalgamation of the scenic New York rooftop bars, hustling downtown Japan, and the hospitality of Gods’ own country, Leeds. And whilst Leeds is slowly becoming acclaimed for its restaurant and bars, we have yet to see the oversaturation of Japanese restaurants, much like London.
    
We started the visit by being shown around the venue. Initially one may think it is just the bar and rooftop terrace but, once you pass through that, the restaurant slowly becomes the main attraction. The decor is quintessentially Japanese, and the bar has quite a selection of Japanese whiskies and Saki’s, amongst other high-end spirits. We chose to sit on the terrace as it was a whopping 16 degrees and we felt the urge to bask in the English sun. The heaters were on too, so it was pleasantly warm. Being a fan of anything saki, I chose to go for the house saki, warm, and my friend went for the lychee martini. When it came to choosing our starters, we gave into everything raw and went for the Tuna Tartar with Myoga and Barley Miso, the Seared Salmon with Wasabi Leaf Dressing and Pickled Apple, Spicy Edamame and the Chicken Tsukune with Egg Yolk and Ponzu, which came highly recommended by the waiter. All of the above passed the test with high marks. Much like tapas, the food was cooked fresh to order and came out as soon as it was made.
  
The choices of ramen were Tonkotsu Ramen, with a pork and chicken broth, and the vegetarian option; Shitake Udon with a vegetable broth. The Tonkotsu’s meat tanginess was not lacking in any areas and the Shitake -surprisingly- proved to be the winner, with a powerful kick of flavour. We ended the visit with some more cocktails. The Yuzu bramble and Ume came highly recommended by the bartender as I love Saki, both charming as ever. The cocktails rounded out our meal nicely and were sorely needed, with it being Monday.
Find out more about Issho Authentic Ramen Monday Menu
Issho, Victoria Gate, Leeds LS2 7JL – 0113 426 5000.

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Issho Leeds Review – Japanese Restaurant Leeds – Lunch in Leeds – Issho Leeds Rooftop Restaurant