The Japanese Sando cafe always has a queue out the door for lunch, and we predict the same for their new evening offering.
When we heard that Shokupan on Wellington Street had launched a new evening menu, we simply couldn’t wait to try it out.
The family-run Japanese sando cafe is one of Leeds’ best hidden gems, which we visit time and time again.
Husband and wife team Alan and Alison took inspiration from trips around the world to bring a taste of Japan to the city.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their flavourful sandos are already a popular lunch option, but their new evening menu brings a selection of small plates to the table - and they were nothing short of outstanding.
The menu is small but perfectly formed, featuring four small plates which are designed for sharing.
Crispy, crunchy Japanese Karaage Fried Chicken alongside Okonomiyaki Bites drenched in mayo and Tonkatsu sauce was the perfect way to kick off a brilliant meal.
The Karaage Chicken was definitely a highlight, the meat was succulent and the light batter bursting with flavour. The delicious morsels could either be dunked in a soy sauce, spring onion dip or an indulgent mayo sprinkled with chilli flakes - just delicious.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Now onto the mains, and it’s Shokupan doing what they do best - Japanese sandos and rice dishes which are already big hitters on their popular lunch menu.
The Tonkatsu Rice featured a classic breaded chicken fillet in a tangy Tonkatsu sauce, white rice, shredded cabbage, pickled red onion and pickled ginger.
The pickles were a great addition and made for the perfect forkful when combined with the zesty sauce and rich mayo.
The real showstopper though was the Curry Dip Sando, and yes it is as amazing as it sounds - a fried pork cutlet nestled in their signature shokupan loaf and served with a pot of thick curry sauce.
Dipping a sandwich into a pot of curry sauce is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Shokupan serve their evening menu exclusively on Thursday and Friday evenings from 4:30 - 8:30pm. The vibe is uber chill, the interior relaxed and Alison makes you feel as though you’ve been invited round for tea as soon as you step through the door.
They operate a walk-in only police and it is currently BYOB, so if you fancy a tipple you can bob over to the supermarket down the road and grab a bottle to go with your food.
Whether for lunch or dinner we are already planning our next trip back, and so should you.
A Sheffield pizzeria has been named one of the world’s best in a prestigious global ranking.
Forbici, the restaurant where all pizzas are served with a pair of scissors, is the only northern pizzeria to be recognised at last week's Best Pizza Awards 2026.
The awards took place in Milan, and are said to be the Michelin equivalent of the pizza world.
Forbici was named as creating one of the world’s best pizzas, with its master chef recognised as one of the top pizza chefs in the world.
It’s one of just two UK pizzerias listed in the coveted top 100 this year.
Images: The Sheff
Forbici opened in Manchester back in 2024, and has since expanded across to lovely Sheffield on Millennium Square back in March.
It was also once named by Marco Pierre White as ‘the best pizza’ he’d ever had - quite an accolade.
Biga pizza dough at Forbici is slow-fermented to create a light, risen crust, before being topped with quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Italian produce.
It also has a lot of northern flavour, thanks to local specials like the Lancashire Hotpot – a pizza topped with crisps.
And all pizzas are served with scissors, inspired by the pizzerias of Naples, to be cut into quarters.
Master baker Davide Argentino is a fifth-generation baker from Napoli. While his family runs two bakeries on his behalf back home, Davide brings a true taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza to the UK.
Commenting on the recognition, Davide said: “It is a huge honour for Forbici to be recognised as one of the best pizzerias in the world.
“Baking has been in my family for five generations, so this is a really proud moment. In crafting Forbici’s signature dough we challenged convention pushing the fermentation process to the limit. Every bite reflects the patience, precision and expertise behind our approach.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, whose passion, skill and commitment to the craft of pizza-making make Forbici what it is every day.”
An intimate Japanese katsu bar with only 15 seats is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Chef Fern is taking on another venture, and this time it's all about Katsu.
If you know anything about the Leeds food scene, then you'll know the absolute legend that is Chef Fern.
Her first restaurant, Fern Modern Sushi, is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Known for their expertly crafted sushi made with only the freshest fish on offer.
Nestled in the Central Arcade, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant captured the hearts of many foodies since opening in 2024.
This year, Chef Fern set her sights on another restaurant on Vicar Lane.
Image: O Katsu
Tori Nori opened just a couple of months ago, a modern Japanese grill centred around the fiery robata where guests can watch the chefs cook everything from grilled fish to delicious yakitori skewers right in front of their very eyes.
Unsurprisingly, Tori Nori has also been a huge hit.
But there's just no stopping Fern as she goes on to open yet another restaurant in the city centre.
Introducing O Katsu, an intimate restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu.
Katsu is basically a breaded, deep-fried piece of meat, seafood or vegetables. Served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup and dipping sauces, it's nothing short of delicious and a popular meal enjoyed in Japan.
We don't know much abut the opening just yet, but what we do know is that it'll be located just opposite her first restaurant in the Central Arcade.
There will be no bookings, and the space will feature an open kitchen so guests can watch the magic happen.
One things for sure, if Chef Fern is involved you just know it's going to be brilliant. We'll keep you updated on the opening of O Katsu as and when we find out.
Clementine Hall -
24th August 2023 
