Eats

The Issho Ki No Bi menu offers some of the best Japanese fine-dining in Leeds

Think lilac skies fading into a midnight blue, whilst sat on cosy blanketed seats, sipping cocktails.

Sophie Smith - 7th January 2022

There's a winter terrace, unreal cocktails and some of the tastiest food around available- all with panoramic city views.

Combining traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary decor and a sophisticated flair, Issho is the only place you'll want to lost track of time by wining and dining away the afternoon in the city centre.

Issho – meaning ‘together’ in Japanese – is conveniently located on the third floor of Victoria Gate overlooks the city, and at twilight captures Leeds in all of its glory. Think lilac skies fading into a midnight blue, whilst sat on cosy blanketed seats, sipping cocktails without a care.

The twinkle of the nights sky truly captures the essence of the bar and restaurant here. Calm, quiet but full of surprises- and that's before you've set foot indoors.

Inside guests are welcomed by a roaring fire so that even if it's snowing outside on the high street, the lobby and indoor seating remains warm and cosy.

Offering a contemporary twist on traditional Izakaya dining, the bar staff are ready to offer just about any cocktail imaginable- all beautifully decorated with dried fruit and herbs.

If you're doing Dry January, there's even refreshing non-alcoholic mocktails available that taste similar to their boozy predecessors.

The Shisho Smash from Issho is made from Seedlip Spice 94, an alcohol-free spirit distilled in the same way as an other spirit: just without the boozy bit.  It’s a sophisticated blend of Allspice berries and Cardamom, mixed in with lime juice, sugar syrup, elderflower cordial and topped with Shisho leaves.

But for those not partaking in Dry Jan, The Ki No Bi cocktail menu is full of delicious flavours that are unparalleled to any of the cocktail bars nearby.

The Ki No Shokan comprises of Ki No Bi Dry with Mancino Sakura Vermouth and homemade lemon and thyme syrup. Sweet, with a moorish after taste, you won't want to waste a drop of this one. Unless you've had chance to try Akuma City, a Ki No Bi cocktail with Ki No Bi Dry, Akashi-Tai Plum Sake, Lillet Blanc, homemade Japanese pepper syrup and Angostura bitter.

The Hana Sensei is the crown jewels of the menu and should be treated as such. Shaken to perfection and derived from a combination of Ki No Sei, Dom Benedictine, violette liquor and cardamom bitters, it tastes exactly like parma violets- and no, we don't mean the Wetherspoons parma violet gin.

This sophisticated cocktail has truly embodied the flavour of those sugary snacks, right down to the fizz on your tongue; it's truly something special, and more than justifies the £13.50 price tag.

The Yuki Sapporo cocktail menu is paired with a selection of seasonal dishes that bring the best of Japanese fine-dining to the third floor of Victoria Gate.

Three small plates and a range of dipping sauces are served, including Tiger Prawn and chilli butter, Chicken Karaage, wasabi mayo, Yasai Tempura, seasonal vegetables and tempura sauce.

If melt in your mouth chicken is your craving on a cold winter's afternoon: you're in for a real treat, especially if you use the wasabi mayo as a dipping sauce.

The Chicken Karaage, followed by a bite of the Yasai Tempura, that's a combination of asparagus and prawn tempura, will leave you with a sensory sensation very rarely found in Leeds-Japanese foodie scene: it's not just the taste that delights, but the texture and visual appeal too.

It's not just afternoon small plates and winter warmers that Issho specialise in, their bottomless afternoon tea is renowned in Leeds as one of the best around. Offering ninety minutes of free-flowing prosecco alongside its Japanese-style afternoon tea, for £47.50.

As part of the experience, you’ll enjoy unlimited prosecco as you tuck into a host of delicate Japanese finger-food treats. The selection here is split into three: spanning sushi, savoury and sweet, and also includes a selection of fine Japanese and English teas.

Read More: The Leeds bottomless Japanese afternoon tea with sushi and free-flowing prosecco

If you're looking for somewhere for a special occasion that requires a zen atmosphere to unwind and treat yourself, we really can't think of anywhere better.

Feature Image- The Hoot Leeds