Run by the hugely successful D&D group, Issho is a glamorous rooftop restaurant in the heart of Leeds. The izakaya-style menu showcases delicious Japanese dishes like sushi, sashimi, bao, grilled dishes, dumplings and more. Here, the interiors are certainly glamorous, with huge floral arrangements dangling from the ceiling and a wooden bar at the centre. Outside, there are comfy sofas and armchairs on the terrace, perfect for soaking up the afternoon sun with a few drinks and snacks.
In terms of drinks, Issho has a cracking selection of beer, wine and spirits. The real highlights, however, appear in the cocktail section. There, you’ll find exciting concoctions like the kabuki highball, a blend of Haku vodka, lychee liqueur, lime juice, elderflower cordial, strawberries and sugar. For something a little earthier, try the downtown, which mixes Toki whiskey, apricot brandy, homemade sencha tea syrup, lime and hibiscus cordial. The sake is also a must, with various options by the 100ml or bottle.
Sushi lovers will be spoiled for choice here, with various platters, rolls and sashimi. The maki offering features the likes of blowtorched salmon and spicy tuna, while the sashimi options include salmon, seabass and tuna. If bao buns are more your thing, try the decadent duck leg confit option, topped with pickled cucumber and hoisin sauce. Moving to hotter, large plates, you’ll find the showstopping miso black cod alongside a creative aged ribeye with yuzu koshu and ponzu. Other hot dishes include karaage (cauliflower, chicken or squid), seafood gyoza with dashi vinegar and crispy soft-shell crab.
If all this sounds like too much choice, there are also set menus that pick out highlights from the menu for you. The samurai menu, for example, includes tempura vegetables, chicken karaage, a selection of sushi and sashimi, spicy pork bao, seafood gyoza, duck breast with white peach, grilled sweet potato with smoked lime butter and a chilled caramel purin to finish.