Best Japanese Restaurants in Leeds – Japanese food is one of the top rated cuisines in the world. It may be surprising to learn that the Michelin Guide has presented a maximum number of Michelin stars to Japanese restaurants. The Japanese are obviously dedicated foodies! Interestingly, Tokyo has more restaurants than any other city in the world, with an estimated 150,000 venues. For comparison, in 2018 there were 88,848 businesses operating in the restaurant and mobile food service industry in the UK!
A fun and slightly crazy fact about Japanese food is about Fugu. Fugu, the Japanese pufferfish, contains one of the world’s most potent toxins. Highly trained Fugu chefs must be licensed to remove the potentially deadly organs. Despite the risks, around 10,000 tons of fugu is eaten annually in Japan, where it is considered a winter delicacy. Lets look at the Best Japanese Restaurants in Leeds.
Issho Japanese Restaurant
Victoria Gate 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU
Issho – “meaning ‘together’ in Japanese – is a contemporary Japanese rooftop restaurant & bar in Leeds’ Victoria Gate. Issho champions dishes that are designed to be shared amongst friends and family. Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine whilst sitting at the open kitchen counters. It is a contemporary Japanese dining destination. Issho is a stylish space, open for lunch, dinner & weekend brunch, serving plenty of favourite Japanese dishes.”
Little Tokyo
24 Central Rd, Leeds LS1 6DE
Little Tokyo – ” A Japanese Restaurant with Yorkshire roots. Here we aim to bring the unique and delicate tastes of Japan to you, with ingredients and inspiration found in Yorkshire. When you dine with us, you can expect to enjoy a friendly & quick service, alongside a cosy atmosphere that will help you relax whilst you eat and drink the night away with your friends & family. Come Join us on our journey to bring a Little part of Japan, to the heart of Yorkshire. – Little Tokyo.”
Below we tease your taste buds with some examples from the delicious menu available at Little Tokyo.
Dancing Salmon
~seared salmon avocado roll, topped with Japanese majo and spring onions~
Fish Balls
~home made fish balls deep fried and simmered in soy sauce~
Duck with mango
~roasted duck with real mango pulp~
Charcoal grilled eel teriyaki
~traditional eel meal, flambeed in teriyaki sauce~
Teppanyaki
Belgrave Hall, Belgrave Street, Leeds
The word Teppanyaki is derived from “Teppan” meaning iron hot plate and “Yaki” which means means to grill or fry. “Never tried Teppanyaki style cooking? Sit around our teppan hot plates and watch as our chefs skilfully cook your food in front of you, using their theatrical skills, juggling, flipping and with a dash of fire, your meal is prepared for you before your very eyes. A taste of Japan that you will remember. If you enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine, then visit Teppanyaki Japanese Restaurant in Leeds. This restaurant serves delicious food cooked to an incredibly high standard, ensuring that a visit here will not be wasted.” Here are some of the stars of the menu.
~Kansai Beef Vegetables rolled in thinly sliced beef cooked in teriyaki sauce~
~Lobster Tail with ginger and spring onions~
~Teriyaki Chicken Maki – Teriyaki chicken, lettuce and mayo sushi roll~
~Ebi Furai – King Prawn, deep fried in Japanese breadcrumbs~
Blue Sakura
2-3 Merrion Way Leeds LS2 8BT
Blue Sakura offers a unique all you can eat concept of Japanese sushi and Asian style grill. “Get acquainted with hundreds of delicious cold and hot traditional Japanese Sushi dishes at an affordable price all ordered via touch screen technology at their tables. The restaurant’s comfortable interior is distinguished by its luxurious furniture, ambient lighting and Japanese inspired art – perfect for both larger parties and intimate evenings alike.”
Hot and Sour Soup
~Northern Chinese thick soup, chillies, carrot, tofu, egg, fungus & mushrooms~
Seaweed Salad
~Japanese Seaweed with sesame dressing~
Chicken Katsu Roll
~Breaded Chicken breast with Japanese Mayo Sauce~
Fuji Hiro
45 Wade Lane Leeds City Centre West Yorkshire LS2 8NJ
Established in 1997, Fuji Hiro was the first Japanese restaurant to open in Leeds. Decorated in traditional style with Japanese art adorning the walls and old sake bottles spread around the room, Fuji Hiro offers an authentic Japanese experience.
Yasai- Tempura- Udon/Soba
~Crispy assorted vegetables with homemade dash stock, spring onions and noodles~
Chicken ramen
~Soup based noodles topped with slices of grilled chicken breast, watercress, wakame, and garnished with spring onions~
Yaki-soba
~Soba noodles with chicken, prawns, onions, sweet peppers, carrots, leaks and bean sprouts, garnished with sesame seeds~
Tetsujin Chef Special Sashimi
~Head Chef’s Selection of deluxe assorted sashimi~
Chilli Yasai soba
~Soba noodles with ginger, garlic, red chillies, celery, courgettes, fried tofu, mange tout, bean sprouts, carrots and coriander~
Yokohama
331 Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS8 4HT
Yokohama is a contemporary Korean and Japanese Restaurant conveniently located in the centre of Leeds, serving both authentic Korean and Japanese food. “Our food is all freshly prepared in-house to order, using the best quality ingredients from local suppliers. With over 100 dishes to choose from, including sushi, sushi rolls, sashimi, grilled food, tempura and last but not least rice and noodles.”
Spicy Seafood Ramen
~spicy ramen noodle soup with seafood and vegetables~
Seabass Teriaki
~grilled seabass fillet with teriaki~
Yaki Gyoza
~deep fried dumplings with chicken and vegetables~
Dolsot Bibimbab
~mixed vegetables with beef in a stone bowl~
Also look at our main post of the best restaurants in Leeds.