Issho-Ni offers sharing plates paired with fresh cocktails, split amongst friends and made with a whole lot of love. We tried it all…
Running from the centre of Shoreditch is Bethnal Green Road – home to a stretch of quirky pubs, bars and restaurants that carries East London’s arty edge all the way along. Though you’ll be spoilt for choice on where to spend your evening, there’s only one place that’s going to provide you with the Japanese feast of a lifetime: recent arrival Issho-Ni.
In Japanese, ‘Issho-Ni’ means ‘together with’ – a fitting name for the place where it’s all about sharing food, drinks and good times! The restaurant is chic in design, while the atmosphere is amazingly chilled, and you can’t not immediately feel at ease when welcomed by smiles from Claire Su, the owner of Issho-Ni.
And this homely feeling makes sense when you learn of the restaurant’s back story. The space at 185 Bethnal Green Road has sentimental value to Claire and her family, having previously been the first noodle bar in the area, opened by her parents. Noodle King fed many local families, and following a life-changing trip to Japan, as well as in the footsteps of her parents, Claire has created a similarly friendly atmosphere in Issho-Ni. Is this not just the most wholesome thing you have heard?
The concept is simple: staff at Issho-Ni serve delicious sharing plates of Japanese food – all izakaya style. Head chef Eduardo created the menu, providing a twist on Japan’s traditional dishes whilst working alongside their head bartender to create cocktails that complement each dish.
We started with the juicy Padron Peppers in Sansho Salt, before digging into a selection of dishes from their new seasonal menu, such as the Squid Ink Yakisoba and Fiery Shrimp Tempura.
While all of the food was delightful, you simply have to try the Seared Butterfish Sashimi. Coated in a truffle and ponzu dressing, this dish simply melts in the mouth.
The sushi was so beautifully presented we actually felt guilty eating it (and considering how much we love food, that is really saying something!). Our rolls were filled with salmon, tuna, seabass, takuwan and cucumber, topped with caviar, tobiko, salmon skin and truffle mayo. Yes, they were glorious.
Dishes are of course complemented with the most refreshing cocktails. We loved the Shisorita – a twist on a classic margarita with ocho tequila, quiquiriqui mezcal, yuzu, agave, and shiso. You can select from a huge variety of beers, wines, whiskey gins, teas, and top quality hot and cold sakes. To top it all of, you simply have to save room for a flaming good dessert!
While a meal at Issho-Ni is recommended all year round, get yourself booked in soon to try their seven course (meat or veggie) Christmas menu – featuring hot mulled sake or prosecco, a banging sushi selection, katsu curries, and so much more. They also do a bottomless brunch, perfect for any bougie weekend!
If you’re looking for a fresh twist on traditional Japanese dishes, paired with great drinks and shared in a beautiful, comfortable restaurant – head to Issho-Ni to be truly taken care of.
Practical information
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