Izakaya Restaurant & Lounge Bar

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Reviews

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  Raihan Pulakal

  27-05-2023
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  Mark B

  Such as life with a tasting menu (£75pp) that it won't always be a hit for hit, but reading some of the previous reviews makes me think they're really refining their offering, treading that balance between creativity and delicious food. The menu, lists only the ingredients, not how they'd be presented or what type of dish you're getting, there is an element of intrigue and excitement once the dish arrives. The Oyster with Yuzu was fun but for a £10pp surplus I'd probably have skipped it in hindsight as I did the Wagyu (£50pp surplus). The Turnip and Miso was tasty but turnip had a strange almost underdone texture to it. And the Tofu with fermented chilli tasted like burnt seeds and I felt like it needed citrus to balance it out - it was all I could taste for a long time. But then we get to the hits, and this is where I probably wished we'd just gone for an ala carte menu and opted for bigger versions of one of these. The Mackerel was fantastic, unreal texture and depth of flavour, one of the best dishes of the day. The Duck was tender and having it dotted throughout the rice was a nice touch. The Lamb and Aubergine was another absolute star, beautiful cut of meat and it just melted in your mouth - sauces with it were intense, but not too overpowering. Every dish well thought out and worthy of your time. A swift palate cleanser in the cucumber shot, into a cheesecake which resembled the texture of a jelly baby in parts only with the nostalgic summer flavours of strawberry and cream. I loved it. Yuzu jelly, and chocolate bite to finish were a nice way to end since I was stuffed at this point. Overall, it's good value for money, but go with an open mind, and the fact they've gone to the effort to curate and create an entire vegetarian version of the tasting menu without just phoning it in is admirable. They're pushing the boundaries of what traditional expectations are with this cuisine, textures and flavours here are like nothing I've had and probably won't have again - it's a bit of fun, and the staff seemed super keen to get feedback on every course. The only other thing, is that I wish I'd paid more attention to the cost of the wine, £17 for a medium glass, of a bottle that costs £17 in the shops was a little steep, there was a wide selection though and cheaper glasses - I think that ones on me. I'll be back next time I'm in York, probably for lunch, and a bit more in control of my own destiny with the food.

  21-05-2023
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  Paula Dorsett-Lynn

  Found this gem wandering around. Japanese Fusion food degustation menu. It was outstanding. It's been a long time since I have eaten such creative food and I was in awe of some if the dishes. Who new tofu custard would be so stunning. Good minimilist decor. If I lived in the UK I eould definately be going again. Dietary restrictions: The chefs were very accommodating for intolerances to gluten, onion, garlic and leek.

  14-05-2023
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  Katy Dorsett-Lynn

  We stumbled across this restaurant while visiting York and were lucky enough to get a last minute booking. Our visit here was an absolute highlight of our trip to York, the staff are all extremely friendly and knowledgeable about their dishes. But the food itself was stunning. The combinations of flavours and textures was divine and this place is a definite must for anyone visiting York!

  07-05-2023
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  Holly Shaw

  Edit April: after writing a 5* gleaming review I felt I must edit after my second visit for lunch because it was quite a contrast. The service was less than attentive this time around (different waiter who wasn’t so knowledgeable but inexcusable given only two tables there) and had removed the set menu, something we really liked as it made for a nice surprise and cut the time choosing (especially when you might not know quite what you’re ordering anyway!). The food on the menu was exactly the same so I was disappointed not to be able to try something new. Seems as though the knowledge / imagination of the English chef is limited.or they just aren’t setting themselves up for repeat customers. Choosing from a tapas style menu turned out more expensive than the £20 set menu and worked out to be really quite expensive. Would not return due to these reasons now. Maybe it is better for dinner and has a little more atmosphere (only ever been one other cover when I’ve been for lunch so I wonder how long this place will survive for.) Huge shame! Maybe they can turn around with this feedback. Original review. Had an impromptu lunch here. Best food in York I’ve tried. Awoke my tastebuds with all the fantastic food. Every single bit was a taste sensation. Having spent two weeks in Japan previously I can say the atmosphere felt very authentic. It took me back and also loved their choice of music. Coupled with excellent and friendly service. The sake was very good. The vegetarian and meat options were both full of flavour. Represented very good value for money too in my opinion. Can’t wait to return for an evening experience. Vegetarian options: Absolutely yummy

  28-04-2023
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  Harriet Price

  Recommended dishes Yakitori … More

  28-04-2023
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  Kathy King

  Food : 5/5 | Service : 5/5 | Atmosphere : 5/5 Recommended dishes Sesame Noodles, Fermented Chilli, Yakitori … More

  28-04-2023
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  C P

  Food : 5/5 | Service : 5/5 | Atmosphere : 5/5 More

  28-04-2023
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  Alice Smithies

  A deliciously authentic Japanese restaurant in the heart of York. Could not speak more highly of this restaurant - a must try.

  28-04-2023
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  Stuart Palmer

  Food : 5/5 | Service : 5/5 | Atmosphere : 5/5 Recommended dishes Sesame Noodles, Oyster Emulsion, Yakitori, Beef Cheek Bao … More

  28-04-2023