The setting Set atop the gorgeous Victoria Gate, Issho boasts some of the finest views in Leeds — and we’re only talking about the decor! The view from the rooftop terrace is beautiful too. With that said, if you can tear your eyes away from the restaurant and bar itself, you’re doing better than us! The promise Issho always promise brilliant food, that’s nothing new. Their a la carte menu is expansive and covers every flavour you could desire. We know, and they know, that this can be daunting! During the Eat Leeds week, they’re making things simpler for you, by putting their favourite dishes into one tasting menu. You have the choice between omnivorous or vegetarian dishes, but other than that, there’s not too much to think about. Tasting menus allow you to try what the restaurants consider to be their best dishes, and it’s a great way to get an overall flavour for the establishment. Whilst you sit in the immaculate venue, dish after dish is brought to you, thoroughly explained and then you’re left to enjoy. The menu You start with the traditional snack of endamame beans. These are seasoned to perfected and then designed to be sucked right out of the shell. The light flavour intrigues your palate, and just hints at the wonders yet to come. Next comes hot chicken karaage with spicy wasabi mayo and crackers with a pea guacamole. The contrast of silky and spicy makes each bite like a small dance in your mouth, each flavour tries to assert dominance, but ultimately, you’re left with this balanced tango of flavours on your tongue. These light dishes are the perfect precursor for the rich dishes coming next. Tuna tartare with crackers, tomato salad with tofu cream, and prawn and salmon gyoza with white ponzu. The rich flavours burst forth unapologetically, and you’ll be glad that the portions are more delicate. By the time you’ve had a few bites, you’ll be desperate for more and yet unsure that you can take much more. But this isn’t the end of the tasting experience, so savour these savoury bites now, because there’s more to come. What you know best When many people think of Japanese food, their brains default to sushi. They’ve got a point. In the Western world it is the best known dish coming out of Japan, because when it’s done well, it’s unlike anything else in this world. The highest quality cuts of fish are wrapped, placed and positioned next to rice, soy, and other beautiful modifiers. Our obsession with sushi and sashimi comes from the fact that we would never consider consuming fish this way. So although sushi might not be new to you, it’s perfect in a tasting menu. Because, this is what tasting menus are all about, taking ingredients you know and presenting them in ways you’ve never considered. In this menu you’ll be sampling various items from the sushi and sashimi menu, and your server will be able to explain things to you more intensely than we can. Till you get there, just look at the care and precision taken when putting this dish together. All that care goes into its preparation too. The last savoury course Before we get into the desserts there’s one more savoury course for you, and oh, how wonderful this course is. Salmon teriyaki with pickled cucumbers and duck breast with pickled nashi. These indulgent flavours are here to round off the dish, and you’ll be full by the final bite. But it’s not over yet. A little something sweet Before you go, there’s one last thing, dessert. And in true tasting menu style there isn’t just one. You’re presented with a number of Issho’s incredible desserts that are creamy, or citrusy, or crunchy, or all of the above. We’re not going to give anything away, you have to go try it for yourself. So, be sure to let us know what you think of Issho’s tasting menu, if you don’t stroll away happy, we’d be ver surprised.