Our guide to the best Japanese cuisine in the city of Bristol

Our guide to the best Japanese cuisine in the city of Bristol

Posted on: 15 Mar 2018

It's true that to get the best of a particular country's culture and cuisine, you have to visit the country itself. The same can certainly be said of Japanese food, where Sushi, Katsu Curry and Miso Soup are among the favourite dishes in a vast culinary landscape. Unfortunately, flights from Bristol to Japan take considerably longer than your allocated lunch hour, making it impossible to get the complete experience without losing your job in the process. Happily, though, there's an array of fantastic, authentic Japanese restaurants around Bristol, so you're never too far away from a taste of the Land of the Rising Sun. Below is a list of our favourites, including Ramen Ya, Nomu, Yume and more.

A Sweet Miso Salmon Ramen from Ramen Ya on Gloucester Road.

Ramen Ya, 61 Gloucester Road BS7 8AD

A relative newcomer to the Bristol food scene having opened back in 2016, Ramen Ya quickly established itself as a local favourite on Gloucester Road. Their menu is exciting and varied, serving classic Japanese dishes like Bao, Char Siu Pork and a fantastic range of noodle soups - we recommend the Spicy Seafood option. Ramen Ya caters for vegans and vegetarians, with options for both on the menu. A children's menu is also available, with delicious scaled-down versions of Japanese favourite for your kids to try. Follow the link above to check out their full menu!

 

Nomu Japanese Kitchen & Cocktail Bar, 81 Whiteladies Road BS8 2NT

One of the more unique establishments on this list, Nomu are known for their great Japanese food, serving up a mix of classic dishes and modern creations, with the bar staff on hand to put together your favourite cocktails at the same time. Nomu boasts a fantastic menu, perfect for those who don't know much about Japanese food and may be trying it out for the first time. Guests can opt for three small plates for just £14 - the perfect way to experience the vast range of flavours of Japanese cuisine - or enjoy any starter and main for just £10 (Early Bird Special - available from 5pm-6.30pm). Of course it'd be rude not to sample something from Nomu's extensive cocktail list when you visit - try the delicious Tokyo Ice Tea.

 

Tsukemono

Okonomiyaki from Tsukemono in Bristol

This pop-up is quickly getting a name for itself and it's no surprise why! The aim of Tsukemono (meaning pickled things in Japanese) is to show a “world of Japanese street food beyond sushi and ramen”. Simple dishes that are deliciously indulgent but don’t taste like ‘dirty’ food, offering a contemporary twist on Japanese comfort meals that make you feel good after eating. On the menu, are dishes like: Kara-Ageh-Don (£7) - Japanese fried chicken served over rice with dashi sauce, topped with wasabi mayo and shredded seaweed and Japanese Poutine (£6) - Furikake fries topped with cheese, okonomi sauce, mayo, spring onions and bonito flakes. Their take on a savoury pancake is an absolute must try, it's called Okonomiyaki (£6.50) and is a savoury cabbage pancake with pulled pork, okonomi sauce, Japanese mayo, bonito flakes and ao-nori (seaweed). They are currently at Bristol Spirit. 

 

Fujiyama Bristol, 21 Regent Street BS8 4HW

Fujiyama serves lunch, dinner and drinks throughout the week, as well as offering a delivery service.

Fujiyama is rated as one's of Bristol's best Japanese restaurants, and with good reason. Over 60 TripAdvisor users have rated it at 5 stars, often identifying their fantastic Sushi menu as a highlight, as well as the welcoming staff and relaxed atmosphere. Their menu is creative and diverse, featuring a great range of salads, soups, sushi, ramen, teppanyaki and more to cater for the tastes of anyone that comes through the door, whether you're a seasoned shinnichi or a first-timer. Fujiyama also deliver FREE to anyone within a three-mile radius, with 10% off online orders over £20.

 

Eatchu, The Old Mess Room on Exchange Avenue, BS1 1JQ

A perfect spot for a quick lunch in the city centre, Eatchu's speciality is Gyoza - traditional Japanese potsticker dumplings made with thin pastry and plenty of filling. Their menu is short and sweet, with several variations of Gyoza on offer including chicken, pork, mushroom, tofu and more. Formerly a pop-up shop but now enjoying a permanent residency at The Old Mess Room, Eatchu has received rave reviews since opening in 2016, with Bristol locals rating it as "one of the best eats in Bristol" and "the best gyoza I've ever had!"

 

Yume Kitchen, 9 Cotham Hill BS8 2AA - NOW CLOSED DOWN

Yume Kitchen offers fantastic traditional Japanese dishes at great prices.

Famed for their fantastic dishes, great prices and beautiful presentation, Yume Kitchen has won the hearts of Bristol locals during their time on Cotham Hill. Their menu represents some of the best value Japanese food in the city and is known to be one of the most authentic establishments around, offering traditional Japanese drinks including Shochu and Kajitsushu fruit wines and Nihonshu sake - always traditionally poured. They've made every effort to bring you one of the most authentic Japanese experiences possible, with food, service and atmosphere rivaled only by the restaurants of Japan itself.

 

Have we missed your favourite Japanese restaurant off this list? Let us know! Contact us through our website or via email and we'll  be happy to make the necessary amendments.


Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.