Niji Sushi, Bristol: A Rainbow of Flavour in the Heart of the City

We are so glad to hear that Niji is moving out of The Galleries in Bristol. Now that it is going to Union Street, it will hopefully benefit from more foot traffic and get the exposure it truly deserves. Hidden away in a corner of The Galleries shopping mall, Niji Sushi is a quiet revelation. Perfect for long-time lover of Japanese cuisine or those curious about sushi, Niji offers an experience that feels equal parts comforting, exciting, and completely authentic. Continue reading for our full review.

Named after the Japanese word for “rainbow”, Niji truly lives up to its name, delivering vibrant, joyful dishes that light up your plate and your palate.

Atmosphere: Calm, Clean, and Utterly Inviting

From the moment you walk in, Niji Sushi sets the tone with its subtle, Japanese-inspired décor, minimalist without being sparse, and warm without being overwhelming. Light background music plays gently, creating a peaceful setting that’s a far cry from the bustling shopping centre just below. There are Japanese props and thoughtful decorative touches throughout the space that transport you away from the mall and into a serene slice of Tokyo.

Despite its location in The Galleries, this spot feels more like a hidden gem than a food court outlet. You can sit at the sushi bar and watch dishes being prepared fresh in front of you, or choose a table and settle in for a more leisurely meal. Either way, it’s a haven for both solo diners and small groups looking for a calm, flavourful escape in the heart of Bristol.

Service: Friendly, Attentive, and Genuinely Passionate

The service at Niji Sushi is another standout feature. Every member of the team we interacted with was friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the food they serve. We were given thoughtful menu suggestions, and nothing felt rushed. The atmosphere was relaxed and unpretentious, and you could tell the staff genuinely care about creating a good experience for their customers. The little conversations and menu tips added to the charm—it’s the kind of place where you immediately feel welcome.

What We Ordered

We chose a small selection that gave us a little taste of everything, and it didn’t disappoint:

Salmon Poke Bowl – A colourful bowl of fresh salmon, avocado, cucumber, red onion, sweet corn, and spring onion served over rice. It was light, balanced, and beautifully presented—each ingredient tasted fresh, and the textures worked perfectly together.

Mixed Vegetable Tempura – Crisp-fried carrot, cabbage, and red onion, served hot and golden. The batter was delicate, never greasy, and paired perfectly with the dipping sauce.

Chicken Katsu Curry Rice – Comfort food done right. The chicken was crispy, the curry sauce rich and mildly spiced, and the rice cooked just right. It’s a dish that many places rush, but here it was served with care and depth of flavour.

Everything arrived beautifully plated and full of colour except for the katsu curry as you can see from the photo but what is important is the taste, so no complain there. We can see that others may have a bit more luck with their katsu curry plating than ours, see below.

What We Can’t Wait to Try Next

As much as we enjoyed our meal, the menu left us with more than a few reasons to return. Next on our list:

Eel Set – Grilled unagi with egg over rice, served with miso soup and a choice of kaiso salad or kimchi. Kaiso salad is made with Japanese seaweed, cucumber, and carrot, dressed in sesame sauce—an elegant, refreshing dish. We would recommend going with Kaiso for that authentic japanese accompaniment. If you rather a bit of fusion, try the kimchi side option

Chashu Noodles – Rich pork bone broth with slow-cooked pork belly, a soft-centred egg, bamboo shoots, sweetcorn, and spring onion. It’s a ramen-lover’s dream.

Assorted Seafood Poke Bowl – A chef’s selection of sashimi with vegetables over rice, perfect for those who want variety and freshness in one bowl.

Beef Noodles – Sliced beef with mooli, carrot, and spring onion in a warming ox bone broth—comforting, hearty, and full of depth.

And let’s not forget the house-made spicy chilli sauce, which comes highly recommended! Here is a look at the Unagi with Kimchi Side.

Bristol’s Sushi Gem

In a city full of dining options, Niji Sushi stands out for its quiet excellence. The quality of the fish, the freshness of the ingredients, the attention to presentation, and the warmth of the staff all combine to create a meal that feels special—yet somehow still affordable and casual. The sets, special and sashimi menu are a bit on the pricey side but that is to be expected. There is however a whole section of the menu that is only available after 5:30pm featuring izakaya styled small plates of barbecue meat, seafood and veggetable on skewers.

Whether you’re stopping in for a poke bowl, craving an indulgent sushi platter, or planning a peaceful lunch away from the crowds, Niji Sushi delivers. It’s a place where the food speaks for itself and where you leave not just full, but happy. This is more than just a sushi restaurant—it’s a little slice of joy tucked above the high street. Highly recommended.