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On a chilly afternoon, craving sushi and comforting Japanese flavours, we stumbled upon Izakaya Bristol. On the foothill near College Green, this Japanese eatery offers an authentic izakaya-style dining experience, with a focus on sushi, rice bowls, and classic Japanese comfort food.
What is an Izakaya?
The term izakaya translates to “stay and drink” in Japanese and traditionally refers to a type of Japanese gastropub, where people gather for drinks accompanied by small plates of flavourful dishes. Unlike its traditional counterpart, Izakaya Bristol leans more towards a sushi-centric menu, though it still embraces the essence of casual, social Japanese dining.
Izakaya on College Green, Bristol
Our first encounter with Izakaya Bristol was just after lockdown, on a busy winter evening. The restaurant was packed, and we had to wait for seating, eventually dining outside in a tented area. Fast forward to our recent visit—this time on a quieter Sunday afternoon—the tent had been removed, and we were seated indoors. The atmosphere inside was warm, inviting, and filled with the comforting aroma of Japanese cuisine.
What We Ordered
The menu at Izakaya Bristol features a tempting array of Japanese small plates, or “Special Tapas,” including:
- Soft Shell Crab Tempura
- Okonomiyaki Skewers
- Gyoza (Pan-fried or Deep-fried)
- Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)
- Chicken or Squid Karaage
- Chicken Yakitori Skewers
- Ebi Katsu
- Croquettes & Spring Rolls
You can order these small dishes as part of a special tapas set meal which would be cheaper or on their own. While these tempting dishes were available, we opted for a more substantial meal and ordered from the mains section:
- Chicken Katsu Curry with Sushi Rice
- Unagi (Grilled Eel) and Pickled Radish with Sushi Rice
- Salmon Sashimi Don
- Spider and Cream Cheese Uramaki (for sharing)
Dish Highlights
Chicken Katsu Curry
A Japanese classic, this dish features crispy, deep-fried chicken thigh, coated in golden panko breadcrumbs, served with rich Japanese curry over sushi rice, accompanied by pickled daikon. The mild, slightly sweet curry paired beautifully with the crunchy katsu.
Unagi and Pickled Radish Donburi
A true Japanese delicacy, unagi (grilled eel) is prepared in the kabayaki style, similar to teriyaki. Glazed with a sweet soy-based tare sauce, the eel was tender, caramelized, and full of umami flavors, served atop sushi rice for a delicious balance of taste and texture.
Salmon Sashimi Don
A simple yet satisfying bowl of freshly sliced salmon sashimi, served over sushi rice with cucumber, pickled ginger, and daikon. This dish offers the best of sashimi and nigiri in a single bowl, highlighting the natural sweetness and buttery texture of salmon.
Spider Crab and Cream Cheese Uramaki
This inside-out sushi roll (Uramaki) featured crispy soft shell crab tempura, pickled daikon, cucumber, and soft cream cheese, wrapped in sushi rice and nori. The contrast of crispy crab and creamy cheese made this roll a standout, perfect for sharing.
Service & Atmosphere
The service was quick and efficient, with friendly staff ensuring a smooth experience. The food was not only beautifully presented but also authentic in taste. While the restaurant space is compact, the cozy atmosphere adds to the charm.
Interior & Space
Upon entering, you’ll find a small bar area, leading into the main seating section. Space is limited, a common trait among many eateries in this part of Bristol, but the warm ambiance makes up for it. On our visit, we enjoyed plenty of natural light from the windows up front and were seated opposite the bar.
Future Visits
We later discovered that Izakaya Bristol has another branch in Clifton. After our enjoyable meal at College Green, we’re certainly eager to check out their Clifton location next! We would love to try out other dishes such as the sashimi ‘boat’ platter below, photos shared online and cooked meals like the ramen or udon dishes and gyudon beef bowl.
Location Map:
39 College Green, Bristol BS1 5SH
If you’re in Bristol and craving authentic Japanese food, Izakaya is a must-visit! Whether you’re after a quick sushi fix, comforting donburi, or just looking for a cozy Japanese dining experience, this spot delivers on all fronts
