This July, our chefs are bringing the rich culinary heritage of Kyoto to life with a range of specials inspired by the region. Here’s a taste of what you can expect as we celebrate Kyoto’s distinct food culture.
Kyoto is famous for its mackerel (saba) and the ancient “saba kaido” (mackerel road), which once transported freshly caught mackerel from the Sea of Japan to the city. In honour of this, you’ll find plenty of Kyoto-inspired saba dishes on the menu this month. In Battersea and Clifton, enjoy our take on Saba Zushi, a marinated and pressed mackerel roll served with shiso, spring onion, and ginger. Cambridge offers a hearty Saba Soba, featuring pan-fried mackerel over soba noodles in a rich bonito broth, along with a traditional Shime Saba—mackerel marinated in rice vinegar and mirin, paired with freshwater eel in their Shime Saba & Unagi Oshizushi.
Unagi (freshwater eel) plays a central role in Kyoto cuisine, thanks to the city’s abundance of freshwater lakes and streams. Solihull is offering a Kyoto-inspired mixed sushi platter featuring saba and unagi nigiri, alongside ikura gunkan and ebi uramaki. Cheltenham presents a comforting Unadon, with grilled eel over seasoned rice and unagi sauce, while Clifton adds a traditional twist with shredded omelette to create Kinshi-don.
Kyoto’s love of fried beef cutlets also shines through with the popular Gyukatsu. In Cheltenham, this tender, panko-crumbed beef sirloin is served with steamed rice and vegetables, accompanied by sesame miso and tsuyu dipping sauces. Battersea offers a version with shimeji mushrooms and mustard miso sauce, while Clifton opts for a classic tonkatsu sauce.
No celebration of Kyoto would be complete without a nod to its famous matcha culture. Kyoto region is home to Uji, Japan’s premier matcha-producing area, and our chefs have created sweet treats that showcase this revered ingredient. Try the decadent Matcha Basque Cheesecake in Cheltenham, with its signature burnt top and creamy interior, or indulge in the beautifully layered Matcha Cake in Solihull, combining matcha, vanilla, and white chocolate sponge.
These are just a few of the Kyoto-inspired dishes you’ll find on our specials menu this month. Look out for the Passport to Japan stamp, or ask a team member to guide you through the full experience!
Plus, pick up a ‘Passport’ in the restaurant, and get it stamped each time you visit us for a chance to win a Japanese feast for you and 5 friends worth up to £300. Simply ask a member of the team to stamp a physical passport (you’ll find them on each table), or connect to our free WiFi when you’re in the restaurant to claim your digital passport stamp.
Please note, you must be in the restaurant to gain a passport stamp.
Find out more below, view the menu, plus book your table now!
