A popular Japanese restaurant on Park Street is expanding to a second location in Bristol for the first time. Izakaya will be bringing its sushi, udon and poke to a site in Clifton.
The venue at 59 Apsley Road was once home to Soukitchen, a small plates restaurant that closed in December last year after nine years. The restaurant is continuing with its North Street site and has said there will be other projects in the future.
There is currently no confirmed date for the new restaurant opening but work is underway to get the restaurant ready. The owners shared a video on their Instagram page showing that progress on the new site is well underway.
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A spokesperson for Izakaya said: "It's going to be more drinks oriented rather than food. It will still have the Japanese izakaya feel with the tapas and small plates, and less on the larger main meals."
The new site will seat a least 50, similar to the restaurant on Park Street that offers 40 to 50 covers with the use of the gazebos outside. They said they hope to open around February time depending on how quickly the refurbishment can be completed.
They continued: "With this site, we chose it because it's a nice area and we know the shops well. It's also outside of the Clean Air Zone."
In Japan, an izakaya is a word used for a casual restaurant or bar where customers can drink and share food. Bristol’s Izakaya has always endeavoured to bring this “fun and relaxed atmosphere” to its restaurant.
Izakaya first opened its restaurant overlooking College Green in 2018 and quickly built a reputation as one of the best Japanese restaurants in Bristol. It serves an extensive menu of sake, poke, sushi and authentic street food dishes.
The new site will be located at 59 Apsley Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 2SW. The restaurant is currently hiring to fill full and part-time positions on its team.
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