Luke Whiting
An absolutely wonderful little gem serving authentic and thoughtful prepared Japanese food, drinks and deserts in a simple but lovely cafe style setting. Delicious set meals and a wonderful selection of unique drinks to accompany them.
Lost out on a perfect 5 stars as the staff seemed more interested in debating tea brewing temperatures and aeration strategies with each other than actually serving customers. Waited quite a while to place orders and get the bill, only to be informed I needn't have waited and to pay at the front... Something handy to know up front.
But these are minor niggles and may be down to a bad day so I would not hesitate to recommend a visit if you fancy a great lunch while exploring York.
Antz Eddleston
One of my favourite places to visit in York, atmosphere is calming and relaxing, staff are very very friendly and easy to talk to, the food and drinks are extremely tasty.
The menu is quite small with extra specials inside but that's good thing, smaller menu means better overall food, a great selection of vegan options, extensive drinks menu, everything from Japanese tea and soft drinks, to Japanese alcohol.
Prices are reasonable for the portion size, which is deceptively filling.
If you want somewhere that is smaller, has an amazing atmosphere and is very relaxing, it's the best place to go.
Laura Hawkes
Delicious spot for a Japanese lunch. Really tasty vegan options with a tofu domburi and veggie gyoza. We were seated outside as they were full inside, no problem with us. We had no room for dessert but they looked impressive!
Alex Sisemore
Amazing tea house, cute and cozy. A nice place to get out of the hustle and bustle of the Main Street and relax with traditional Japanese food. The cheesecake was absolutely amazing
Yulin Chen
I love the atmosphere here, nice Japanese music playing in the background as well.
Only downside is they close very early, kitchen shut at 3pm, so I was only able to get their dessert to take away.
Matcha latte is awesome, very nice and subtle smoky flavour. The matcha cream strawberry cake is tasty too, but not really standing out to me in particular. Would love to try their mains next time.
Kath San Antonio
I was dying to have an authentic matcha tea and latte and this Japanese tea house didn't disappoint. Their warm dishes and matcha vanilla cheesecake were on point as well!
Mar M
This place is a gem in York!
They have the incredible dumplings, with hints of sesame oil in them!
The beef bowl was very flavorful, and I would absolutely recommend adding the onsen egg. Its method of cooking makes it very very creamy!
Definitely a must!
Nissa Van Riper
House made food and amazing staff make this place 💥 Gyoza noodle was tender, filling on the soft side, nicely browned. All 3 flavors good but we liked the veggie best. Sauce on point. Aubergine special dish could have been roasted slightly longer but excellent flavor in the miso glaze. The sets were generously sized. They have a sake sampler which I've never seen before, which was fun. Husband reports his matcha latte was smooth and enjoyable. Staff could not have been friendlier or more accommodating (they had to dry off an outdoor table for us, carefully explained the menu & specials.) Loved them. Owner was on site making sure customers were happy. 2 bathrooms, nice and clean. Addl note: We heard from someone who is involved with the food scene in York that this is the only restaurant they would completely trust for GF food. Ippuku takes it very seriously.
Amz Wallace
A lovely cosy little place with the most beautiful Japanese food and drink, in terms of both taste and presentation! Lots of options for vegans too. The staff were all lovely and friendly but they were definitely understaffed which meant service was slow, hence losing a star. But would still highly recommend and we will definitely be returning again!
Mel
My favourite place to eat in York. Been four times in the last year and the food and service has always been outstanding!
Perdita Blinkhorn
Vegan reviewer:
An absolute hidden gem in York. I can’t wait to come visit again and try something else. I’ve given these guys 4/5 because I didn’t love some of their side plates but this could easily go to a 5/5 on my next visit. The overall quality of food is EXCELLENT.
Great vegan opinions throughout the menu. Specials and desserts are only on the boards in store so it’s worth going in, there’s a cute shop that sells food, sweets and utensils at the front, and there’s interesting decor. Recommend booking due to small restaurant size. Friendly staff.
We ordered:
1) vegetable gyoza teishoku set
2) teriyaki Tofu teishoku set
The teishoku sets come with a big bowl of miso soup, steamed rice, cabbage (think steamed?), and pickled carrot & bean shoots
I absolutely LOVED the teriyaki tofu- delicious 🤌🤌🤌
The veg gyozas were also really nice and perfectly crisp. I loved the miso soup and the steamed rice. The rest was neither here nor there really- the pickle wasn’t very pickle-y and the cabbage was just very bland limp cabbage (but neither were unpleasant and I still ate it all).
For sides we ordered:
3)veg gyozas
4) garlic-miso-mushroom yaki onigiri
5) soy yaki onigiri
We ordered extra gyozas to share but these were exactly the same as the ones on the teishoku (and just as nice). The soy onigiri was quite dry and a bit overdone. The flavour was ok but I don’t think I’d order again. We preferred the GMM onigiri which was nice, but also wouldn’t rush to reorder.
Overall, really enjoyed it and was full.
However I did still have room for dessert! They come and sit the dessert board on a chair next to you, which is a bit odd especially given how small the restaurant is.
It was a couple of weeks ago now so I can’t remember the exact order, but we had some kind of vegan chocolate brownie that was AMAZING!! I’m not even the biggest brownie fan but they really nailed that one and my mouth is watering over it right now!
Shout out the the lemon yuzu drink I’d never seen before- I love yuzu and this was just the perfect drink to have with the meal!
100% will go again. As I said, this is so close to being a 5/5 but that for me means nothing could be better and there were a couple of things that could have. But generally EXCELLENT and a do encourage everyone to have a visit!!
toomuchtime private
Absolutely amazing - surpassed all expectations. Drinks great, food great, desserts great. Plenty of gluten free options. Service prompt and staff very friendly. As other reviewers have mentioned - it is traditional authentic Japanese food and very tasty. One of the best Japanese restaurants I've been to in the UK. This restaurant is a real gem and deserves a 5 star review from me. Well done to the owners and staff and thank you for opening such a lovely restaurant. 👍👍👍
Morgan Woolf
Had a lovely Japanese meal very tasty and great service. The owner is so lovely and love the decor I could happily live hear.
Stephanie Petrashko
We visited this cafe on a stopover to York a few years ago and liked it so much that we came back on our next visit. It was even better than I remembered! Vegan- and dog-friendly too. :)
Majose Rodriguez
This small restaurant is delicious! The food was fresh and seemed simple but was packed with flavor. I had a rice bowl with tuna, edamame and avocado and it was delicious. I also tried the pork gyozas, they were juicy and somewhat crispy at the same time 🤩.
They have outside seating in an inner patio, perfect for good weather days. The service is quick. Highly recommend it!
Alex Hardiman
Incredible food. I can't praise this place enough. Small & cute, but the menu is varied and we had dishes that I can safely say we'll probably never have again, unless we come back! The first mouthful of every dish was mind blowing and we chased every bite after that! So unusual to the Western palate but the depth & combination of flavours was absolutely to be savoured. Brilliant for Vegans. My no. 1 recommendation for York!
Kaye Ratia
It is a very cosy place.
The food is awesome and the staff very attentive.
Matthew Willshire
I put a bite of chicken mayo teriyaki donburi into my mouth and I've never felt such a visceral reaction to food in my life. So delicious. The iced matcha latte I ordered was the perfect balance of bitter matcha and sweetness and the taste of the matcha was so good (at least for me). The houjicha tea was earthy and delicious. Yum.
We sat around the back and they gave us blankets and cushions to sit on. It was very cozy, quiet and pretty despite it being outdoors in late-October. I WILL be returning.
The waiters and people at the counter were really sweet and friendly.
Sunny
A moment feels like locate at a countryside shop in Japan! Quiet and clean, friendly staff, chill place! 5 out of 5
William Tanoto-Soegiri
Copy paste from my google review. Was written 6 months ago.
Got to say, I found this restaurant does not look Japanese, but unexpectedly, the taste is very Japanese. One of the restaurant in the UK with authentic Japanese taste. I have not tried their drinks, but the food is to die for. I will be returning soon.
おすすめ。味噌鮭を食べた。とても美味しかった。もう一回行きたい。スタッフは全員親切。お持ち帰りができると聞いた。
Update: visited again today, and what a shame: my favourite menu (Miso Salmon) is no longer there, asked the staff and fortunately it is going to be reinstated to the menu. However I have to say it is still 5 star since the other menus also taste good. I appreciate the increase in veggie menu since I am myself a pesce-pollotarian. And the drinks (japanese tea) is highly recommended.
Neomi Marsolo
I come here regularly. The staff is very welcoming and kind, always helpful and they are able to accommodate dietary requirements perfectly. A lot of dishes are vegetarian or vegan, the hot chocolates can be had with lactose free milk which is a plus because I love the matcha latte. The last time I remember having one as good was in Japan itself.
If you love Japanese food and culture this is the place to go. Authentic through and through, the only place in York that gives you real Japan on a plate �
Jamie Stead
Best food in York. Great selection for vegetarians (and vegans) and not a slice of sushi in site. The matcha and chai hot chocolates are to die for. Also it's the only place in York where you can eat great food AND listen to Kyary Pamyu Pamyu ;-)
Zoë Geal
If you enjoy Japanese food and matcha green tea this is a perfect stop during a visit to York. The food was delicious and the iced matcha latte was perfect (not too sweet and not too bitter). The staff are really friendly too and it's a great place to pick up some Japanese snacks and drinks if you're just passing through.
Pip Robson
I had the tofu and it was amazing! The matcha cheesecake is also a must, fantastic cocktails (and tea and coffee) !!!! A lot of the menu is gluten free too so caters for most. Definitely my new favourite place in York!!!
Choi Pang
I had the smoked salmon sushi sandwich and the matcha latte. I would recommend this tea house. The staff are nice too.
Anna Lusty
We had a fantastic lunch here today, amazing Matcha Latte and great vegan options from the menu. Lovely waiting staff and great zen feel...definitely returning!
Kahori Jewell
They kindly lent to me and my friends Kimono. The collection of Kimono was amazing! So was the kind welcoming service of the staff and oh my dear old REAL Japanese food.
I highly recommend you to visit Ippuku.
Alexander Best
Putting my love of Japanese culture aside, this is an authentic and very welcoming tea house. They serve everyday Japanese cuisine, but presented in the top end ceramics you’d expect to see at tourist events. You can buy both in the tea house. Please go, it really is worth a visit or ten.
Charlotte McAlpine
I’ve wanted to try this place since it opened and today I finally got round to going, it didn’t disappoint! The food was delicious, the staff friendly and welcoming and the place itself is just gorgeous. Made me feel like I was back in Japan! Can’t wait to visit again! Thank you Ippuku! �
Bex Birch
Amazing quality and staff. Gluten free and vegetarian/vegan options are fantastic. Great to experience something different among the sea of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants in York! Highly recommended.
Alexa Agatha Graham
I love this place! Authentic Japanese food and drink in a cosy cafe just off the centre of York. I've been a few times and the service is always excellent and welcoming, for tables of all sizes.
Fiona Hyde
Thank so much for our evening, we came for husband's 60th, he loved it. Staff are great, very friendly, nothing too much trouble. Thanks again. Would recommend you any time.
Yoko Colvin
We had a lovely lunch at Ippuku today. I really enjoyed 'omu rice' and miso soup was delicious, too! Side salad was also freshly prepared (not from the pre-packaged salad bags for a change!!). We will definitely come back. Great to see someone finally serving proper Japanese food (unlike those chain noodle/sushi place) in York.
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