Sake bar food
A Japanese version of the gastro-pub has opened in Edinburgh, writes JULENA DRUMI
A sake-dedicated bar has arrived in Edinburgh, a modern izakaya-style experience regarded as Japan’s answer to the gastropub and providing another taste of eastern cuisine in the capital. Created by the team behind Yamato, Nishiki offers an all-day dining menu built around sharing plates and authentic Japanese flavours.
The word izakaya comes from “i” (to stay) and “sakaya” (sake shop) , originally places where people could stay, drink and eat. The 40 cover restaurant in the west end has been designed in the same spirit, creating a light and comfortable environment to enjoy food and drink and to linger and relax.
The kitchen is led by Chef-owner Max Wang, an expert in nigiri and sashimi. Originally from Taiwan, he developed a passion for Japanese cuisine from a young age, which led him to open Yamato in 2018.
Mornings will feature classic Japanese-style breakfasts made with authentic ingredients such as shokupan, a traditional Japenese milk bread for French toast, alongside dishes like Nori avocado toast, ajitama egg and togarashi and its signature full breakfasts’; the Japanese morning set consists of Grilled fish, miso soup, steamed rice and pickles; while the English breakfast is reimagined with Miso glazed bacon, onsen egg, shimeji mushroom, Japanese sausage, sourdough and salad.
Afternoon tea will be available with a drinks menu centred around premium Japanese teas and a curated matcha selection, made using ceremonial-grade matcha. Sweet treats will include Matcha soft serve, Japanese shaved ice, kakigori and a selection of pastries.
The lunch and evening menu will consist of a variety of izakaya-style small plates, including freshly hand-rolled sushi, a raw bar and a selection of grilled meats and seafood. Highlights include: Wagyu truffle and chive handroll, Ramen, Udon, Negima (yakitori chicken and leek).
The bar at Nishiki will be one of Scotland’s first sake-dedicated bars, featuring a seasonal selection of premium sakes, over 30 wines, and Japanese whiskies. Nishiki will also serve its own signature IPA alongside a cocktail menu that will feature shochu-based cocktails.
The restaurant space is designed in a Japandi style, blending minimalist Japanese tradition with modern Scandinavian simplicity. Natural materials like wood are paired with modern elements, such as steel alongside traditional features like Japanese washi paper used for lighting.
Mr Wang said: “We’re so excited to finally be opening the doors to Nishiki, bringing the izakaya experience to Edinburgh which are some of my favourite places to visit on trips to Japan.
“A lighter, more casual sister to Yamato, the restaurant is a bright, welcoming space to invite friends and family to get together to enjoy food, drinks, and Japanese culture. We’re especially excited to introduce Japanese breakfast to the city as that is something that we find isn’t widely available in the city.”
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