There are some business that we just love working with, especially when they are passionate about what they do and constantly strive to achieve a standard of excellence.
This is very true of Tattu Leeds, and it runs through the veins of every person who works for the group. Many other restaurants would benefit from taking their team for a meal to a Tattu restaurant to see how it’s supposed to be done!
We recently visited Tattu Leeds to review their new Spring Menu. Don’t fall into a panic, all of your favourites are still there, they have simply added some delicious new dishes and these were the main reason we were there, to try them out.
However….a visit here is such an immersive experience, it’s not just about the food, you have to respect the occasion and start with one of their amazing cocktails. For us, it’s always one (or two!) of their Crouching Tiger cocktails, this is one for the ferocious tequila lovers. The citrusy and bright grapefruit makes this drink the perfect complement to spicy food, but we think they are the perfect aperitif. Be warned – don’t drink more than two before you eat!
When we were ready, we were shown to our table on the upper mezzanine amongst the beautiful cherry blossoms, we were able to see the restaurant level below filling up with a growing excited buzz of conversation and laughter. The vibe here is always on point, something about Tattu makes you feel good from the minute you enter.
After admiring the wall art of really cool body tattoos, we were ready to look over the menus. There were four new dishes for us to try and all but one was included in the Emperor’s Choice Set Menu. This is where Tattu’s customer service training kicked in – Phoebe who was looking after us offered to swap out a dish so that we could try all four within this impressive banquet menu. Dilemma solved in one easy conversation.
The Emperor’s Choice Menu
This menu is served in four ‘Waves’ and each dish is designed for two people to share. We are total food sharers and this is perfect for us. This menu, along with the ‘Taste of Tattu’ and ‘Modern Sharing’ menus are a great way to try a selection of dishes and not stress about what to choose.
Wave One
Starting with Prawn and Truffle Cracker- sriracha, sesame and shrimp floss. A perfect mouthful of joy, an excellent way to tease the taste buds for what was to come.
Wave Two
Mixed Dim Sum – Wagyu, shiitake, royal koi fish. This colourful selection served in a bamboo basket are the best Dim Sum you will ever taste. Fact. Tender, perfectly cooked Wagyu in one, fresh, firm fish in another and the final one full of earthy, smoky Shitake. Our favourite? Wagyu.
Salts and Pepper Loin Ribs – five-spice, garlic and onion. This was the first of the new dishes and we were pleasantly surprised by these delicate, fall apart mouthfuls of tender pork. We will be ordering these again. Each the perfect size to eat with your fingers.
Tuna Sashimi Blossom – rose, cucumber and wasabi. The second new dish. Slices of raw tuna that just melt in the mouth. We adore Sashimi so this was always going to be a winner for us. If you have never eaten Sashimi, we guarantee you will be an instant convert after tasting this.
Wave Three
Japanese Black Wagyu 7oz – Himalayan salt block, enoki mushroom and shallot soy. Another new dish to the menu, we had been looking forward to this as Wagyu is our favourite and this had that signature rich, buttery flavour we adore.
Red Snapper Tom Yum – Lemongrass, kaffir lime and Pak Choi. The last of the new dishes we were trying. It had been a long time since either of us had eaten Red Snapper and it had been too long. We had forgotten how sweet and nutty this fish tastes, it was a welcome addition to the menu.
The Emperor’s Choice also consisted of XO Fried Rice – chicken, shrimp and pancetta, which was as delicious as it sounds and Pak Choi, Crispy shallots and ginger, full of fresh, crisp flavour and texture.
We couldn’t leave without sharing Sticky Beef Short Rib – soy, chilli and crispy shallots. This is the ultimate for carnivores everywhere! The expectation alone has you drooling, you will not find better – anywhere! Another fact.
WAVE FOUR
White Chocolate Dragon Egg – coconut, passionfruit and mango and, Cherry Blossom – white chocolate, cherry and candyfloss. We hadn’t eaten this before and it was a perfect sharer of velvety chocolate, creamy coconut and a fruity tropical twist.
Known for their theatrical, beyond delicious desserts, Tattu have reimagined their most famous Cherry Blossom with white chocolate. Sweet and fruity with a chocolate tree and candy floss blossom – oh and dry ice for the ultimate theatre. Make sure you order this.
Conclusion
So many restaurants nowadays feel pressured into offering an Instagram worthy venue with food more often than not being a let-down. But at Tattu Leeds, it’s style AND substance. Believe the hype.
Go see for yourself and tell me I’m wrong.
I’ll wait….
Instagram: @tatturestaurant
