For a relatively small town, Lewes boasts an impressive range of independent dining options. From cosy pubs and pizzerias to vibrant Thai and Indian eateries – and as of last week, there’s a new addition that’s already making waves: a Japanese restaurant that’s not to be missed, Haru Izakaya Lewes.
Located just up from the station on the site where Fork used to be, it’s a spot that feels as though it was always meant to be a Japanese. The decor of Haru Izakaya Lewes is minimalist and relaxing with orange tiled floors and sleek wood-panelled walls. There a counter top where you can dine and watch the chefs hard at work, or a range of tables for both couples or larger groups. A terrace at the back begs for languid summer evenings spent soaking up the last of the suns rays while sipping on a glass of Sake and picking at a big bowl of tempura vegetables.
It’s a Sunday night when we visit yet the restaurant is busy and the atmosphere is buzzing with the kind of low-key hum that signals a local favourite in the making.
Staff are friendly and welcoming and we’re seated at a table by the window. Light floods in and it’s a beautiful spot to both watch the happenings of the kitchen and also passers-by outside. Japanese dining culture places a strong emphasis on sharing plates, especially in izakayas, informal pub-restaurants known for their flavourful small dishes shared among friends. That spirit is alive and well at Haru Izakaya Lewes. The menu is built around shareable dishes such as small plates, salads, tempura, yakitori and kasiyuki. There are then a range of rice and noodle dishes, uramaki rolls and sushi.
It’s recommended we pick 2-3 dishes each to share between us and see how we get on. We order a bottle of rose which is promptly brought over while be try and make our decision. With not only a tantalising array of choices on the menu, but also the scents of the open kitchen wafting over to us it’s no mean feat!
Drinks wise there is a great selection including Japanese beers Asahi and Kirin, wines, house cocktails, Japanese spirits, Sake, teas (including bubble tea) and a range of soft drinks.
We eventually settle on prawn and vegetable tempura, Karaage chicken, chicken yakitori and Angus beef tataki. Dishes are brought out as they’re made so everything is fresh and it laces the meal out nicely. Flavour is the name of the game here and I’m impressed in how simply delicious everything is.
The Angus beef tataki, lightly seared, thin slices of marinated beef served with a citrusy soy is a standout. The karaage chicken which is marinated and covered in batter and the chicken yakitori skewers are also fantastic.
For mains we share chicken yakisoba – a very generous portion where tender strips of chicken are tangled with crisp vegetables and noodles in a rich, unami sauce. It was tangy, flavoured and divine (and had us fighting for the last bite!)
Dessert wise I opt for the chocolate Dorayaki which is a traditional Japanese desert. Two fluffy pancakes are delivered with a decadent chocolate cream sandwiched in the middle. My partner selects an ice cream bowl for something light to round the meal off.
Prices at Haru Izakaya Lewes are very reasonable and you can easily have a special meal for two with a bottle of wine for under £80. Alternatively, you can pop in for a bowl of fresh curry and a Japanese tea and you’re looking at under £20 per person.
Everything is beautifully prepared and unfussy, perfectly flavoured and great sized portions. It’s somewhere you can come for a date night and spend your time relaxing over a few dishes or you can pop in for a warming bite to eat or your way home from work when you just don’t fancy cooking. The service is fantastic and you can feel their own passion for the restaurant and the care they put into everything they do.
Haru Izakaya is a new player to the Lewes scene but feels like it’s always been here. It offers a warm welcome when you enter and fresh, flavourful food that won’t disappoint. One things for sure, when you dine here once you won’t be able to stay away.
Book Your Table
Haru Izakaya Lewes
14 Station St
Lewes
BN7 2DA
