From the reviews and from the photos I had seen before eating at ISAO Fusion Japanese Sushi Bar, I had high expectations.

Too high of expectations going into any restaurant is not a great thing, because sometimes we are let down. But at ISAO Japanese restaurant in Bangkok, I was not disappointed at all.

ISAO is a fusion Japanese California sushi bar and restaurant in Bangkok. It’s a trendy mid-ranged kind of place that attracts a young and stylish crowd.

We sat in the upstairs section, beginning our meal with the gyoza, which were as excellent as gyoza can be. They were crispy on the outside and warm in inside.

One of ISAO’s most signature rolls is named the Jackie.

This caterpillar  shaped beauty is for those that enjoy shrimp, such as myself. Filled with tempura, flying fish roe, a slice of avocado, and wrapped with rice, seaweed, and finally a layer of shrimp, Jackie was more than delightful.

Here’s an interior shot of Jackie herself so you can see the ingredients that she included. Every bite of this roll included a contrast of crunchy and an explosion of flavor.

Price – 350 THB

Another highly praised specialty at ISAO restaurant in Bangkok is their sushi sandwich, molded into the shape of a half of a grilled cheese.

We ordered the sushi sandwich, mainly because of all the great reviews of it, and again, it proved amazing. Chunks of raw spicy tuna and salmon mingled with the extra tempura crunchies and filled between two slices of rice bread, then sprinkled with flying fish roe… in any shape is delicious.

Dipped into my dish of strong wasabi watered down with soy sauce, I was rejoicing!

Price – 300 THB

Every time I walk into a sushi bar, no matter if I’m in Hawaii or in Bangkok, I’m tempted by the spicy tuna roll, one of my personal favorites.

The spicy tuna roll at ISAO restaurant wasn’t quite as glamourous in appearance as some of the other signature rolls, but it was wonderfully flavorful and the spicy tuna was done just right.

I savored every single bite, until it disappeared into my stomach.

Price – 220 THB

Finally, the last roll we tried was the California crab roll. This roll was good, but perhaps could have been a little better. Maybe it was because the others were all so exciting that my tongue needed something with a little more flavor.

Don’t get me wrong, this crab filled roll was good, but overall, I liked the others better.

In order to fill my stomach, I decided to order a side of katsu don, a fillet of deep fried breaded pork over rice with an egg spilled on top. A sprinkle of soy sauce, and it was marvelous too.

Unlike a sushi buffet, such as Oishi Grand, ISAO serves a la carte, so each sushi roll is crafted to perfection – ultimate care is put into the details of each order.

The Bottom Line

ISAO serves amazing fusion Japanese rolls and dishes, both my tongue and stomach were impressed. It’s the type of restaurant that, as I was walking out the door, I was already dreaming about my next visit.

For those that enjoy neatly decorated food thats highly fresh, and finest quality, don’t miss ISAO Bangkok.

ISAO Japanese Restaurant Bangkok

Address: 5 Sukhymvit 31 Klongtoey-nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Open hours: Monday – Sunday from 11 am – 2:30 pm, and 5:30 pm – 10 pm
Phone: 0-2258-0645-6
Website: http://www.isaotaste.com/

Prices – It all depends on how much you eat here. Simple rolls are around 200 THB, while more complex rolls are 300 – 400 THB. They also have a selection of larger main dishes (like the katsu don and teriyaki chicken) which run around 200 – 300 THB. You’re likely to spend anywhere from 500 – 1000 THB per person at ISAO, and it’s well worth it!

How to get there:

ISAO is located about 150 meters down Sukhumvit Soi 31 on your left hand side. If you take the BTS, get off at Phrom Phong station, walk to Soi 31, make a right, and you’ll see the small restaurant on your left hand side.

View Bangkok Eating Thai Food Map in a larger map