Tonkotsu prepares for Bristol launch

A specialist ramen restaurant brand will launch in Bristol in September, standing as the group's third restaurant outside of London and 18th overall. 

Located on Baldwin Street, in the heart of Bristol city centre, the opening will see Tonkotsu bring its signature bowls of ramen, gyoza and its famous kara-age to the south-west for the first time. 

The Bristol launch signals the continued growth of the concept, joining existing regional outposts at Selfridges Birmingham and Brighton, which launched in 2021. 

Dining at Tonkotsu

Each bowl of ramen is made with fresh noodles crafted in-house daily via mid-century noodle machines imported from Tokyo. They are then cooked to order for exactly 32 seconds for that perfect medium bite. All bone broths are hand-made via a two-day cooking process.

Highlights include the signature Tonkotsu Ramen, a rich and creamy pork bone broth enriched with lardo, with thin-cut noodles and topped with roast pork belly, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, spring onions, burnt garlic oil and egg. Other favourites such as Chilli Chicken Ramen – a chicken and sea salt broth with Tonkotsu's Eat the Bits Chilli Oil – and the Vegan Mushroom Miso Ramen will also be available. All bowls can be customised with additional toppings, including kimchi or the spicy Scotch bonnet 'hot shot'. 

As with its sister venues, Tonkotsu Bristol will offer smaller-sized ramen to give customers more choice of portion size and price point. 

Gyoza will also feature on the menu, with guests choosing from options such as pork, ginger and garlic, as well as shiitake and bamboo shoot, and king prawn versions. Other starters include crisp fried chicken kara-age, Eat the Bits chilli chicken wings and the vegan-friendly cauliflower 'wings'. 

The drinks menu includes original sake made for Tonkotsu by the Tsuji Brewery in Okayama, an exclusive beer Mikan Shimoda Pale Ale made in collaboration with Thornbridge and Tonkotsu's own small batch gin. The drinks line-up is completed by a selection of Japanese whiskies, wines and cocktails, plus low-alcohol options, soft drinks and teas. 

The team are working alongside Bristol-based artist Molly Hawkins to create a large mural inside the restaurant.

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