Soyokaze has been one of my favourite places to eat in Norwich for years, so I was genuinely sad when it closed in 2025.
The St Giles Street restaurant briefly changed direction and became a brunch spot under the same ownership. Happily, Soyokaze returned to St Giles in early 2026, bringing its ramen, sushi and sake back to Norwich. And we couldn’t wait to get back to try it.
So, this weekend, The Chap and I went back for an early Friday date night before heading to see stand-up in Chapelfield Gardens.
Because we arrived early, it was quiet when we first sat down, although the restaurant was already filling up by the time we left. A lot of the tables were reserved for later too, so while we were able to walk in, I’d be tempted to book if you’re visiting at a more popular time.
The vibe
Inside, Soyokaze feels warm, intimate and full of character.
The restaurant is split across two floors, with a smaller dining space at street level and a larger room above. Downstairs has the livelier feel, especially when the restaurant starts to fill. There are window seats if you like to people-watch, and you can catch glimpses of the team working away in the tiny kitchen.
I still remember visiting one winter evening years ago, when the air was full of fragrant steam and the low burble of conversation. It had exactly the kind of atmosphere you want from a small city restaurant.
Upstairs feels calmer, with more space between the tables. Origami birds hang along one side of the room, while Japanese-style panelling adds warmth without making the space feel overdone.
Japanese food at Soyokaze
The Soyokaze menu is pretty large, with soups, rice dishes, noodles and sushi, alongside a good drinks list. There are bottled Japanese beers, including Kirin Ichiban and Asahi, as well as hot and cold sake if you fancy trying something different.
I had a real hankering for their speciality, so ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen without even looking at the menu.
It isn’t cheap at £19.95, but it is very satisfying. The bone broth is cooked for 24 hours, giving it that rich, glossy quality where the fat has properly emulsified into the stock.
And although I’m not usually a fan of pork, the charshu was so tender it fell apart under my chopsticks. It had an almost sweet flavour, which worked beautifully with the rich, savoury broth.
The noodles were coated in the fat and cooking juices, making them deeply savoury and moreish. There was a soft, jammy boiled egg too, steeped in a savoury marinade, along with a sheet of seaweed, mushrooms and pungent spring onions that cut through the richness.
Warm, fragrant steam rose from the bowl as I ate and by the end I felt completely satisfied.
Oh, and you can also order extras if you want a more substantial dish, but personally, I found it rich enough as it came.
The Chap ordered the Kaisen Don rice bowl at my request, which was £25.
I love sushi and sashimi, so I was very keen to try it. At first glance, it looks simple: thick-cut slices of raw salmon, tuna and seabass, along with chilled cooked prawns, all resting on a bed of plump sushi rice.
Simple, yes. Boring, no.
The fish was incredibly fresh and had that delicate, melt-in-the-mouth texture you hope for with good sashimi. The rice was lightly sweet, but when combined with soy sauce and a touch of intense wasabi, it became something far more satisfying than it might sound on paper.
Wrapping up our visit
The service was excellent too. Friendly, relaxed and not too pushy, with time to talk without hovering.
Plus, as I went up the stairs, I could see into the tiny kitchen, where the team were busy at work. It adds to the feeling that everything is being carefully prepared.
In terms of clientele, Soyokaze feels better suited to adults than very young children, although open-minded older children who enjoy Japanese food would probably love it. For me, it’s the kind of place that works beautifully for date nights, dinner with friends and small celebrations.
