At ISU, the dining experience extends beyond sushi with a carefully curated selection of hot small plates designed for sharing and exploring. Rooted in Japanese precision and complemented by subtle Peruvian influences, these dishes bring together savory flavors, distinctive sauces, and a variety of textures. Guests can incorporate them into an izakaya-inspired meal alongside maki, nigiri, sashimi, and cold compositions.
Exploring the Hot Side of ISU’s Menu
ISU’s hot small plates offer options ranging from vegetables and seafood to chicken and Wagyu. Rather than following a rigid course structure, guests can select several dishes for the table and enjoy them at their own pace.
Wagyu Gyozas
Wagyu Gyozas pair rich Wagyu with shiitake mushroom and brown butter ponzu. The combination brings together savory ingredients with a sauce that complements the richness of the filling. This dish works naturally as a shared plate before moving into sushi or other hot selections.
Crispy Rock Shrimp
Crispy Rock Shrimp provides a seafood option with contrasting texture and flavor. The shrimp is served with aji verde crema, introducing a Peruvian-inspired element that fits naturally within ISU’s Japanese-focused menu.
Karaage Chicken
Karaage Chicken offers another warm and savory addition to the table. ISU serves the chicken with lemon ginger zu, Szechuan peppercorn creme, creating a combination of citrus, ginger, spice, and richness.
Vegetable Small Plates for the Table
Hot dishes do not have to center on meat or seafood. ISU also offers simple vegetable preparations that can complement richer plates.
Edamame and Shisito Peppers
Edamame is seasoned with smoked salt, keeping the preparation straightforward while adding a savory, smoky note. Shisito Peppers are paired with charred lemon ponzu, bringing acidity and citrus to the peppers.
More Substantial Hot Selections
For guests looking for fuller flavors, the hot menu also includes Hama Kama and Wagyu Ribeye. Hama Kama is accompanied by rocoto sofrito and sesame, connecting seafood with another Peruvian-inspired accent. Wagyu Ribeye is prepared with an aji panka black garlic rub, combining the richness of Wagyu with deeply savory seasoning.
Build a Shared Meal at ISU
ISU’s hot small plates are designed to fit naturally into the restaurant’s relaxed, shared-table approach. Guests can combine lighter vegetable dishes, seafood, chicken, and Wagyu with sushi and cold plates to create a meal with contrasting flavors and textures.
Whether starting with gyozas, adding crispy rock shrimp, or sharing a more substantial Wagyu dish, the hot menu gives diners another way to experience ISU’s balance of Japanese technique and thoughtful Peruvian accents.
This post was written by a professional at ISU. At https://www.isurestaurants.com/, Japanese precision meets Peruvian fire in a refined take on Nikkei cuisine. Our izakaya-inspired small plates feature pristine sushi, seasonal ingredients, and carefully balanced hot and cold dishes. Tucked beneath our sister restaurant Fortu, the space offers warm woods, amber lighting, and an intimate modern feel. Known for bold Peruvian flair and elevated sushi, ISU is a top choice for Asian fusion near you, one of the best new restaurants near you, and a standout along Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida.