New to Japanese Food? What to Order at ESCO in Fleet

Everyone has a friend who "doesn't do sushi". This guide is for them — and for anyone standing at the door of a Japanese restaurant unsure what half the menu means. No jargon, no judgement, just what to order at ESCO in Fleet depending on how adventurous you're feeling.

Level 1: Nothing raw, everything comforting

• Katsu — crispy breaded chicken with a rich, mildly spiced curry sauce. If you like schnitzel and gravy, you like katsu; it's the single safest order in Japanese food.

• Japanese curry — deeper and rounder than a takeaway curry, built for a cold evening.

• Tempura — vegetables or prawns in the world's lightest batter, fried fresh.

You can eat an entire delicious meal at ESCO without a single piece of raw fish.

Level 2: Sushi, gently

• Cooked and vegetarian rolls — sushi is a format, not a fish requirement. Rolls with cooked fillings or vegetables are the classic entry point.

• A sharing platter — the smart move for a mixed table: everyone tries a bit of everything and nobody commits to the unknown.

Level 3: The good stuff

• Salmon nigiri — a slice of fresh salmon over hand-pressed rice; ESCO's most talked-about dish and the one to try when you're ready.

• Signature rolls — bolder combinations built by the chefs; ask what they'd recommend.

And to drink

ESCO is a cocktail bar as much as a restaurant. Happy hour runs two-for-one at weekends, Thursday is Ladies Night (two-for-one cocktails for the ladies, 6–10pm), and the bar holds its own for a night out with no dinner attached.

Try it your way

Ease in with takeaway at home — order online, on Uber Eats or Deliveroo — or book a table and let the table order a bit of everything. Browse the full menu first if you like to plan.

FAQ

What should a beginner order at a Japanese restaurant? Start with katsu, Japanese curry or tempura — all cooked, familiar comfort food. Then try cooked or vegetarian sushi rolls before moving on to nigiri.

Does ESCO in Fleet serve food other than sushi? Yes — katsu, Japanese curry, tempura and other hot dishes sit alongside the sushi menu.

Is ESCO family friendly? Yes — ESCO is family friendly, and the menu's range of hot, mild dishes works well for younger diners.

Planning a party, corporate event or celebration? See our Venue Hire page for full details, browse the menu, or get in touch to arrange a venue tour.