Itsu Menu: Healthy Sushi, Bowls, and More Explained
Introduction
The itsu menu offers a healthy, modern twist to fast food. It’s known for sushi, hot rice bowls, gyoza, noodles, and fresh salads. Itsu began in 1997 in Chelsea, London, founded by Julian Metcalfe, who also co-founded Pret A Manger. His mission was simple: create delicious, nutritious food that’s quick and affordable. The motto “eat beautiful” reflects their focus on fresh ingredients, low calories, and bold Asian flavors.
Today, Itsu is a favorite among health-conscious diners. The menu has something for everyone, whether you’re craving light sushi, warming noodle bowls, or steamed dumplings. Meals are often under 500 calories, making it ideal for lunch or dinner on the go.
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Restaurant Info and Ownership
Julian Metcalfe launched Itsu with the idea of combining fast food convenience with nutritious meals. He remains the primary force behind the brand. Itsu also has leadership from Clive Schlee, another key name from Pret A Manger. Together, they have built a business focused on quality, sustainability, and growth.
The company also has a supermarket range. It includes frozen gyoza, bao buns, and noodle bowls. These products are stocked in leading UK grocery chains. Itsu has also developed an app, allowing for faster ordering and loyalty rewards.
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Locations in the UK
Itsu currently operates around 83 restaurants across the UK. Most of them are in London, but locations can also be found in Manchester, Oxford, Cambridge, Reading, and Exeter. The company plans to expand to 300 locations by 2030. New branches are popping up in high-traffic areas, including shopping centres and train stations.
Here are some major cities with Itsu restaurants:
| City | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| London | 47+ |
| Manchester | 2 |
| Oxford | 1 |
| Reading | 2 |
| Exeter | 1 |
| Cambridge | 1 |
This wide presence makes the itsu menu easily accessible for urban professionals, students, and travelers.
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Reviews and Customer Opinions
Customer reviews for Itsu are mixed but lean positive. On major review platforms, Itsu scores around 3.5 to 4 stars out of 5. Many customers enjoy the fresh ingredients, fast service, and affordable healthy options.
One regular customer praised Itsu for always delivering fresh meals and friendly staff. They mentioned how consistently good the chicken gyoza and miso soup are. Others enjoy the light and refreshing feel of the sushi boxes, perfect for lunch breaks.
Some negative reviews mention portion size concerns. A few people found meals to be smaller than expected for the price. However, most customers agree that the quality and taste justify the cost. Overall, the feedback reflects a loyal base that appreciates the itsu menu for what it is—fast, healthy, and satisfying.
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Full Breakdown of the Itsu Menu
Now, let’s explore the entire itsu menu in a structured way. From sushi and rice bowls to noodles and desserts, here is everything Itsu offers:
Sushi & Salad Boxes
These are cold dishes made fresh daily. They are rich in omega-3, fiber, and low in saturated fat.
| Dish | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon Full House | Sashimi and rolls with soy and wasabi | 600 |
| Best of Itsu Sushi Box | Tuna, salmon, prawn nigiri and maki | 600 |
| Veggie Sushi Collection | Vegetarian sushi with avocado and tofu | 350–590 |
| Veggie Dragon Roll | Rolled veggies in sushi rice and nori | 350–590 |
These boxes are perfect for light eaters or anyone watching their calorie intake.
Hot Rice Bowls
These bowls are packed with brown and red rice, proteins, and steamed greens. They’re ideal for a warm, hearty meal.
| Dish | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl | Grilled chicken with rice and greens | 498 |
| Korean Chicken Rice Bowl | BBQ chicken with spicy sauce and rice | 600+ |
| Thai Chicken Rice Bowl | Coconut-flavored rice bowl with chicken | 629 |
| Katsu Chicken Rice Bowl | Breaded chicken with katsu curry sauce | 578 |
These are some of the most filling and satisfying options on the itsu menu.
Noodle Bowls & Soups
Noodle bowls are made with wholewheat noodles or udon, perfect for those needing energy and warmth.
| Dish | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Gyoza Noodles | Chicken dumplings in noodle broth | 468 |
| Chilli Chicken Gyoza Noodles | Spicy version with extra kick | 507 |
| Veggie Gyoza Noodles | Vegan dumplings in soup | 489 |
| Detox Miso Noodle Soup | Low-calorie noodles in miso broth | 190 |
| Chicken Noodle Soup | Classic chicken broth with vegetables | 285 |
| Thai Stir-Fry Noodles | Spicy noodles with coconut and greens | 558 |
These noodle options add warmth and spice to the itsu menu, appealing to both meat lovers and vegetarians.
Steamed Gyoza & Bao Buns
Dumplings and baos are steamed instead of fried, making them lighter and healthier.
| Dish | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Gyoza | Steamed dumplings with chicken | 251 |
| Veggie Fusion Gyoza | Vegetable mix in dumpling wrapper | 234 |
| Chicken Teriyaki Bao Bun | Sweet bun filled with teriyaki chicken | 255 |
| Hoisin Duck Bao Bun | Rich hoisin duck in steamed bao | 255 |
These are great as sides or small mains, especially for sharing or quick snacks.
Snacks & Drinks
Itsu’s snacks and drinks include light bites and low-calorie beverages.
| Item | Description | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Edamame Beans | Steamed soybeans with sea salt | 150 |
| Seaweed Thins | Crunchy seaweed sheets | 100 |
| Mochi Ice Cream | Chewy rice cakes with ice cream inside | 150–230 |
| Kombucha Drinks | Lightly fizzy fermented tea | 60 |
| Sparkling Water | Lightly flavoured carbonated drink | 0–25 |
These items round off the itsu menu and can be paired with any meal.
Nutritional Values and Dietary Options
The itsu menu is built around wellness and nutrition. Many meals are under 500 calories. Ingredients are chosen for low sugar, low saturated fat, and high protein. Wholegrains like brown and red rice are used in most bowls. Meals contain greens like broccoli and pak choi.
Itsu also caters to specific diets:
- Vegan options include veggie gyoza, dragon rolls, and tofu bowls.
- Gluten-free items are clearly marked on the menu.
- High-protein meals include chicken rice bowls and gyoza noodle pots.
These options make Itsu a top pick for people with dietary needs.
Expansion Plans and Brand Future
Itsu is not just staying in London. It plans to expand to 300 locations in the UK by 2030. It is also growing its frozen product line for grocery stores. Sales from supermarket items already make up 30% of the business.
The brand is adjusting to new customer demands. Hot meals like dumplings and rice bowls are now more popular than sushi. Itsu is also improving in-store service by bringing back more staff after relying too much on machines.
The future of the itsu menu looks promising. It aims to keep innovating while staying true to its healthy mission.
Tips for Ordering from the Itsu Menu
When navigating this menu, these tips help you choose wisely:
- For under-500 kcal, go for miso soup starters, seaweed thins, and grilled sushi or a little rice bowl.
- Want protein? Try salmon sushi full house or chicken teriyaki bowl—high protein, moderate calories.
- Going fully plant-based? The veggie dragon rolls, veggie-balls teriyaki bowl, and veggie gyoza offer flavorful options.
- Cold day? Hot noodle bowl plus miso soup warms you up, plus greens from steamed veggies.
Conclusion
The itsu menu is a fresh, vibrant alternative to regular fast food. It delivers sushi, bowls, noodles, and snacks that are low in calories and rich in nutrients. With expansion across the UK and strong customer loyalty, Itsu continues to grow while keeping its health-first approach.
Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a light snack, or something warm and hearty, Itsu has you covered. Its focus on quality, speed, and wellness makes it one of the best fast-casual brands in the country.
