8 Most Authentic Japanese Restaurants in Belgium
© Menma
Updated on 15 December 2024
You’d be amazed how many sushi and ramen joints you can spot in a country known for its chocolate and waffles. However, most of them do not resemble an authentic Japanese experience. Meaning the puzzle is not complete in terms of flavor, interior, and atmosphere. That’s why we have been strict in curating this ultimate list of restaurants that capture the essence of Japan's vibrant food scene. Being a small country, our selection will take you to different cities within Belgium.
Nonbe Daigaku
City: Brussels
Specialty: Sushi & sashimi
Location: Av. Adolphe Buyl 31, 1050 Ixelles
Brussel’s sub municipality, Ixelles, accommodates one of Belgium’s most intimate Japanese restaurants. Nonbe Daigaku is small but cozy, adorned with Noren curtains that grace its low ceiling. After you pass the limited table seats, you’ll stumble upon the wooden counter where you can marvel at Chef Yosuke Suetsugu fish cutting techniques executed with passion. When it comes to the cuisine, we recommend the omakase menu, a chef's selection of 5 to 6 courses. Alongside the sushi and sashimi offerings, Nonbe Daigaku’s menu offers miso soup, clam noodle soup, grilled fish, and tempura.
Yosuke Suetsugu was the sushi master at the now closed Tagawa sushi restaurant in Brussels, before opening Nonbe Daigaku. In 2022, he was appointed “Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador” for his outstanding achievement in promoting knowledge about Japanese cuisine. Enjoy Japan’s flavors and atmosphere in this comfortable restaurant.
© Nonbe Daigaku
Zuru Zuru
City: Ghent
Specialty: Ramen
Location: Kortrijksesteenweg 110, 9000 Gent
Nestled in the city of Ghent, Zuru Zuru presents a true sanctuary for those seeking an unparalleled ramen experience. Staff throwing the occasional “irasshaimase” upon entry, cozy counter seating, an open kitchen, and artfully prepared ramen bowls. While Zuru Zuru's menu remains concise, showcasing a selection of complimentary side dishes such as gyoza and edamame, their focus is fixed on delivering unrivaled quality and flavors within each bowl. The ramen menu offers Shio, Shoyu, Miso and vegan options.
Faced with the absence of ramen that satisfied his craving for authenticity, Zuru Zuru’s founder and chef Nick Hofman resolved to take matters into his own hands. He spent a couple of months in Yokohama, learning the art of ramen at the hands of the masters. On his return to Belgium, he started experimenting, fusing the ingredients available to him within Europe to capture the essence of authentic Yokohama ramen. By our strict judgment, he succeeded.
Yamato
City: Brussels
Specialty: ramen
Location: Rue Francart 11, 1050 Ixelles
Yamato has been around. You’ll get excited as soon as you lay your eyes on the picturesque storefront. This unique ramen joint in Brussels’ Ixelles district has only 10 counter seats surrounding the open kitchen. Which means you can rarely get in without standing in line. Luckily you can indulge yourself in the Japanese manga available for waiting customers. Once seated at the counter, you can choose between shoyu and miso ramen variations that have been building the reputation of this place for years. Our personal favorite is miso katsu ramen.
Starving? Go for the cheap rice portions or order their delicious gyoza. Even if you're not feeling ramen, Tomoya has four promising katsu dishes you might want to try out.
© Yamato
Tanuki
City: Bruges
Specialty: Sashimi, teppanyaki, and wagyu
Location: Oude Gentweg 3, 8000 Brugge
In the heart of Bruges lies a remarkable Japanese gem, Tanuki, anchored in the picturesque city since 1989. Immersed in authenticity, Tanuki captures the atmosphere of Japan with its arresting Japanese mural and serene interior. To those who want an elevated experience, try to shotgun a seat at the dark wooden sushi counter, overlooking the open kitchen. We recommend their Tsuru menu, which will get you a curated journey including sashimi, yakitori, sushi, tempura, and wagyu beef.
Owner and chef Ivan Verhelle, having spent a two-year retreat in Japan, became captivated by the art of Kaiseki cuisine. Today, he leads the culinary charge at Tanuki, aided by his wingman and Japanese chef, Akihisa Kawakami. Together, their expertise specializes in sashimi, sushi, tempura- and teppanyaki. As with every culinary experience offering fresh asian produce, Tanuki finds itself in a higher price range starting at €89,00 pp for a menu without drinks.
© Tanuki
Hinodeya
City: Brussels
Specialty: Sushi, sukiyaki, and hotpot
Location: Rue du Trône 71, 1050 Bruxelles
Brussels' vibrant Matonge district, renowned for its African influences, reveals an unexpected Japanese gem tucked away within its lively streets. Introducing Hinodeya. Step inside and you'll be greeted by a warm ambiance, a modest yet inviting interior, and prices that won't break your bank account. Here you can find three specialities: sushi, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu nabemono hotpot dishes. However, the menu doesn't stop there, with an array of traditional dishes that include katsu curry and tempura udon.
Immersing yourself in Japanese cuisine often unfolds when seated at the counter, where the chef's hands bring nigiri creations to life. We are confident to label Hinodeya as Brussels’ most accessible and affordable gateway into the world of authentic Japanese flavors.
© Hinodeya
Yamayu Santatsu
City: Antwerp
Specialty: Sushi
Location: Ossenmarkt 19, 2000 Antwerpen
University districts are often swamped with cheap food joints. Yet in 1988, chef Kenji Kurasawa chose this unlikely setting to unveil Yamayu Santatsu, a small, authentic Japanese space, decorated with wooden accents and a sushi counter surrounding the open kitchen. After finishing his chef’s training in Japan, Kurasawa traveled to Europe to work in its most redeemed Japanese cuisines before opening his own restaurant that has been satisfying clients for over 30 years.
With sushi being the chef’s speciality, exploring the world of sushi and sashimi is the most obvious choice for the ones among you seeking an authentic and delicious Japanese experience. Yet, the menu at Yamayu Santatsu unfolds beyond raw fish options, with an array of offerings that span from ramen to sukiyaki, accompanied by an assortment of side dishes like dashimaki and gyoza.
© Yamayu Santatsu
Menma
City: Brussels
Specialty: Ramen
Location: Quai aux Briques 34, 1000 Bruxelles
Menma, named after the Japanese term for "bamboo shoots”, is a traditional Japanese ramen joint in the heart of Brussels. The cozy interior is completed with low counter seating that encircles the open kitchen. If you’re looking for a picturesque dining experience, a small terrace awaits, offering views overlooking the historic Brussels fish market. Menma’s expertise lies within its four distinct types of broth: tonkotsu, tori paitan, gyokai tonkotsu, and veggie ramen, each available in different variations.
Menma has four different types of broth: tonkotsu, tori paitan, gyokai tonkotsu, and veggie ramen, each available in different variations. Besides their signature ramen bowls, Menma’s menu offers a variety of side dishes like negi meshi and edamame. Even if you don’t fancy ramen, Menma has got you covered with dishes like katsu rice and gyu don. Menma celebrates the traditions of Japanese ramen culture with its authentic interior and expertly crafted bowls. They have a second branch in Bruxelles Ixelles where you can expect the same quality.
© Menma
Ajiyoshi
City: Brussels
Specialty: Sushi & rice bowls
location: Quai aux Briques 32, 1000 Bruxelles
Located right next to the ramen joint “Menma” we find Ajiyoshi, probably the tiniest Japanese food spot in Belgium. Step into this pocket-sized gem to immerse yourself in an authentic Japanese experience. With its interior design that embraces orchestrated chaos, Ajiyoshi captivates with its blend of ambiance, impeccable service, and quality food. It's worth noting that the lunch and dinner courses differ slightly, as certain dishes like gyoza and agedashi dofu disappear from the menu during lunch.
The dinner menu brings an array of appetizers, including edamame, miso soup, gyoza, and tempura. As the main course awaits, you’ll have to choose between sushi and oyako don or zuke don, depending on what’s available when you visit. At Ajiyoshi, the Japanese chef and owner made sure that size is no barrier to delivering an authentic dining experience.
Bonus
You’ve made it to the end of our selection, guiding you towards the most genuine Japanese dining experiences in Belgium. This tiny country hosts a remarkable presence of authentic Japanese restaurants. Before you wander off on your culinary journey, we have two more bonus restaurants that didn’t make the cut, but deliver quality nonetheless.
Amatsu
City: Ghent
Specialty: Sushi
Location: Hoogpoort 29, 9000 Gent
The first bonus to enrich your Japanese list is the Ghent-based restaurant Amatsu. Run by Chinese chef and sushi master Kwong, Amatsu is a haven for nigiri and sashimi enthusiasts, offering an exclusive omakase-style sushi dining experience. For those who prefer a more predictable culinary journey, they have an array of main dishes. From tempura to unadon, and even a vegetarian curry. Amatsu is no-nonsense. Pure flavors, complimented by the freshness of the produce and the skill of their kitchen.
Kokuban
City: Brussels
Specialty: Japanese noodle dishes
Location: Rue Vilain XIIII Straat 53 and Rue Belliard 180, 1040 Bruxelles
Kokuban has two branches in Brussels located in Schuman and Louise. In this sober yet stylish restaurant, you can expect a collection of Japanese culinary classics at democratic prices. Pick from their wide range of otsumami dishes to start with. Going into your main course, Kokuban offers a variety of noodle delicacies, think ramen, soba, and udon, all in one place. Not in the mood for a soup based dish? Kokuban got you covered with their salads and rice bowls. Topped with exquisite service, Kokuban is a certified safe bet if you’re looking for an immersive experience.
© Kokuban
The only thing four left to do is wander off, and discover the beauty of a Japanese food experience awaiting you in Belgium.
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