Hinodeya
Rue du Trône 71, 1050 Bruxelles
Hinodeya in Brussels is a traditional Japanese restaurant that’s right at the heart of the city. They offer friendly service, reasonable lunch prices, and a pleasant atmosphere. Keep in mind that it can get quite crowded during lunch, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation.
What makes Hinodeya special is the freshness and authenticity of their food. It might take a bit longer for your order to arrive since they don’t have a lot of staff, and they can get pretty busy, but that’s what makes the food so amazing! Their hot pot, tempura, and sushi are all top-notch. It’s all about authentic traditional Japanese food, focusing on simplicity and tasty ingredients.
Nonbe Daigaku
Av. Adolphe Buyl 31, 1050 Ixelles
Nonbe Daigaku is a must-visit for Japanese food enthusiasts in Brussels. The experienced chef, a master of Japanese cuisine subtleties, works his magic behind the sushi bar. Located in the bustling Buyl district, this unassuming spot is worth the crowd and tram rides.
Go for the “sushi special” at €35 which includes huge shrimp and asparagus tempura maki, exceptional fatty tuna sushi, gunkan maki with salmon roe, king crab meat, and raw scallops.
Kamo
Chau. de Waterloo 550A, 1050 Ixelles
Kamo in Ixelles brings a taste of Tokyo to Brussels, offering classic Japanese cuisine with bold flavors in a trendy yet laid-back atmosphere. You can sit at the counter to witness the skilled chefs in action.
The true magic of Kamo lies in the meticulously crafted dishes. Everything is prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail, resulting in dishes of exceptional quality. While the lunch set menu is a fantastic choice, the à la carte menu offers a wider array of options. Notably, Kamo’s sushi, sashimi, and unique creations like raw sea bream with sesame sauce are particularly outstanding.
CHOU SANDO
Plattesteen 4, 1000 Bruxelles
Chou Sando in Brussels has quickly become a lunchtime favorite, thanks to its delectable Japanese-style sandwiches. Anthony, the owner, was captivated by these delightful sandwiches during a trip to Japan and brought the concept to Brussels.
Their menu boasts an array of tempting options, from Japanese omelette to breaded chicken, prawn tempura, and beef in panko breadcrumbs. You’ll also find seasonal specials to keep things fresh.
The space at Chou Sando is small, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation if you plan to dine in. However, due to the high volume of customers waiting for their orders, it might not be the coziest spot to enjoy your meal. Many patrons opt for takeout and head to a nearby plaza or park to savor their sandwiches in a more relaxed setting.
Hanami
Rue Picard 90, 1080 Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
Hanami draws inspiration from traditional Japanese cuisine and culture. Its name, “Hanami,” reflects the Japanese tradition of enjoying small, varied dishes accompanied by the cherry blossoms.
The menu features an array of Japanese delights, including sushi and sashimi, prepared by skilled chefs in full view of the diners. Quality service is a priority at Hanami, with a warm and professional welcome reminiscent of Japanese hospitality.
Koku Ramen
Rue Saint-Boniface 11, 1050 Ixelles
Koku Ramen in Brussels is renowned for serving the best homemade ramen in the city. The rich and thick broth is entirely homemade, consisting of a sauce, chicken oil, and garnishes. The base is carefully prepared, and the low-moisture, medium-thick noodles are created on-site using a special flour blend.
They take extra steps to prepare the chāshū (braised pork) and Ajitama (marinated egg) in-house to ensure an authentic Koku flavor.
Takumi
Rue Lesbroussart 8, 1050 Ixelles
Takumi introduced the concept of Donburi to the city back in 2015. Takumi’s menu offers a variety of Donburi bowls, including minced pork with ginger, marinated beef with onions, caramelized chicken meatballs, and crispy chicken with cucumbers and soybean sprouts. They also serve delectable homemade gyozas, a rarity in Brussels, in pork and ginger, chicken, or Korean kimchi flavors.
The success of Takumi led to a second location on Place Jourdan, maintaining the same appealing menu and introducing monthly specials like the poke bowl with raw salmon. The food consistently delights with a laid-back and warm atmosphere and affordable prices.
The restaurant is cozy, with limited seating and a bit noisy during peak hours, making it more suitable for casual meals with friends. Reservations are not accepted, so arriving early is a good idea. While waiting, try their jasmine and lemongrass ice tea for a light and refreshing prelude to your meal.
Nozomi
Chau. de Waterloo 871, 1180 Uccle
Nozomi is a fantastic dining spot in the Churchill/Uccle area, offering great value for money. This family-run restaurant serves up delicious Poke salads, sushi, and ramen soups. For lunch, they offer sushi menus at very affordable prices, which include delectable options like salmon and tuna sashimi.
Their ramen dishes are a standout, with the duck ramen receiving a special recommendation. The house soju is both budget-friendly and of high quality, making it an excellent choice to accompany your meal.
Tokidoki
Chau. d’Alsemberg 128, 1060 Bruxelles
Tokidoki brings a unique blend of Italian and Japanese culture to Brussels. The menu showcases dishes like root veggies with sesame, stuffed peppers with ground pork and salted umeboshi, and a mix of beetroot, soy sprouts, and wakame seaweed, served with rice and miso soup. The food is comforting and good, emphasizing clean flavors. A standout dessert is the Taiwanese black rice with coconut milk and fresh grated coconut.
Sakagura
Rue du Marais 15, 1000 Bruxelles
Kokuban
Rue Vilain XIIII Straat 53, 1000 Bruxelles
Kokuban is the perfect place to warm up during a cold winter evening. This Japanese restaurant offers a cozy escape from the chill, making it an ideal destination for ramen enthusiasts.
Kokuban has two locations: one in the European quarter near Living Room and Parc Leopold, and another between Flagey and Avenue Louise. The former is generally quieter, while the latter tends to get busy, so booking ahead is advisable.
True to its Japanese aesthetic, Kokuban’s decor is minimalistic, with soft lighting and efficient, friendly service. The menu features fresh fish, various noodle options, salads, and soups, catering to a wide range of tastes. Recommended dishes include the gyoza, dumplings served with a dipping sauce, and a ginger-spiced octopus salad. The miso ramen is a standout, characterized by its light and savory broth, making it a satisfying choice.
Kokuban’s otsumami, which are affordably priced, include chicken meat in miso sauce, marinated tofu, mountain vegetables, tuna sashimi, and gyozas. The dessert options are equally appealing, with a trio of ice creams in flavors like ginger, sesame, and green tea.
YOKA TOMO
Av. Félix Marchal 26, 1030 Schaerbeek
Yoka Tomo is a hidden gem in Brussels, owned by the talented chef Tomo. His cooking is reminiscent of Japanese home-cooked meals, evoking the warmth and authenticity of dishes commonly enjoyed in local Tokyo eateries and during Sunday family dinners.
is repertoire includes delectable Japanese curries, occasional tempura, fluffy and subtly sweet Japanese omelets, NanBan chicken, remarkable miso eggplants, and the pièce de résistance – Chawanmushi, a savory flan steamed with dashi broth that’s simply divine and worth the journey on its own.
Reservations are a must, often requiring booking weeks in advance to secure one of the few tables in this cozy Japanese eatery.
