Sushi as it should be

Japanese cuisine at Michelin star levels. In Belgium, you’ll find it only at Kamo. The restaurant is named after its chef, who’s name happens to be the word for ‘duck’ in Japanese. Hence the logo. In its sleek, minimalist, yet warm interior, sushi is prepared with precision and flair. It’s part of the set menu, but you can also enjoy it directly at the counter or grab it to go from the adjoining fish shop of the same name.

What a delight to see the grand master himself at work here. Despite his age, he still slices fish with unmatched expertise. And don’t worry about the future—Yosuke Suetsogo’s son is following in his father’s footsteps, creating sushi of the highest calibre with meticulous attention to quality and detail. At Nonbe Daigaku, you can eat on site (at the bar or at a table) or take away.

Hidden in plain sight in the city centre, Ajiyoshi is one of those spots you could easily miss. Tucked away on the Vismet, this unassuming gem is one of the smallest Japanese restaurants in Belgium. While the interior might seem a bit cluttered, the chef’s skills are anything but. Rest assured, their sushi, gyoza, sashimi, tempura, and zuke-dons are top notch. Note: it’s only open in the evenings.

For decades now, sushi lovers have been flocking en masse to the place Fernand Cocq neighbourhood to eat at Yamayu Santatsu. Don’t expect over-the-top service or elaborate dishes—this is where you come for pure, fresh, and unpretentious Japanese cuisine in a lively, cosy setting. They’re even open on Sunday evenings.

A Brussels institution, Samouraï has been serving sushi since 1974, making it the city’s oldest Japanese restaurant. Initially catering to a small group of Japanese food lovers, it has steadily grown thanks to its commitment to ultra-fresh ingredients and authentic techniques. While the location has since changed, the menu remains an homage to the finest Japanese culinary traditions. Takeaway? Not here. Samouraï insists that sushi is best enjoyed freshly prepared.

Sushi is only one pillar of Japanese cuisine. In Brussels, you’ll find quite a few Japanese addresses that don't even have sushi on the menu. Yoka Tomo in Schaerbeek is one such place. This tiny izakaya surprises with an evening selection that might include chawanmushi or irresistibly crispy Karaage chicken. Everything is crafted right in front of you by Tomoyuki Ohara for a dining experience you won’t forget in a hurry.