In a small side street off the Nieuwmarkt sits Kyō, a izakaya Just like Japan has thousands of them: casual, cozy, and the perfect place to end up with friends for sake, Japanese beer, and food that keeps you coming back. The selection of sakes is extensive, as are the cocktails; try the mojito with shiso leaves. But the star of the evening is the Nasu Dengaku: grilled eggplant with a layer of caramelized miso glaze. Perhaps the tastiest eggplant we have ever eaten.

Kyō

Ramen bar or omakase restaurant? At Fuku, the answer is: yes. Chef Jakub learned his trade at the Miyajima Ramen School in Osaka and previously worked at De Kas, and it shows. On Sundays, you come for the ramen: handmade noodles, a broth to die for, and a bowl you won't soon forget. During the week, it's a different story: a multi-course dinner at omakase level, with sake pairing and desserts by his wife Aleksandra. Two restaurants in one, on Czaar Peterstraat in East Amsterdam.

Fuku Ramen

By day, this is the quiet Japanese café Taigu on the Ceintuurbaan, with fine matcha, a Japanese patisserie, and endless tranquility. But on Fridays and Saturdays, a curtain opens and the space transforms into Ikkoku, a izakayaAt a large stone bar, the chefs prepare Japanese fish dishes that you won't soon forget. Two faces, one address, and both worth the effort.

Cafe Taigu / Ikkoku

The only fully plant-based ramen restaurant in Amsterdam, and no, you won't miss the meat. Men Impossible proves that a good broth doesn't need animal products. Alongside the ramen, there is a nice selection of vegetable tempura that will please even the non-vegans at the table. Highly recommended, even if you aren't normally into plant-based food.

Men Impossible

It started with Fou Fow Ramen, one of Amsterdam's first ramen restaurants, and now Fou Fow has a sister: Fou Fow Udon, the first homemade udon restaurant in the Netherlands. You go to the original for the ramen that set the city on the right track; to the sister for authentic udon and tempura. Two addresses, one mission: great Japanese food in Amsterdam.

Fou Fow Ramen

Fou Fow Udon

But it is the first Japanese restaurant in the Netherlands Japanese Restaurant Umeno. Not just the oldest: above all, it is unsurpassed. In a dark place, very nice (it could easily be the design of a hip design agency, but it isn't, which makes it even more fun). Since Umeno van Mara Grimm in Het Parool If it received a 9,5, you need to reserve at least one week in advance, just so you know.

Image via brothersma.nl

Ever been to Japan? Then you know that you can find really tasty food in ya's (restaurants specialized in one dish), such as sushi-ya or yakitori-ya. Let's just find a great yakitori-ya. Well, not just-just, this golden oldie has been in our beloved Amsterdam for twenty years. Where do we hear you think? Hakata Senpachi it is! Not pretty, but very good and truly authentic Japanese. On the map? Kimchi, shiitake, miso ramen, sashimi and of course yakitori!

Hakata Senpachi

Maru means circle/round/complete in Japanese. The owners of Maru Japanese Kitchen & Bar did not just give this name this name. No, this has been thought about. 'Maru' refers to their own little world, or the cozy, atmospheric Japanese tent on the Amstelveenseweg. A place where you come for delicious food with great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Speaking of the latter, the dishes – on the small menu – are for sharing. And all that delicious food makes you thirsty. How about sake, cocktails or wine? Have them!

Maru Japanese Kitchen & Bar

The hippest Japanese guy of the bunch calls a spade a spade. So, The Japanese, in De Pijp and in West; during the day, he’s hidden away in West, but after six, the little place emerges. The concept is just as simple as the name: the tastiest Japanese 'finger food' in an Amsterdam setting. Think Japanese beers alongside Amsterdam spirits. Edamame as a starter, fish and meat parcels for snacking, and – just a mention – insanely delicious sushi.

The Japanese

The classic from the list, one that you had probably forgotten, and that you are grateful that you read about here again. Don't mention it. Because the inconspicuous Akitsu is and remains fan-tas-tic. Under no circumstances should you hit the fatty tuna about, fatty tuna, so tasty. For the Seaspiracy viewers among us – there are also plenty of vegetarian options.

Akitsu

well, Yamazato has a Michelin star, so... who are we to challenge that? The first traditional Japanese restaurant in Europe to receive this award, so you're in good hands. Dinner is nice (very nice), but don't skip lunch. Teppanyaki restaurant sazanka is of a different, but again high level: the chefs prepare the dishes at the table on a hot griddle; à la minute and with Japanese precision.

Okura / Yamazato / Sazanka

A stylish, modest and super friendly Japanese restaurant between the garish Leidseplein and Max Euweplein, you won't see it coming. Inconspicuous, but seek and you will find. Sushi and sashimi on the menu; so fresh, the fish melts in your tongue – if that were possible. The salmon uramaki sushi or wagyu beef sushi are also the best.

Hosokawa

Okay, it isn't entirely thoroughly Japanese at Taiko. Then fancy restaurant of the Conservatorium Hotel, but what does it matter;Asian inspired' does it for us too. As long as the lobster tandoori, wagyu beef green curry, the Taiko-style sashimi and, damn, what's the name of that fried ball we had... anyway, as long as that keeps coming to the table, Schilo can call it whatever he wants.

Taiko

OK, it really is (almost) nothing but sushi, but we really can't/don't want to skip Ken Sushi. Once you've had sushi at Ken, you'll never want anything else. No choice of salmon nigiri or a california roll. No, Ken chooses himself. Long-teeth eaters may not need to make a reservation here. The only thing you have control over is which Omakase you want (20 bites, 25 or 30) – the rest is a surprise. Different every day, always fantastic.

Ken Sushi

A traditional Japanese restaurant with a Western atmosphere and two locations (in De Pijp and in West). Tthe place to be for when you really feel like having a good bowl of ramen with your friends before going to the pub, going to the movies or just for an evening of lounging on the couch. And let's be honest, we ate the best Tonkotsu ramen in Amsterdam here. With gyozas, tatsuta and kimchi fries on the side. What are we drinking? Japanese cocktails, Asahi and sake of course. A little too exciting? Then they also have your favorite beers from Amsterdam breweries on tap. The funky graffiti murals with Japanese geishas and simple, and therefore very relaxed, decoration make this a place for any time of the week. And best of all, it is also very affordable. 

Otemba