Once described by American comedian Jackie Mason as "a plate of fish that someone forgot to cook", Westerners have developed an insatiable appetite for sushi over the past few decades.
Invented in Tokyo in the early 19th century, the Japanese culinary specialty gained popularity in the US during the 1970s before taking off in Europe in the 1990s. Europe now boasts a total of 13,000 Japanese-themed restaurants, accounting for roughly 20% of the $7.5 billion global sushi market.
There are around 100 sushi restaurants within Belgium alone, the vast majority of which are based in Brussels. Find our favourites below.
Espace Sushi - Etterbeek
A wonderful little Japanese restaurant, just off Place Jourdan, bringing authentic Japanese food to Brussels. The high-quality fish is especially noticeable if you try the sashimi or tuna. The soups on offer are also incredibly tasty.
Credit: Foursquare
Find more information here.
Sushiria - Ixelles
A really good if slightly expensive establishment. Serves a wide range of traditional as well as 'Western-style' sushi (e.g. spicy, crispy, and deep-fried rolls).
Credit: Sushiria BE
Sushiria is slightly more traditional than most other sushi places in Brussels. It also delivers exceedingly quickly on the Deliveroo app.
Find more information here.
Yamayu Santatsu - Ixelles
Probably the best value sushi restaurant in Brussels. The lunch menu includes a small starter, main meal and Japanese tea for €17. Sushi sharing platters are also available and range from €30 to €37. Reservations can only be made by phone.
Credit: Yamayu Santatsu
Find more information here.
Kamo - Ixelles
A very fancy – and extremely pricey – Michelin-starred, traditional Japanese restaurant and the perfect place to go for special occasions. The sashimi, in particular, is probably among the best you are ever likely to taste. Dinner menus range from €90 to €130.
Credit: Kamo / Facebook
Find more information here.
Samouraï - City centre
Established in 1974, Samouraï is another fancy and more expensive establishment, serving delicious and authentic Japanese cuisine. Chef Saito Harumi takes his customers on a journey through Japan with his sushi and sashimi, perfectly prepared 'dashi' soup, and teppanyaki fish or meat dishes.
Credit: Samouraï
Find more information here.
Ninja House - City centre
This restaurant runs an all-you-can-eat system, whereby you are allowed to order as much sushi as you want so long as you eat all of it. The food is still delicious despite the relatively low prices: dinner prices are set at just €31.50 for adults and €13.90 for children.
Credit: Trip Advisor / sgtraveller13
Find more information here.
Sushi Shop - Various locations in Brussels
Originally from France, this well-known chain has several Brussels-based restaurants and across Belgium in general. The chain serves a wide variety of good quality, traditional sushi options as well as their unique foie gras sushi. We recommend the salmon cheese and classic California rolls.
Credit: Sushi Shop Belgique / Instagram
Find more information here.
Modern Sushi - Tervuren
Although not technically based in Brussels, this restaurant is arguably the best place to get sushi in and round the Belgian capital. The sushi is incredible across the board: the deep-fried 'crispy rolls' are among the most delicious things you'll ever eat; the 'California crispy onion rolls' are also delicious.
Credit: Trip Advisor / Adam
There is very little seating inside, however, so it is best to order a takeaway. This small sushi restaurant is owned by a Tibetan man who used to be a bodyguard for the Dalai Lama. Seriously.
Find more information here.
Many thanks to Timmy Gheysen and Ruairi Topping for their help with this article.
