Ajiyoshi

The Brussels-Tokyo Shinkansen? Catch it at Quai aux Briques, hidden behind a nondescript facade lit by a lantern, in a typically discreet Japanese fashion. So who’s driving the train? Aji Yoshi, wearing a head scarf and barricaded behind the counter in the middle of this Tsukiji-esque bazaar (beer crates scattered about, wooden sake boxes, a Mario Bros figurine without his kart). Don’t forget to reserve if you want to get your hands on one of the 14 izakaya-esque seats at this unexpected spot. This time round, the generous menu featured: roasted bean sprouts; a deeply flavorful miso soup; sleek pork gyozas; lacquered eggplant that could almost be mistaken for dessert; elegant sashimi; and the choice between three beautiful pieces of sushi or a classic zuke-don, a rice bowl topped with marinated tuna and salmon. // Salty Lychee

FEELING THIRSTY? Two options, for those who refuse to drink insipid wine: beer like over there (Kirin, Asahi… €7.50) or sake, like the mushroomy junmai ginjo Kikusui (€26 for 300 ml).
PRICE: Set menu €40.