Astro Boy

From Tokyo to Ghent, you’re just a meal away! You no longer need to hop on a plane for a taste of Japan: Robin Van de Lanotte, Jesse Den Dulk, Laura Dekeyser and Anjana Dierckx, the quartet behind Astro Boy, are sure to send you on a trip round the world with their psychedelic izakaya (deep blue walls, yellow and red tables, long orange curtains). On the menu, funky little plates, served with a side of laid-back vibes: gyoza with ultra-thin dough stuffed with Borlotti beans and miso or pork; a flurry of mussels doused in a kimchi butter; impeccable beef tataki; tender pork ribs with sesame and spring onions… and for a soft landing, baked sweet potato with a dollop of sour cream and pickled chili peppers. // Anita Kane

FEELING THIRSTY? A little bit of everything: inspired cocktails (like the Margarita with shiso shochu, €13), natural wine (Müller-Thurgau from Andi Mann in the Rhine at €45 a liter or a Hungarian red from Holass at €43 a bottle), microbrewery beers (locally brewed Pony’s at €4 for 330 ml), sake (from €9 a glass) and Japanese whiskey (from €12).
PRICE: Plates €3.50 to €14.