Kanpai Luxembourg

Kanpai Luxembourg has opened at 16 Avenue de la Porte-Neuve, in the heart of the Upper Town, offering residents and visitors a Japanese culinary concept that remains rare in the capital of the Grand Duchy: the izakaya . This type of establishment, very popular in Japan, combines the conviviality of a tapas bar with the richness of Japanese cuisine. Halfway between a traditional Japanese restaurant and a sake bar, Kanpai focuses on sharing plates , artisanal drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the more formal codes of fine dining.

The restaurant occupies a strategic location in Luxembourg City center, just steps from Place d’Armes and the main shopping streets. Its location makes it an easily accessible stop for both local workers and tourists looking for something off the beaten path. The phone number (+352 661 628 888) allows you to contact the team with any questions or to make a reservation ; the service can be booked directly online or by phone.

An authentic izakaya concept in Luxembourg

What sets Kanpai apart from other Japanese restaurants in Luxembourg is precisely its positioning as an izakaya. Unlike establishments specializing in sushi or ramen, here the emphasis is on a diverse menu of small plates to nibble on, accompanied by drinks. The chef trained in Japan, a detail reflected in the meticulous preparation of each dish. Yakitori lovers will find skewers grilled to order, ranging from traditional chicken to more original versions with beef, octopus, or vegetables. The chicken karaage , this Japanese fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, is a must-try according to customer feedback.

The menu also features shrimp and vegetable tempura, agedashi tofu with accompanying sauces, gyoza , and donburi (topped rice bowls) such as chicken teriyaki, karaage, or unagi with glazed eel. Nasu dengaku , miso-glazed eggplant, is a frequent favorite in rave reviews. For those who prefer heartier dishes, the katsu curry offers a satisfying alternative with its crispy breaded chicken topped with a mild and fragrant Japanese curry sauce.

A remarkable selection of drinks

The drinks menu deserves special mention. Kanpai offers an extensive sake list, ensuring that both novices and connoisseurs will find something to their liking. The staff is readily available to guide guests through the various selections, explaining the aromas and possible pairings with the dishes. Umeshu (plum sake) and the Hana Awaka peach sparkling sake are among the visitors’ favorites. As for beer, the Japanese Sapporo pairs perfectly with the grilled skewers. The signature cocktails , based on mint and lemon or other inspirations, add a touch of freshness, although some guests find them a bit too light or basic compared to the overall culinary experience.

A refined and welcoming atmosphere

The restaurant’s interior boasts an elegant and cozy décor, featuring striking wallpaper that is sure to impress. The soft lighting and carefully chosen furnishings create an atmosphere perfect for lingering evenings with friends or a romantic dinner. While not large, which enhances the feeling of intimacy, the layout is well-suited to both groups and intimate dinners. An outdoor terrace is also available during the warmer months, offering a pleasant alternative for sunny afternoons in Luxembourg City’s city center .

The multilingual staff (French, English, German) receives almost unanimous praise for their helpfulness, friendliness, and attention to detail. The servers take the time to explain the menu, suggest food and drink pairings, and accommodate specific needs, as one customer noted during their first experience at a Japanese restaurant . The owners are regularly mentioned for their warm welcome and personal commitment to customer satisfaction.

Opening hours and practical services

Kanpai Luxembourg welcomes its customers from Tuesday to Saturday, with separate hours for lunch and dinner service. From Tuesday to Thursday, the restaurant is open from 11:45 am to 3:00 pm and then from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. On Friday, dinner service extends until 11:00 pm, and on Saturday, there is a single break from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Sundays. Kitchen hours differ slightly: from Tuesday to Friday, lunch service ends at 2:30 pm and dinner service begins at 6:00 pm. On Saturday, the kitchen is open continuously from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

For those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home, Kanpai offers a takeaway service, perfect for enjoying Japanese cuisine at home or in the office. The restaurant also serves lunch, making it a great option for a business lunch or a delicious midday snack. Vegetarians are not forgotten, with several sharing plates adapted to their diet, including agedashi tofu, tempura vegetables, and miso eggplant.

Value for money and pricing

The price point is mid-range (level 2 on Google’s scale), positioning Kanpai as an accessible option without being a budget-friendly eatery. The value for money is generally considered good, even very good, by most customers. Portions are considered generous, especially for the donburi and sharing platters. However, a few more reserved reviews point to a discrepancy between the expectations raised by the izakaya concept and the reality of some dishes: one customer noted that eggplant advertised as grilled was actually fried, resulting in an overly greasy dish. According to the same review, the gyoza were not homemade. These criticisms, however, remain in the minority compared to the overall enthusiasm.

Areas for improvement and drawbacks

Despite very high satisfaction, a few areas for improvement emerged from customer feedback. Some customers felt the cocktail menu could be more original and varied. Others regretted that the staff, while very friendly, didn’t always have a perfect grasp of the nuances of each dish, especially during busy periods. One person with experience of izakayas in Japan expressed disappointment with a perceived lack of authenticity in some of the dishes. These remarks don’t detract from the overall quality of the experience, but they are worth noting for particularly discerning Japanese food enthusiasts.

Who should go there and why?

Kanpai Luxembourg caters to a diverse clientele: those curious to discover the world of izakaya, Japanese food enthusiasts tired of the same old sushi menus, groups of friends looking for a convivial evening, or couples seeking a refined setting for a special dinner. The official website (kanpai.lu) allows you to view the updated menu and make a reservation in just a few clicks. For a first visit, the ideal approach is to order several dishes to share in order to sample the menu’s variety: yakitori, tempura , karaage, eggplant with miso, and a bowl of rice to complete the meal. Pair your meal with a glass of sake recommended by the staff, and you’ll understand why this restaurant is considered a benchmark among Japanese restaurants in the Grand Duchy.