Tanuki
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine in Bruges, with a serene atmosphere, open kitchen, and high-quality sushi and sashimi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Tanuki
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Japanese cuisine in Bruges, with a serene atmosphere, open kitchen, and high-quality sushi and sashimi.
"This is the best Japanese restaurant in Brugge; it's a piece of Japan in Bruges."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as Tanuki can get quite busy, especially during peak hours.
Try the Bento Box
A great option for first-timers to sample a variety of delicious Japanese flavors.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Japanese Ambiance
Step into a serene Japanese haven in Bruges, complete with traditional decor and an open kitchen.
Masterfully Prepared Sushi & Sashimi
Savor high-quality, melt-in-your-mouth sushi and sashimi, showcasing authentic Japanese culinary artistry.
Set Menu for a True Taste of Japan
Experience a meticulously curated seven-course meal, offering a taste comparable to what you'd find in Japan.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as Tanuki can get quite busy, especially during peak hours.
Try the Bento Box
A great option for first-timers to sample a variety of delicious Japanese flavors.
Complement with Green Tea
Japanese green tea is a perfect accompaniment to your meal, enhancing the authentic experience.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To potentially enjoy quicker service, consider dining during less busy times.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as Tanuki can get quite busy, especially during peak hours.
Try the Bento Box
A great option for first-timers to sample a variety of delicious Japanese flavors.
Complement with Green Tea
Japanese green tea is a perfect accompaniment to your meal, enhancing the authentic experience.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
To potentially enjoy quicker service, consider dining during less busy times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tanuki is celebrated for its authentic Japanese atmosphere and high-quality, delicious food, particularly its sushi and sashimi. Many diners feel transported to Japan upon entering. However, some reviews mention slow service during peak times and a price point that some find elevated for the portion sizes.
"This is the best Japanese restaurant in Brugge.
I am surprised by how authentic the interior Japanese style design it is when stepping into a traditional Brugee house, and the menu also offers the variety of selections.
We had the set menu and the taste is close to what you can get in Japan but not 100% for sure. But it is very compare able if you like to enjoy a good quality Japanese food.
The price is set at right level base on what you get as environment, service and taste. If you are looking for the total experience for authentic Japanese food, this is the place to be."
Pai-Yen Chou
"Slow. Very slow. I sat down at 630 and ordered the set menu. It's almost 830 and I haven't had the main yet. And the portions are not big. I don't need 30 mins to eat 4 pieces of tempura. I'm bored. I should have just had frites instead. This is silly. The quality of the food is ok, nothing special. Not worth the price"
Nicky Addrison
"Lovely meal and experience at Tanuki for lunch. The atmosphere really feels like you’ve just stepped in to Japan. Everything was very delicious and of quality. I would highly recommend!"
Vanessa Ford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Many recommend trying the set menu for a curated taste of Japan or the Bento box if you're new to Japanese cuisine.
Yes, the unique atmosphere and high-quality food make it a great choice for a special occasion.
Tanuki features a delicatessen where you can purchase sushi necessities, high-quality soy sauces, and Japanese tableware.
The restaurant offers a serene and authentic Japanese dining atmosphere, with an open kitchen for a glimpse of the chefs at work.
It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, as the restaurant can become busy.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Den Amand - Bruges
In its open kitchen chef Ivan Verhelle juggles with sushi and sashimi and seven-course meals are steamed in a quiet and serene setting. The delicatessen is located in a corner of the restaurant, where you can buy all sorts of sushi necessities and excellent soya sauces as well as Japanese tableware. The tableware is made up of five items, not six, as the Japanese believe that even numbers are bad luck.
15 Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Bruges, Belgium (2025)
Breaking away from the traditional Belgian mould, Tanuki brings the flavours of Japan to the heart of Bruges. This Michelin-recommended restaurant in Bruges is named after a mythical Japanese creature and embodies the spirit of Japanese culinary traditions. Tanuki offers an array of authentic Japanese dishes.
The best dinner spots in Bruges
Specializing in homemade sushi, sashimi, tempura, and teppanyaki, dining at Tanuki is a true Japanese experience. You can also clearly see this in its interior. The Japanese decorations are authentic and there is an open kitchen, where you can see chefs Ivan Verhelle and Akihisa Kawakami in action!
Bars et restaurants à Bruges
Le Tanuki est une petite tranche de Japon en plein milieu de Bruges. Dans sa cuisine ouverte, Ivan jongle entre sushi et sashimi, et vous... Le Concertgebouw, l’endroit idéal pour assister à des concerts, pièces de théâtre et spectacles de danse, dispose d’un city bar accueillant...
29 Tasty Restaurants in Bruges That Will Make Your Mouth Water
If you’re looking for a Japanese restaurant, Tanuki is the place to be, although it’s a bit higher priced than the typical Japanese restaurant. The Tsuru menu guides you through the different aspects of Japanese cuisine. A la carte and takaway possible.
#189 Vegan dinner at Japanese resto Tanuki, Bruges
restaurant review #189 – Tanuki is a Japanese restaurant in de Oude Gentweg (at the east side of town, the old road to the city of Ghent, leading to the Gentpoort). This review is from a visit a couple of months ago, in the Spring of 2018.
27 X beste restaurants in Brugge // Your Little Black Book
In de open keuken zie je hoe de koks de heerlijkste gerechten bereiden. Als je dat ziet, wil je niet meer wachten tot je de huisgemaakte sashimi of sushi op je bord krijgt. Je kunt hier à la carte eten en het menu is ook een aanrader.
Eat like a local in Bruges
The chef used to live in Japan, after which, together with a Japanese sous-chef opened this Japanese restaurant in Bruges. But save up a little first because quality has its price. A restaurant for a special occasion.
Vegan uit eten in Brugge. Het gaat vooruit
En natuurlijk kan je ook terecht in heel wat restaurants die een meer ‘exotische’ keuken aanbieden, zoals bij Passion for Food, Bhavani, Shalimar, Amon, Taj Mahal of Tanuki.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit