HIRO — Restaurant in Antwerp

My visit to Hiro left me with mixed feelings. Located in the quiet area in Eilandje, this is the second restaurant that offers an omakase menu in Antwerp, with a mix of local flavours. You will be served with various selection of preserved fish and meats, which were outstanding, showcasing flavors that had been carefully developed over days of curing and aging. The flavors were rich, complex, and truly a delight for the senses. However, despite the culinary prowess displayed in the kitchen, the overall dining experience fell short of expectations.

One of the notable Omakase concept often takes place at a counter where diners can interact with the chef and observe the preparation of each dish, which enhances the connection between the diner and the chef, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry behind each dish.

However in Hiro, this was not the case. Throughout the service, the atmosphere felt cold and unwelcoming, with a distinct absence of a warm hospitality that is synonymous with Japanese dining culture, known for its warmth and attentivenes. Even more disappointing was the demeanor of the chefs, who seemed disinterested in engaging with diners or explaining the dishes in detail. Their explanations felt rushed and perfunctory, lacking the passion and enthusiasm that can truly elevate a dining experience. The disconnect between the exquisite cuisine and the lack of genuine hospitality left me feeling unsatisfied.

I personally felt that the steep prices combined with lackluster service detract from what should be a memorable Omakase experience. For those seeking an authentic Omakase experience that embodies the true spirit of Japanese hospitality, I would recommend exploring other options...

Hiro in Antwerp delivers an authentic izakaya experience with an electric vibe ⚡, impeccable dishes 🍣, and a staff that strikes the perfect balance between warmth and professionalism. This place is an absolute must for anyone who loves Japanese flavors with a refined edge.

The oyster with ponzu 🦪 was a masterclass in balance—bright, briny, and deeply satisfying. The vegetable tempura 🍆🥕 had an ethereal crispiness, light as air yet full of flavor. The dorade kombu-jime 🐟 was pristine, delicately cured to enhance its natural sweetness. Then came the langoustine 🦞, fresh and buttery, needing nothing more than its own perfect texture to shine.

One of the standout moments was the Saba, dramatically smoked à la minute with a hot piece of coal 🔥, infusing it with a deep, intoxicating aroma. The Toro 🐟 was pure decadence—fatty, silky, and melting the moment it hit the tongue. And let’s talk about the baby katsu buns 🍔: crispy, golden perfection on the outside, with juicy, umami-packed filling inside.

If there was one slight misstep, it was the 3-egg sushi 🍳—tasty but underwhelming at its price point, especially when so many of the other dishes were absolute showstoppers.

Hiro is the kind of place that makes you want to linger, order another round 🍶, and savor every last bite. I’ll be...

Very bad service, food over expensive, the menu is based where you sit, you can only order chefs menu by sitting at the counter, while sitting at the normal table, you can only order bar menu which had very limited choice (less than 10 options).

We came as family with two kids, I wanted the chef menu while my kids just want normal sushi, we asked if we can order chef menu while sitting at normal table, and we were told not possible, and at the that moment there is no customers other than us, neither any reservations.

After we tried the food, it’s just norm stuff with high price tag. I am glad I didn’t order the chef menu which costed 125 eur per person.

The service is also quite bad. We asked for cucumber sushi for the kids, and the chef rolled his eyes. We ordered few dishes, which was also not...