Japanese izakaya Gonta (halal & vegan) — Restaurant in Hiroshima

Gonta was a great vegan-friendly find on Google Maps. We were tucked away in our own cosy booth ordering meals from the screen at the table.

Our waiter navigated us to the English menu and showed us which dishes did and didn't contain garlic. Happily the non-garlic dishes included the okinomiyaki, sushi plate, skewers, and onigiri as well as other options.

I chose the okinomiyaki which was a good decision. The sauce pulled it all together on a round teppan-like dish.

My partner chose the vegan fried chicken served on a bed of rice and seaweed, which came to the table in a red square box with a lid, removed to reveal the dish inside. The presentation reminded me of the small square tables with removable tops at Hiroshima Castle, that the Samurai turned over and ate from.

We tried their veganised version of momiji manju (maple leaf shaped bun) after visiting Miyajima where we didn't find any. It was recreated as a ball of strawberry gelato between two maple leaf wafers, effectively an ice cream sandwich, which was a nice finisher.

One of the lovely staff showed us their café in Himeji on Instagram: Sai Café - vegan coffee and restaurant, on the list for a future visit.

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We had the pleasure of dining at Gonta, and from start to finish, the experience quietly exceeded our expectations. We had all vegan food. The variety of vegan food is simply delicious, even had the famous traditional food ‘okonomiyaki’ in vegan which was so good.

From the moment we sat down, we were met with a level of attentiveness that felt genuine and thoughtful. The waiter—who might even be the owner—was incredibly welcoming and made us feel right at home without ever being overbearing. His friendly demeanor and clear care for the guests truly stood out and deserve a solid 5-star mention on their own.

The food followed suit: flavorful, fresh, and carefully presented. Each dish reflected a clear respect for ingredients and balance, without relying on heavy seasoning or over-the-top presentation. It’s refreshing to find a place where the hospitality and the food are equally well-considered.

Gonta is the kind of place that doesn’t need to shout to impress—it simply delivers, quietly and confidently. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a genuine vegan...

A solid option if you’re looking for a halal or vegan-friendly izakaya experience in Hiroshima. We ordered vegan dan dan ramen, tempura, edamame, a soda, and a beer. The ramen had a good flavor—rich and slightly spicy from the chili oil on top. If you’re sensitive to spice, it’s worth asking them to tone it down a bit. The tempura and edamame were also tasty.

One thing to note: they charge a 390 yen table fee per person, which includes a small appetizer. We weren’t told about this until after placing our order, so I might have ordered a bit differently had I known.

The vibe is relaxed, and you order via tablet, which makes it easy to browse and filter vegetarian options. No free tap water or tea, unlike many other places in Japan.

Staff were polite and helpful, and an English menu is available. You can pay by credit card, which is convenient.

Overall, it’s a good spot for plant-based travelers wanting to experience an izakaya, just be aware of the table charge and...