De Japanner
Amsterdam's vibrant izakaya offering Japanese tapas, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for late-night bites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, open late
De Japanner
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, open late
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Amsterdam's vibrant izakaya offering Japanese tapas, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere, perfect for late-night bites.
"The Nasu Dengaku at De Japanner is a must-try, with many calling it the best eggplant dish they've ever had!"
🎯 Chef's Menu Delight
Opt for the chef's menu for a diverse tasting experience of 13 dishes at great value!
late-night Bites
Open late, perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Nasu Dengaku (Miso Glazed Eggplant)
All locations
Flash-fried eggplant grilled with a sweet and savory miso glaze. A must-try dish!
Wagyu Beef Gyozas
All locations
Tender and flavorful gyozas that are a popular choice for sharing.
Creative Cocktails
All locations
Unique and well-crafted cocktails that perfectly complement the Japanese small plates.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Izakaya Vibe
Portion Sizes & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Chef's Menu Delight
Opt for the chef's menu for a diverse tasting experience of 13 dishes at great value!
late-night Bites
Open late, perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings. +1
🍆 Eggplant is a Must-Try
The Nasu Dengaku (miso glazed eggplant) is a standout dish, highly recommended!
🍸 Cocktail Pairings
Don't miss their creative cocktails; they pair wonderfully with the food.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Chef's Menu Delight
Opt for the chef's menu for a diverse tasting experience of 13 dishes at great value!
late-night Bites
Open late, perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings. +1
🍆 Eggplant is a Must-Try
The Nasu Dengaku (miso glazed eggplant) is a standout dish, highly recommended!
🍸 Cocktail Pairings
Don't miss their creative cocktails; they pair wonderfully with the food.
🤝 Shared Plates
Embrace the izakaya style by ordering several dishes to share with your group.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
De Japanner is celebrated for its lively izakaya atmosphere, creative cocktails, and standout dishes like the miso-glazed eggplant. While many praise the food quality and value, some diners find the portion sizes small for a full dinner and have experienced slow service when ordering vegetarian options. The buzzing environment is a hit for those seeking a social dining experience.
"Chef’s menu was amazing - only 42.5 EUR to taste 13 dishes. Each portion was small, but together they were filling and delicious . Hot sake carafe and cocktails were great too. great value for money , and great service"
Paulo Cobankiat
"Very underwhelming. We dined with 3 people, one with different dietary need (vegetarian). We asked if the food would be served in a "shared plates" manner, it would be. What happened next was each plate came out one by one, once with a +10-minute time in-between. Meaning, the vegetarian had to watch the others eat 50% of the time. At one point, it took 20 minutes to get a vegetation dish. If everything had been brought to the table at once or with less time between, it would have been fine. Halfway through we asked if the plates would be coming one by one, the answer was "Yes and sometime 2 at a time" the latter never happened. The only thing coming all at once was the dessert.
The food itself was fine/good, depending on who you would ask, some dishes like the rice cubes missed seasoning.
The atmosphere was very lacking for us. The music, and thus the guest as well. We had trouble understanding some of the staff at some times, and they had trouble understanding us. There was no language barrier. BUT this could be experienced as a massive plus! They did explain their vibe as izakaya-style on the website. From all the recommendations, we just did not think it would be this loud. At the end, when some bar guests left, it became more like a dining experience.
All by all it was 2 stars. Because of the way the food was served. It could easily be a 3 or more if it was not such a weird eating experience of waiting for food to come. This being said, now we know what to expect, we would come back for a snack and a drink. Not to dine."
B. FL
"I had a great time at De Japanner yesterday when celebrating a friend’s birthday! We tried many different dishes, the pork baos, tatakis, crispy rice, uramakis and the cheesecake and brownie for dessert! The staff was very friendly as well and did a little birthday surprise for my friend!"
Sofia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
De Japanner has multiple locations across Amsterdam, including West and Zuidas. The Zuidas location is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Amsterdam Zuid station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
Yes, with several branches, you can find De Japanner in different neighborhoods. Check their website for the exact address of the location you plan to visit.
De Japanner West is accessible by tram and bus. Many visitors find it convenient to walk or cycle to this location as well.
Parking can be challenging in Amsterdam. It's generally recommended to use public transport or cycle to reach De Japanner.
The Zuidas location is near Amsterdam Zuid station, which is a major hub for metro lines, making it accessible via metro.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner, as De Japanner can get busy. You can book online through their website.
De Japanner is known for being open late, often serving food until 11 PM or later, making it a great option for late-night dining. +1
No, there is no entrance fee. You pay for the food and drinks you consume.
While walk-ins might be possible during off-peak hours, it's best to book in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly on weekends.
No, there are no different ticket types. You order à la carte or choose the chef's menu.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
De Japanner serves Japanese izakaya-style small plates, including sushi, sashimi, gyozas, tatakis, and other finger foods, alongside creative cocktails. +1
The Nasu Dengaku (miso glazed eggplant) is a highly recommended signature dish. Wagyu beef gyozas and grilled eggplant with miso are also popular choices. +1
Yes, the chef's menu is often praised for offering a great variety of dishes at a good value, allowing you to taste many different flavors.
Portion sizes are generally considered small, typical of izakaya tapas. It's recommended to order multiple dishes to share for a full meal.
Yes, De Japanner offers vegetarian options, such as grilled eggplant and some sushi rolls, though some diners have noted that vegetarian dishes can sometimes take longer to arrive.
📸 📸 Photography
De Japanner has a great ambiance with good lighting and decor, making it a photogenic spot, especially for food shots and cocktail pictures. +1
Visually appealing dishes like the colorful sashimi, beautifully plated Wagyu gyozas, and the vibrant cocktails are great subjects for photos.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos of your food and the restaurant's interior.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but always be mindful of other diners' privacy.
Evenings offer a lively atmosphere with ambient lighting, while daytime visits might provide more natural light, depending on the location and seating.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's worth noting that the atmosphere can be quite lively and loud, particularly in the evenings, which might be less ideal for very young children. The late opening hours could be a plus for families with older children or teenagers looking for a late-night snack. Consider visiting earlier in the evening or during lunch hours for a potentially calmer experience.
💸 Budget Travelers
For a more budget-friendly visit, consider going for drinks and a light bite rather than a full dinner. Sharing a few select appetizers and enjoying a cocktail or two can be a more economical way to experience the flavors of De Japanner.
🥂 Couples & Date Nights
Opting for the chef's menu can be a romantic way to explore the menu together, or you can curate your own selection of dishes. The late opening hours also make it a great choice for a post-dinner drink or a late-night rendezvous.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Izakaya Experience at De Japanner
Visitors often highlight the great ambiance and good music as key elements contributing to the izakaya vibe. It's a place where you can enjoy beer, sake, and finger food with friends, making it ideal for after-work gatherings or a fun night out. While the food is central, the overall experience of conviviality and shared enjoyment is what truly defines De Japanner.
It's important to note that the izakaya style often means smaller portion sizes compared to a traditional Western restaurant. This is intentional, as it allows for a wider variety of dishes to be tried. While some reviews mention this as a drawback for a full dinner, others appreciate the opportunity to sample more of the menu.
Navigating the Menu: Must-Try Dishes
Another popular choice is the Wagyu Beef Gyozas. These are lauded for their tender filling and rich flavor, making them a perfect example of elevated izakaya fare.
For those looking for a comprehensive taste, the chef's menu is a highly recommended option. Priced at around 42.50 EUR per person, it allows diners to sample a wide array of dishes, often including sushi, gyozas, and various small plates, offering excellent value and a chance to discover new favorites.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit