Luxembourg’s food scene keeps growing, but every now and then a restaurant opens with a concept that genuinely feels new rather than simply adding another option to an already familiar category. That’s exactly the feeling I had when visiting Kanpai, a new Japanese restaurant in the heart of Luxembourg City.

The name Kanpai means “Cheers!” in Japanese, and it perfectly reflects the philosophy behind the restaurant: good food, great drinks and sharing moments around the table.

An Izakaya Concept in Luxembourg

Rather than focusing exclusively on sushi, Kanpai takes inspiration from the Japanese izakaya culture, where the experience revolves around sharing a variety of small dishes while enjoying drinks with friends.

It is a concept that was still missing from Luxembourg City and one that immediately caught my attention.

What We Tried

Our meal started with a selection of dishes designed to share.

The mixed tempura arrived perfectly crisp without feeling heavy, while the miso-glazed aubergine was rich, comforting and probably one of the dishes I would happily order again.

We then moved on to several yakitori skewers, including chicken, ribeye beef, mushrooms and chicken wings, before finishing with two generous donburi bowls: a beautifully glazed unagi (eel) and a classic teriyaki chicken.

The menu also includes lunch options, making it an interesting address not only for dinner but also for a business lunch or a relaxed weekday break.

A Destination for Sake Lovers

If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know that sake almost always catches my attention.

Kanpai offers an interesting selection, including bottles imported directly from Japan, and the team is genuinely passionate about helping guests discover different styles and flavours. Whether you already enjoy sake or you’re curious to try it for the first time, you’ll find plenty to explore.

While I chose to enjoy sake throughout the meal, Pepa opted for the Strawberry Sake Mojito, a refreshing cocktail that proved to be a fun alternative.

More Than Just Good Food

One thing I’ve realised after visiting hundreds of restaurants over the years is that a successful invitation isn’t just about enjoying a complimentary meal.

It’s when you leave already thinking about your next visit. When, before you’ve even published your review, you’ve already recommended the place to friends.

Kanpai gave me exactly that feeling.

Congratulations to Iris and Pako on bringing a fresh concept to Luxembourg City. It’s always exciting to see restaurants that add something different to the local dining scene, and I look forward to seeing how Kanpai evolves in the coming months.