Restaurant Kai

Laan van de Helende Meesters 14, Amstelveen, Netherlands

Restaurant Kai is run by chef Toru Watanabe and his team, and it’s about as close to authentic Japanese dining as it gets around here. The name comes from the old word for the owner’s hometown, which is a nice touch if you’re into that kind of history. The space keeps things straightforward: traditional, freshly prepared dishes, with lunch menus on weekdays that are easy on the wallet. Evenings bring more refined dinner options, so it works whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or making a thing of it. They also do takeaway for almost everything on the menu, not just sushi and sashimi. So if you’d rather eat at home but still want the real deal, that’s an option too. Worth a visit if you want Japanese food that doesn’t feel like a watered-down version. Just don’t show up on a Monday, they’re closed.