Daruma

This is a very authentic Japanese izakaya dining experience in Hamburg. The location, behind Deichtorhallen, is a little bit off - there really isn’t anything else there in case you are looking for options to Daruma. If you don’t have a reservation you are unlikely to get a table. The food is very good and very authentic Japanese. We recommend sitting at the counter so you can see the chef preparing the food. The service is very good as well, but this is a family-run restaurant with few staff, so you have to wait a bit after ordering. But the food is worth the wait. The staff is friendly and professional. The interior is very spartan, but it also makes the izakaya experience even more authentic. A great choice in Hamburg when looking for real Japanese food.

- Bull Dogg -

Really loved this place, felt like being back in Japan for a meal! Besides the menu, they have different specials that change. The Eel was very good, also tried an octopus salad that was amazing. The sashimi is super fresh! If you don't have a reservation, make sure to arrive early otherwise it's likely you won't find a table

- Marta Cunha Ferreira -

Authentic, delicious Japanese food. The staff is friendly and the whole atmosphere feels like you're in Japan. It's pretty crowded, so it's good to book a table in advance. You may want to try it soon, as unfortunately the place might not be open for too long.

- Cris N -

While Japan is not yet open to tourists because of Covid, Daruma is your best choice to feel like you were in a bistro in Tokyo. A little bit shabby, but cozy because of that. With an open kitchen in the middle of the dining hall like an izakaya (Japanese bar), Daruma style is not for everyone. Friendly, timely service and pretty hard to get a table if you call on the same day of desired reservation. They have a pretty big menu consisting of various Japanese dishes, ranging from meat to fish and vegan. There are also items of the day, which are written on a small school board. And you think it can't get more Japanese than that? Wait until when you receive the complementary appetizer, just like in Japan. All dishes that I had so far taste great. However grilled eel on rice won my heart (and robbed my wallet). The eel is so soft, so fresh and the seasoning is well balanced between sweet and savory flavors. Some Sichuan/Szechuan pepper added such a nice twist to this traditional dish. Rice is perfectly cooked too. It felt like heaven to have that bite of succulent eel and fluffy rice in my mouth. Sashimi can be watery sometimes, most probably because of the defrosting process. The braised meat in soy sauce was just ok and actually tastes better with some rice. Some bowls look so amazing that I wanted to buy them all home, but the chef forbid me to because he brought them all the way here from Japan. The location, while close to the center, is not on the most pleasant looking route of the city. But it will be worth it, as long as you have a reservation.

- Huyen Tran -

Simply amazing! We arrived quite late and hoped to be able to eat a little something. We were welcomed with such a polite and kind service and I ate the best Unagi I ever had. Much respect for the people that work here!

- Emiel Kroon -

The service and the food are amazinggggg, I will totally come back I found it a bit expensive but we also order a lot, we were 2 and paid 79.50€ but we order: 4 starters, 2 main dishes, 2 side dishes and a big bottle of water. *update* 3 years later in 2025 - still amazing & still a bit expensive, will come back!

- Alba GR -

Perfect dinner, a little piece of Japan in Hamburg. The food was tasty and well presented, the chef - a man from Kobe 40 years living in Germany - was very nice as well as the lady. Will be back!

- Pier Around The World -

A great experience. Not simply your usual sushi or ramen restaurant but Japanese home cooking. The restaurant is run by senior-san people (brining it's own relaxed vibes) offering great food that feels like being invited by your Japanese grandma on a Sunday night. The interior feels like a Japanese home stuck in the 80ies (like so many in Japan) in a charming way. Highly recommend to come here, be aware not many seats and reservation in advance is necessary

- Jakob Bollwinkel -