Best Dishes at De Japanner West

The signature dish across all De Japanner locations. Pork belly is braised for hours in a glaze built on soy, mirin, and ginger—the meat becomes tender and slightly sweet. The buns are steamed to order, so they're pillowy and warm. Reviewers call this a non-negotiable order; most tables get multiple servings.

The kitchen fries fresh squid until it's crispy and tender—not rubbery. The spicy mayo adds a bright, punchy heat that's balanced, not overwhelming. Reviewers single this out as perfectly crispy; it's the kind of fried squid that makes you forget about mediocre versions elsewhere.

A vegetarian highlight. The eggplant is charred on the outside and soft inside, then topped with a fermented miso glaze brushed on and finished under the broiler. Bonito flakes flutter with residual heat. Reviewers note this is a full dish, not a side—substantial and flavorful.

Fresh, delicate hamachi—the kitchen sources it consistently. Sliced against the grain and served with minimal adornment (just sudachi and salt). The simplicity lets the fish shine. A refreshing course if you order it mid-progression.

Salmon is seared on both sides for seconds, leaving the center raw and buttery. The yuzu onion dressing adds acidity and allium sharpness. A refined course that demonstrates precision knife work and temperature control.