In the co-working space of Watt The Firms is the gastropub Rizoom located. Yves Kerckhoffs’ project started under the name Sibui as a pop-up ramen bar. After four months, the stay was extended and it became Rizoom. The ramen bar transformed into an izakaya gastropub.
An izakaya is a type of Japanese gastrobar where various dishes are served with drinks (often after work). The interior is sleek, simple, and minimalist with a lot of concrete. The atmosphere is cozy and accessible, just like in a typical Izakaya.
The menu changes organically with the seasons, and there’s also an option to choose a fixed table menu that fills your entire evening. For lunch, Yves serves a short lunch menu with small dishes to share, followed by an individual main course and dessert. Rizoom works with a fixed menu for both lunch and dinner. Sample dishes include ‘Smoked mussel, parsley-kombu, scallion pancake’ or ‘Beef tongue and bavette tartare, mushroom, and razor clam.’ Another great example is ‘Confited cucumber, green tomato, lovage, spaghetti squash, squid butter, egg yolk.’
Rizoom is definitely budget-friendly. How about €35/45 for a nice lunch menu? For an unforgettable dining experience, you can enjoy the menu starting from €67.
On the drink menu, you’ll find mainly natural wines, and of course, some quality and surprising sakes.
If you prefer to dine in a smaller group, there is also the ‘atelier privé.’ Located near the kitchen and yet separated from the restaurant, this space is perfect for up to 10 people. Be sure to contact the restaurant in advance for reservations.
Rizoom is trendy and Japanese-inspired bistronomy.
Words: Pieter Declercq
