Bites and Pixels

A fantastic new addition to Basel’s dining scene. We visited as a group of 8 adults plus my dog to celebrate my birthday… and the experience delivered on every front.

All of us opted for the teppanyaki/hibachi, with an additional selection of sashimi and sushi rolls to start. Watching the dishes being cooked and stir-fried right in front of you adds both theatre and trust. You can see the quality of the ingredients and the precision in ex*****on. The freshness across the board was outstanding.

HIGHLIGHTS: The undeniable star of the show is the Kagoshima Wagyu beef: perfectly cooked, incredibly rich, that melts-in-your-mouth. It’s why real Wagyu has its reputation. Even my dog Coco received a sample of the steak, courtesy from Chef Dennis who prepared slivers of ribeye for him!

VIBE: Service was warm, attentive, and handled a larger group smoothly, without ever feeling rushed. While value is always relative, this is one of those places where the experience, quality, and craftsmanship fully justify the price. I would pay more for the Wagyu, in Swiss standards.

VERDICT: A great spot for celebrations, group dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something exceptional. Definitely a place we’ll be returning to.

Dennis and team have just put Basel on the culinary map of Switzerland… real kudos to this new gamechanger!

Stumbled into Restaurant Andry Milan in one of my work trips in the past. I have come back a few times since, but never with a big group. This time, we organized a group of 12 on short notice and they gladly welcomed us with a dog! This turned out to be the perfect spot. They have a loft-style space that gives big groups just the right amount of privacy without losing the charm.

Restaurant Andry, Milan
Food Quality: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price Point: 💰💰💰
Ambience: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dog-friendly: 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Vibe:
Elegant yet relaxed, fine white tablecloths, warm lighting, and a loft setting that makes group dinners feel intimate but not crammed.

Highlights:
• Beautiful selection of seafood dishes
• Thoughtful pacing (they didn’t overdo the appetizers!)
• Great wine list
• Smooth, attentive service
• Exceptionally good with split payments
• They handled a big group with ease (this is rare and appreciated)

Verdict:
Definitely coming back. Amazing food, wonderful service, and a setting that makes dining with friends feel effortless.

A little backstory: Nobu began as a partnership between world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and film producer Meir Teper. What started as a single location in New York has become a global icon, known for its elegant fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Whether it’s the legendary Black Cod Miso or the meticulously prepared sushi, Nobu has become a byword for culinary luxury with edge.

Nobu Warsaw, Poland
Food Quality: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price Point: 💰💰💰
Ambience: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dog-friendly: 🚫

Vibe:
Polished yet understated—modern Japanese minimalism meets European chic. Think mood lighting, clean lines, and a sophisticated crowd.

Highlights:
🥢 Black Cod Miso (of course!)
🍸 Jalapeño Ginger Martini
🌮 Wagyu and Crab tacos
🥩 Beef Toban Yaki

Verdict:
If you’re looking for a refined dining experience with consistent ex*****on and a touch of global celebrity flair, Nobu Warsaw delivers. It’s not a place for your pup, but it is a place to impress a client, date, or yourself. I would love to see an improvement on their communication next time I return.

If you’re hunting for the best mochi in town, Aiko’s Mochi is the spot. This tiny takeaway shop along Immermanstrasse (just follow the Shiba Inu wallpaper!) serves up the softest, most delicious Daifuku that is so authentic. It’s so good we drove 6 hours for an Asian foodtrip kind of weekend. This was such a highlight, we had to come back the next day for a last bite!

Aiko’s Mochi, Düsseldorf
Food Quality: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Price Point: 💰💰💰
Ambience: 🌟🌟 (Takeaway)
Dog-friendly: 🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Vibe: Small, and cozy, channeling authentic Tokyo vibes

Highlights:
🍡 Daifuku in Tiramisu, Chocolate, Raspberry & Cheesecake flavors are pure heaven.
🍰 Chocolate souffle cheesecake that stays perfect for days.

Verdict: Worth every mile and calorie. Felt like a little trip to Tokyo.