The first Sticks’n’Sushi restaurant is still thriving on Nansensgade. The small basement at No. 59 was where the citizens of Copenhagen were first greeted with the Japanese phrase ‘irasshaimase’. This was where the Rahbek brothers, Jens and Kim, and their right-hand man, Thor Andersen, wrote the first chapter of their story. The three gentlemen all had a soft spot for sushi and Japanese simplicity—and an evangelical zeal to share both with their fellow Copenhageners.
Where it all began
True to tradition, the menu in the low-ceilinged basement room offers a balanced mix of sushi, grilled delicacies, and cold and hot dishes. Regardless of whether you opt for raw or grilled, you can rest assured that what we serve is prepared to perfection. Choose from our selection of sweet drinks, Japanese beers, and sake. Should you be more inclined to enjoy a carbonated beverage with your raw fish, that can easily be arranged, too. We even have a special menu for the young ones, to make sure the entire family has a great time under our roof.
Finding good Japanese food in Copenhagen was a bit of a mission when we opened our doors in the 90s—and nobody had dared to put sushi and sticks of grilled meat and vegetables on the same menu. After all, that was not how it was done in Japan. All the same, Rahbek, Rahbek, and Andersen decided to go for it—but how would the Danes respond to the concept of raw fish?
Jens Rahbek, who had just returned from his mother’s country of birth as a certified yakitori chef, was tasked with reproducing the aroma of Japan in the kitchen. Kim Rahbek took on the responsibility of balancing the numbers and staying on top of appointments. Finally, Thor Andersen spearheaded the process of translating the Japanese sense of style into a visual expression that would feel comfortable and approachable to the Danish people. The family’s entrepreneurship and humility towards both their food and their guests proved to be the perfect recipe for success. In no time at all, Denmark fell in love with raw fish.
This is a small and intimate restaurant, so do not hesitate to book a table.
If you want to know more about the restaurant, you can read the entire story of Nansensgade 59 here
Larger group of guests
If you are twelve or more guests in your party, we kindly ask you to order your food in advance, as this will give our chef time to make sure that your food is absolutely perfect. Should there be guests in your party who would rather not eat raw fish, or who prefer plant-based diets. We welcome all requests for vegetarian meals.
