Japanese izakaya Gonta (halal & vegan)

A solid option if you’re looking for a halal or vegan-friendly izakaya experience in Hiroshima. We ordered vegan dan dan ramen, tempura, edamame, a soda, and a beer. The ramen had a good flavor—rich and slightly spicy from the chili oil on top. If you’re sensitive to spice, it’s worth asking them to tone it down a bit. The tempura and edamame were also tasty. One thing to note: they charge a 390 yen table fee per person, which includes a small appetizer. We weren’t told about this until after placing our order, so I might have ordered a bit differently had I known. The vibe is relaxed, and you order via tablet, which makes it easy to browse and filter vegetarian options. No free tap water or tea, unlike many other places in Japan. Staff were polite and helpful, and an English menu is available. You can pay by credit card, which is convenient. Overall, it’s a good spot for plant-based travelers wanting to experience an izakaya, just be aware of the table charge and drink policy.

We had the pleasure of dining at Gonta, and from start to finish, the experience quietly exceeded our expectations. We had all vegan food. The variety of vegan food is simply delicious, even had the famous traditional food ‘okonomiyaki’ in vegan which was so good. From the moment we sat down, we were met with a level of attentiveness that felt genuine and thoughtful. The waiter—who might even be the owner—was incredibly welcoming and made us feel right at home without ever being overbearing. His friendly demeanor and clear care for the guests truly stood out and deserve a solid 5-star mention on their own. The food followed suit: flavorful, fresh, and carefully presented. Each dish reflected a clear respect for ingredients and balance, without relying on heavy seasoning or over-the-top presentation. It’s refreshing to find a place where the hospitality and the food are equally well-considered. Gonta is the kind of place that doesn’t need to shout to impress—it simply delivers, quietly and confidently. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a genuine vegan dining experience.

We found it by a happy accident! It has meat and vegetarian/vegan options (a full menu indeed!). See pics of my vegan dinner (I ate the tempura before I could take the pic, it looked too yummy). One of the waiters has a relative who runs a vegan restaurant/cafe in Himeji, that's a great recommendation to stop by (see strawberry ice cream for reference), ask him! Anyway, lovely place with lovely people working here. Great atmosphere and even better food :)