Japanese taverns have already arrived in the city and have become fashionable in recent months. These are bars in Barcelona that make you feel as if you were in Tokyo amidst a cheerful atmosphere and fun dishes to have a great time.
In Japanese taverns or “izakayas”, besides serving sushi, you can also enjoy various alternatives prepared with the robata (Japanese charcoal grill). You will feel like you are really in Japan.
2 bars in Barcelona as if you were in Japan
1. The Hidden Japanese
Not that it is so hidden, but its facade is very secretive. It is also located in a less visited area (Porxos d’en Xifré i de Vidal Quadras, in front of the Llotja de Mar).
The food is really excellent starting with the sushi, but it’s not the only delicious thing. As a Japanese tavern, there are many alternative dishes that are prepared with the robata.
Among the grilled dishes are the Iberian pork ribs lacquered with sukiyaki and the beef yakiniku don, a bowl of rice and meat, with egg yolk in soy, Japanese mushrooms, wasabi cream and miso mayonnaise.
The menu also offers sushi, you will be amazed by the red tuna sashimi; nigiri of eel and usuzukuri (sea bass tiradito) with a citric touch or spicy mussels in wok.
Hours: Monday to Friday (dinners) and on weekends for lunch and dinner.
El Japonés Escondido: Calle de Llauder, 1. Tel: 93 199 27 92
Ikoya
The name “Ikoya” means “let’s go!” in Spanish. And the name is perfect because it plays very well with the fun and informal atmosphere of the place.
The dishes are very elaborate, based on Japanese techniques. The restaurant has a large bar that surrounds the kitchen in the center of the room.
Ikoya is one of the new restaurants that is well worth visiting and enjoying for its colorful and exquisite dishes of taberta tokiota in Barcelona.
You can taste a colorful sunomono of pickled vegetables; a vegetable and shrimp kakiage; a red mullet tataki with ponzu sauce with a citrus touch, among other delicacies. Salmon, eel, tuna in different preparations or Japanese wagyu with sukiyaki (butter).
You can’t miss the more than 50 varieties of artisanal sakes that are located in the restaurant’s own space. This area is inspired by a hut at the foot of Mount Fuji. Ikoya is a real Tokyo tavern but in Barcelona.
Ikoya: 23, Francesc Cambó Avenue. Tel: 93 310 18 18. www.ikoyaizakaya.com
Japan is very present in Barcelona, for those who want to enjoy a good atmosphere and delicious food in a traditional Japanese bar.
