Spain is famous for being a place where one can eat some of the best fish in the world. With Madrid being a multi-cultural gastronomic hub and the richest city in Spain, some of the best sushi restaurants I have ever tried exist here. Additionally, Madrid being cheaper than some of its European neighbours (cough Paris and London), I highly recommend that any sushi lover add Madrid to their list of places to enjoy top-quality sushi!
I have tried many great places in the city, but here are my favourites, that range from accessible to full blown treat-yourself:
THE TRADITIONAL – For those who want to be transported to Japan
1. Naomi – The OG, most authentic Japanese restaurant in Madrid – 8/10 $$
When entering Naomi, you walk through a door that looks identical to an Izakaya in Japan, and from the decor and tables with tatami mats, to the smell of Japanese food, one feels transported from Madrid to Japan.
The restaurant offers two sittings, either 20.00 or 22.00, with a two-hour window, and the best way to get a spot is to call on a Monday.
Naomi has something for everyone and offers an extensive menu not exclusive to sushi but also yakitori, tempura and soba. Personally, when I ate here, we focused on sushi, which we loved as it was simple and good quality product. It does not have quality quite as high as some of the more expensive restaurants, but overall it was good value for the price we paid.
Other notable dishes to try are their Namateri, Katsu curry and Miso Eggplant.
It is north of the center and a bit of a trek, but worth it!
2. Shuwa Shuwa – The sake temple – 8.5/10 $$
Closer to the center in Chueca one finds Shuwa Shuwa. They define themselves by being the first sake bar in Madrid with over 60 types of Sake and the best sake pairing in Europe. In terms of sushi the quality is high and served simply and authentically.
Here, their menu offers more than just sushi with incredible dishes one would find in a Japanese Izakaya. Their specialities are sushi and sashimi, but one cannot miss their incredible Wagyu Sukiyaki – hotpot, which is one of the best I have tried.
AT THE BAR – For lovers of knife-work and the art of sushi.
3. Ugo Chan – The Michelin Star – 9/10 $$$
Ugo Chan is a beautiful contemporary restaurant, with a warm atmosphere and two open bars to watch the magic happening before you. Hugo Chan, the head chef, takes Japanese cuisine and adds his Spanish influence to create a fusion experience. You will find on the traditional dishes from Madrid served in a Japanese way, such as gyozas with “callos” or tripe, a typical Madrid dish. Or nigiri of hake cheek with Basque pilpil sauce.
There are two options for diners, either omakase or a la carte. To experience the true magic and fusion of Japan and Madrid (as well as some other cultures), I recommend the omakase, but if one is more focussed on sushi, a la carte.
Ugo Chan has earned itself 1 Michelin star, and 2 Repsol guide suns and when tasting the food and experiencing the restaurant, one can see why it is one of the best restaurants in Madrid.
4. KAPPO – Omakase – 10/10 $$$
Kappo is one of my absolute favourites in Madrid and recently refurbished to feed more diners. It is popular, and the new restaurant is designed to highlight the sushi bar where one can sit and watch as the chefs prepare the food in front of you.
There is only the Omakase menu, which is comprised of 15-20 dishes, mostly nigiris and a couple of additional delicious add on’s at the end. The quality of the fish is impeccable, with each nigiri having a unique flavour, either authentically Japanese or with a flavour inspired by Madrid.
My absolute favourite is when the three tuna nigiris are served together and the diner experiences a journey, from least fatty tuna, to the tuna belly.
They also have add-ons to the omakase, and one cannot miss their wagyu sandwich. The caviar add-on is also recommended.
5. Umiko – The vibey one – 10/10 $$$
Walking into Umiko feels like entering a club. Located in the center of Madrid, down a side street, one enters through a light room, and then into a cool, low-light and artistic restaurant. If coming as 2 people, reserving the bar always makes the best experience, but their tables are spacious and intimate as well.
The menu is also a fusion of Japanese with other cultures where diners will find more than just sushi. They have a long list of nigiris, many simple but with a Spanish touch of flavour, all incredible and with top quality produce. If sticking to sushi here, one cannot skip their tuna bolognese, which is a tuna tartare on top of thin noodles – it sounds strange, but is mind blowing.
They have also completely nailed desserts here and have Umiko bake where they make the best mochis I have ever tasted, as well as a fun take on traditional Japanese desserts.
Their owners, have earned 2 Repsol guide suns and it really is one of my favourite places to eat in Madrid.
The only drawback is that I have experienced weird vibes from the staff during service, but otherwise this place is 10/10.
More Afforable Places
6. Akiro – With no reservation – 8/10 $-$$
Akiro is a trendy hand roll bar where one has to queue early and either finds a seat or put your name on a list to return later. The restaurant is vibey and is made up of a large sushi bar, with everyone sitting around it.
Akiro is a Japanese/Nikkei fusion restaurant, so many items have this combination of flavours. They are most famous for their hand rolls, my favourites are their “Acevichido” and “Toro”. Their “Ebi Furai” is also a hit. But they have a great range of nigiris and raw fish dishes as well. One cannot miss the tiradito here.
It is great price/quality value here, and great for a casual dinner with friends or date. Due to the seating being around a bar, I would not recommend coming in a group, additionally, with the waiting list, there is some pressure of a quick turn-around. There is a very short drinks menu, but still enjoyable.
7. Nanako – With Brazilian influence – 9.5/10 $$
Nanako is a small restaurant in Chamberi and this place really surprised me with the high quality of sushi we were served and the friendliness of the owner and waiters who served us. It is authentic Japanese with some Brazilian influence which honestly worked wonders.
For me the absolute highlight was the nigiris and sashimi which were beautiful and top quality. Each piece of raw fish was generous and an absolute pleasure trip. I also loved the option for Yakitori which were cooked Brazilian style and delicious. The best being the Octopus.
I came for a quicker dinner, but in the future would return for longer.
8. Izakaya Han – 9.5/10 $$
I came here based on a recommendation from a chef. I was first skeptical, but wow, this has been the biggest surprise. It is a Japanese and Korean restaurant, it doesn’t feel “trendy” or “vibey”, but does not need to be as it feels authentic and the quality of the food was absolutely top for the price you pay.
I have only tried the Japanese food here, but will definitely return to try their Korean menu items. We ordered the seaweed salad, miso soup, nigiris, sashimi and spicy tuna roll. As a fan of simple Japanese food, my highlights were the nigiris and sashimi, which needed nothing to enhance the quality. The spicy tuna maki was quite good and they do have an offering of westernised sushi.
I must say I am very excited to return here soon, and when I return to try the Korean food, will make sure to have the Bulgogi, Kimchi stew and Tteokbokki (Korean rice cake).
9. SAKU Izakaya – 8/10 $$
Tucked around the corner from Plaza Olavide is SAKU, with a nice vibe and another great spot for Japanese food. The service is really friendly and the quality of the food is delicious.
Again, I really love the nigiris and sashimi here, but one cannot miss their Pork Katsu sandwich or their Matcha Lava cake. Both are to die for. Also their Japanese cucumber salad is very fresh and a great palate cleanser.
When I first visited, each slice of raw fish was enormous, and the size has decreased ever since. This is why I now value Nanako and Izakaya Han higher. Never the less, I would be very happy to return for a 5th time!
10. YOKALOKA – The market find – 7/10 $
I have only visited their restaurant in the market, which is down stairs and very cute. The food is tasty, cheaper than the previously suggested places (although perhaps on par with Izakaya Han), and is a good option for a casual dinner spot.
Here we had spicy tuna maki, they are famous for their grilled eel and some nigiris. They also have a ramen selection which I have not yet tried.